The Scars You Can't See: How Childhood Trauma Effects the Brain

    Hey friends! 👋 In my previous blog, I touched on the topic of adverse childhood experiences (ACE scores) and how important it is to understand where our traumas stem from. Today, let’s dive deeper into the science behind childhood trauma and its effects on brain development.

    Did you know that traumatic experiences in childhood can have a profound impact on our developing brain? 😮 Yep! In fact -Abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence can actually alter the patterns of brain development, leading to long-term consequences that affect both our mental and physical health. 

    Verbal abuse and abandonment are two types of trauma that I dealt with firsthand at a very young age. So I can relate to how damaging it can be. It can lead to emotions of worthlessness, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting others. Similarly, abandonment can lead to feelings of rejection and fear of being alone. It’s essential to recognize that these experiences are not your imperfections and that healing is possible.

    Using coping skills such as mindfulness techniques, and cognitive restructuring or CBT (this works on rewiring how you may misinterpret thoughts or situations in a negative routine). I understand how hard it can be to share your innermost wounds or personal secrets, but there is something to be said about leaving unhealed trauma alone for too long. It’s like someone took a cheesecake and put it in a Designer Coach purse for 10 years. One day, when you open the purse, the cheesecake isn’t there, but instead something toxic, which if consumed, could be fatal. To be able to enjoy the purse, you must first clean out the now toxic cheesecake. That’s why it’s important to seek a trustworthy therapist with whom you can open up.

   Let's dive into some science behind how trauma causes damage to the brain.  One significant way childhood trauma impacts the brain is through the development of the amygdala. This little guy is responsible for processing emotions and responding to threats. The amygdala can go into overdrive anytime trauma occurs, resulting in heightened fear and anxiety. This can make it super tough for individuals to regulate their emotions and handle stressful situations. 

    Emotional overload is another way that childhood trauma can impact individuals. When the amygdala is overstimulated, it can lead to intense emotional reactions that can be difficult to manage. This can result in individuals feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with their emotions. It’s important to recognize that emotional overload is a normal response to trauma and that there are strategies that can help us manage these emotions.

    But that’s not all. Childhood trauma can also have an impact on the development of the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and social behavior. When trauma enters the picture, the prefrontal cortex can become underdeveloped, leading to difficulties in these areas. Decision-making, impulse control, and navigating social interactions can become more challenging. Trauma can lead to impulsive behavior in several ways. For example, individuals who have experienced trauma may engage in risky behaviors as a way to cope with their emotions. They may also struggle with addiction or compulsive behaviors as a way to numb their feelings. Once you recognize that these impulses are a wired trauma response, you can start making the necessary steps to change your behaviors and set healthier patterns. 

    Lastly, let’s talk about the hippocampus. This region is in charge of memory and learning. Unfortunately, childhood trauma can cause the hippocampus to shrink, resulting in difficulties with retaining and comprehending. Imagine how tough it can be to process and remember new information, which can negatively impact academic and professional success. However, the brain is resilient, and even after changes in its structure have impacted the way your mind emotionally regulates you still have the compacity to heal and form a stronger sense of self-awareness through this journey.

    So, my friends, it’s clear that childhood trauma has a significant impact on our developing brain. It alters the patterns of brain development, which affects our overall mental and physical well-being. 🧠

 

    Let’s support each other on this journey of understanding and healing. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! 🌟

Thanks For Being Here,

Trisha Sullivan 🤟🏼✨

#ChildhoodTrauma #BrainDevelopment #HealingJourney #UnderstandingTrauma

The Beauty of Mindfulness: Finding Peace in the Present Moment

In our fast-paced and digitally-driven world, finding moments of peace and tranquility can be quite challenging. However, one practice that has proven to be immensely beneficial is mindfulness. By cultivating a state of mindfulness, we can achieve a sense of serenity, unlock our full potential, and enhance our overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the beauty of mindfulness in 5 parts and how it can help us find peace in the present moment.

1. Understanding Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with a non-judgmental and accepting attitude. It involves fully engaging with our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, without getting caught up in the past or the future. By being fully present, we can better appreciate the beauty and richness of every experience.

2. Cultivating Mindfulness:

There are various techniques that we can incorporate into our daily lives to cultivate mindfulness. One of the simplest practices is mindful breathing. By focusing our attention on the sensations of each in-breath and out-breath, we can anchor ourselves to the present moment. Other techniques include body scan meditations, mindful eating, and walking meditations. The key is to find a practice that resonates with you and commit to it regularly.

3. Benefits of Mindfulness:

The benefits of mindfulness extend beyond our ability to remain focused. Research suggests that mindfulness can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while improving emotional regulation and overall mental well-being. It promotes a heightened sense of self-awareness, allowing us to better understand our thoughts and feelings, and enabling us to respond to situations with clarity and compassion.

4. Finding Peace in the Present Moment:

One of the greatest gifts of mindfulness is the ability to find peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life. By consciously directing our attention to the present moment, we can let go of worries about the past or future, and fully embrace the beauty of the here and now. Mindfulness helps us become more attuned to our surroundings, enabling us to savor the simple pleasures and find joy in the little moments that we often overlook.

5. Integrating Mindfulness into Daily Life:

To truly experience the beauty of mindfulness, it is essential to integrate it into our daily lives. This includes creating moments of stillness and solitude, practicing regular self-care, and engaging in mindfulness exercises throughout the day. By making mindfulness a priority, we can transform our relationship with ourselves and the world around us.

In our quest for happiness and fulfillment, we often overlook the power of the present moment. Mindfulness provides us with a practice to reconnect with the beauty of life, find peace amidst the chaos, and foster a deep sense of well-being. Embracing mindfulness not only enhances our individual journey but also promotes a more compassionate and harmonious society. So, let us take a step back, breathe, and immerse ourselves in the richness of the present moment.

Is there a way that you take time to be mindful in your daily life? -One way I like to stay connected is through nature. My garden or by water is a calm place for my soul. Finding your safe place is a good way to stay grounded and hold compassion for others along their journey as well.

Until Next Time,

Trisha Sullivan 🤟🏼✨❤️

How Your Past Shapes Your Future

Hey friends,

Today, I want to discuss a serious and often unrecognized issue that affects many individuals: the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on physical health. The ACE screen test is a powerful tool that allows us to better understand how childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on our bodies.

Childhood trauma can take many forms, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. It's heartbreaking to think about the pain and suffering that some of us have endured during our formative years. Sadly, studies have shown that these experiences can significantly affect our physical and mental health later in life.

The ACE screen test, consisting of ten questions, helps to assess the level of exposure to traumatic experiences during childhood. It has provided us with valuable insights into the link between ACEs and physical health problems. Heart disease, obesity, and diabetes are just a few examples of the issues that individuals with high ACE scores are at a heightened risk for. It's not only the trauma itself but also the unhealthy coping mechanisms, like smoking and substance abuse, that can further deteriorate our physical well-being.

What's even more concerning is that the effects of childhood trauma can be long-lasting and cumulative. Those who experience ongoing trauma throughout their childhood are more likely to suffer from poor physical health outcomes. The weight of these experiences can take a toll on our bodies, leading to chronic stress and inflammation, which contribute to a range of health problems.

Furthermore, I personally have a high ACE score and have struggled with many of these unhealthy coping mechanisms myself. However, I firmly believe that through grounding and self-regulation, we have the power to teach ourselves how to rewire these patterns and thought processes in our brain. It's important to recognize that we aren't broken; rather, we were raised in a broken environment. As we navigate the challenges of the real world, it often feels like things are moving too quickly, and we may not have a safe place. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that we have the ability to create the safety and security we need within ourselves.

However, it's essential to remember that there is hope and healing on this journey. The ACE screen test has illuminated the importance of early intervention and healing for individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. Research shows that, even if the trauma occurred many years ago, healing can make a significant difference in our physical and mental health outcomes. By addressing these issues early and promoting healing, we can lessen the risk of physical health problems and improve our overall well-being.

To anyone who has experienced childhood trauma, I want you to know that you're not alone. It's not your fault, and healing is possible. Reach out to supportive individuals, seek professional help, and embrace the power of healing. Your well-being matters, and you deserve to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Let's come together as a community to raise awareness, support one another, and work towards creating a world where childhood trauma no longer limits our physical health and potential. We can overcome adversity and thrive! If you have any questions for me or stories you'd like to share about your journey leave a comment. You are as big of an inspiration to my story as I may be to yours.

Sending love and strength to all those who need it, 💗🤟🏼✨

Trisha Sullivan

The Power of No: Overcoming Misconceptions and Setting Boundaries

Written By: Trisha Sullivan

    In my last blog post, I asked my readers a question about misconceptions. Today, I want to talk about one of those misconceptions in more detail: the idea that people who are healing give off an air of superiority.

    This couldn’t be further from the truth. We should all be striving for better, but sometimes we get too caught up in trying to help others heal. It’s not our job to do the work for them, and we shouldn’t try to portray ourselves as better than anyone else. Instead, we should acknowledge that we’re all broken and work together to fix ourselves.

    I’ve struggled with being a “fixer” my whole life, focusing too much on other people’s problems instead of my own. But through self-care, I’ve learned that healing starts with yourself. It’s important to take care of your own needs and make sure you’re in a good place before trying to help others.

    Self-care can take many forms: meditation, exercise, therapy, or simply taking time for yourself. Whatever it looks like for you, it’s crucial to prioritize it. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to help others.

    My therapist once told me that you’ll know you’re on the right path to healing when you start setting boundaries for yourself. This can feel uneasy at first, especially if you’ve always been a people-pleaser. But it’s important to remember that setting boundaries is an act of self-love.

    When you start to set boundaries, people may not be happy with you. They may not like that you’re no longer putting their needs ahead of your own. But that's okay. You’re not responsible for their happiness, and it’s not your job to make them feel comfortable. It’s such an important part of self-care and healing, but it can also be one of the hardest things to do. When you’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own, it can feel uncomfortable to start prioritizing yourself. But I want to encourage you to do it anyway, because it’s truly one of the most loving things you can do for yourself.

    When I first started learning about self-care and setting boundaries, I was terrified. I had always been the type of person who would do anything for anyone, even if it meant sacrificing my own needs and well-being. I thought that was what it meant to be a good person, to put others first. But the truth is, that’s not sustainable. Eventually, you’ll burn out. You’ll start to resent the people you’re helping because you’re neglecting your own needs. And worst of all, you’ll start to lose yourself.

    That’s where setting boundaries comes in. It’s not about being selfish or uncaring. It’s about recognizing that you have needs too, and that it’s okay to prioritize them. It’s about saying no to things that don’t serve you, and yes to things that do. It’s about creating a life that feels good to you, instead of constantly trying to please others.

    But here’s the thing- setting boundaries is hard. It’s uncomfortable. It can feel like you’re letting people down, or like you’re not doing enough. And sometimes, people won’t like it. They’ll push back, or they’ll get angry, or they’ll try to guilt you into changing your mind. And that’s where it gets really difficult because you have to stay strong in your convictions.

    But I promise you, it’s worth it. It’s worth the discomfort, the fear, the uncertainty. Because when you start setting boundaries, you’re telling the world that you matter. You’re telling yourself that you matter. You’re taking a stand for your own well-being, and that’s incredibly powerful.

    It can be difficult when you’re with someone who doesn’t understand your traumas and you feel like you’re stuck in the same cycle of fight or flight. It’s important to remember that healing is a personal journey, and sometimes your partner won’t be able to provide the support you need. If you’ve expressed that their actions are hurting you and they don’t see an issue with their behavior, it’s okay to walk away. You aren’t broken, you just need understanding and support from someone who is willing to put in the work. Don’t let your partner’s lack of understanding keep you from healing and growing. You deserve to be with someone who uplifts and supports you on your journey.

    So, if you’re feeling uneasy about setting boundaries, know that you’re not alone. It’s a difficult thing to do, but it’s also one of the most loving things you can do for yourself. And if you need support or encouragement along the way, I’m here for you. Because you matter, and your needs matter, and you deserve to live a life that feels good to you. Remember that you are worthy of love, respect, and care. Setting those boundaries is a powerful way to honor that truth. Keep taking small steps, and know that with time and practice, it will get easier. I believe in you!

    In conclusion, we should all strive for better, but we shouldn’t try to do it at the expense of others. Healing starts with yourself, and it’s important to prioritize self-care. We’re all broken, and that’s okay. By working together and supporting each other, we can all become our best selves. Remember that setting boundaries is an act of self-love and an important part of the healing process.

Chat With Me! 😊💭

Answer one of these questions in the comments or share your personal thoughts with me:

💭-How do you handle situations where someone’s misconceptions or lack of understanding is causing you harm?

💻📢💭-How do you typically respond when someone makes assumptions about you or your experiences? What are some ways you’ve found to correct these assumptions?

💑💭-Have you ever had to set a boundary with someone you care about? How did you navigate that relationship moving forward?

💲✌💭-How can we create a culture that values and respects boundaries and encourages open and honest communication?

⏳😨❌💭-How do you teach your children about setting boundaries and recognizing when someone is overstepping them?

😡😭😂💭-What are some common misconceptions about parenting that you’ve encountered? How have you addressed them?

💞🌱🌈💭-How can we better educate parents and caregivers about the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing misconceptions to create a safer, healthier environment for children?

I can't wait to hear from you- Trisha S.

My Harsh Reality

 My Harsh Reality

By: Trisha Sullivan

    For years, I lived in a state of fight or flight. Unhealed trauma caused me to seek out the wrong partners time and time again, causing deeper trauma over the years. I found myself reaching for every form of self-medication and substance abuse early in life, and depression, anxiety, and PTSD came to live within me. I was stuck in a cycle of pain and suffering, and I didn’t know how to break free.

    But one day, I realized that I wanted better for my children. I knew I needed to take control of my life and start healing from the trauma that had been holding me back for so long. And so, I began what I call my “harsh reality.”

    Tackling my coping skills was not easy. It required me to face some of my past's most difficult and painful parts head-on. But I knew it was necessary if I wanted to live a truly fulfilling and meaningful life.

    One of the most significant struggles I faced was becoming a single mom at the age of 16. I was still a child myself and had no idea how to raise a child. I felt alone, scared, and overwhelmed. I had to learn how to be a mom while also dealing with my own trauma and mental health struggles.

    Despite the challenges, becoming a mother was also a turning point for me. It gave me a sense of purpose and a reason to keep fighting. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I also learned a lot. I learned how to be resilient, how to ask for help, and how to prioritize my child’s needs over my own. I also learned the importance of self-care and how taking care of myself was essential to being a good mom.

    Over time, I’ve learned that healing is not a linear process. There are good days and bad days, and some days it feels like I’m back at square one. But I’ve also learned that it’s okay to take things one day at a time and to be gentle with myself along the way.

    Through my journey, I’ve learned that healing is possible. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. And I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to start their own journey toward restoration and self-discovery.

    I hope this glimpse into my journey has been helpful to you. I plan on sharing more of my story soon, so stay tuned for updates. Remember, it's never too late to start your own path to a better you.

Let’s Chat! Answer one of these questions in the comments or leave your own feedback on this topic.

- I’m curious to know what your biggest takeaway from this post is. What resonated with you the most?

- What do you think are some common misconceptions about healing and self-discovery? How can we work to break down those barriers?

- If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is struggling to heal, what would it be?