Trauma is often thought of solely as a psychological issue, but recent research, particularly through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, has illuminated the connection between experiences of trauma and our nervous system's functioning. Here are 7 facts to better understand this connection in order to enhance our ability to cope with past trauma as well as our approach to healing and mental health.
1. Trauma is what happens inside of us when something happens to us
We are prone to seeing trauma as an event or an isolated incident. However, trauma can be more effectively understood as our experience when something happens to us or in other words, our internal response to an event. Through Polyvagal Theory, we understand that our physiological and emotional response to any ‘mental injury’ is a part of our autonomic nervous system and rooted in evolutionary biology protecting us from perceived threats.
2. there is more than one type of trauma
Mainstream media has familiarised us with PTSD when we think about trauma; typically arising from a single, acute traumatic event, such as a car accident or a natural disaster, leading to symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviours.
In contrast, Complex PTSD (or C-PTSD) is often the result of prolonged or repeated trauma, such as ongoing abuse or neglect, particularly during an individual’s formative years. This prolonged exposure can lead to additional symptoms, including difficulties with emotional regulation, issues with self-identity, and problems in interpersonal relationships. While both conditions involve the nervous system's response to trauma, C-PTSD reflects a more intricate and pervasive impact on an individual’s psyche, emphasising the profound effects of chronic stress and trauma on a person’s mental health.
3. The Body Keeps the Score
One of the most profound insights from trauma research is that our bodies physically store the memories and impacts of traumatic experiences. This notion is encapsulated in psychiatrist Dr Beessel van der Kolk’s seminal book “The Body Keeps the Score". Trauma can lead to dysregulation of the nervous system, resulting in physical symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. Recognising that trauma isn't just a mental condition but a physical one opens the door to holistic healing approaches that effectively address both mind and body.
4. The Vagal Nervous System: Our Key to Safety and Connection
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and plays a vital role in regulating our physiological response to stress and safety. When we experience trauma, the vagus nerve can become dysregulated, leading to heightened states of anxiety, fear, or even dissociation. Conversely, when we feel safe and connected, our vagus nerve promotes relaxation and social engagement. This highlights the importance of creating environments and relationships that foster safety, allowing the nervous system to regain its balance and function optimally.
5. the “Fight or Flight” Response is there to help us
When faced with danger or threat, our sympathetic nervous system activates the “fight or flight” response, preparing our body to confront or flee. However, in cases of trauma, this response can become maladaptive. Individuals who have experienced trauma may find themselves in a chronic state of hyperarousal characterised by heightened anxiety and activation or hypoarousal- leading to feelings of numbness, dissociation or immobilisation. The ‘alarm system’ that is intended to protect us can end up being a source of ineffective coping leading us to experience chronic stress or symptoms of trauma.
What is important is therefore our ability to shift in and our of the fight or flight states and back into a safe enough state (or Ventral Vagal state). Our adaptiveness in returning to a state of calm or safety is correlated with greater vagal tone. Higher vagal tone promotes promotes a state of calm and social engagement by reducing or regulating heart rate, making it easier for us to recover from stressful experiences. A Polyvagal approach to trauma as well as somatic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, EMDR is shown to help in increasing vagal tone.
6. The Power of Social Connection in Healing
One of the most significant findings from Polyvagal Theory is the role of social connection in regulating our nervous system. Positive social interactions can stimulate the vagus nerve, promoting feelings of safety and calm. This underscores the importance of supportive relationships in the healing process for individuals with PTSD. Engaging in community, therapy, or even simple acts of kindness can help activate the social engagement system, facilitating recovery and resilience.
7. Collective trauma and its impact on society
Collective trauma refers to the psychological and emotional impact experienced by a group of people who have gone through a shared traumatic event, such as war, natural disasters, or systemic oppression. This phenomenon can create a ripple effect throughout society, influencing cultural narratives, community cohesion, and interpersonal relationships. The collective memory of trauma often manifests in heightened anxiety, distrust, and a sense of disconnection among individuals, leading to the perpetuation of cycles of trauma across generations. Furthermore, the effects of collective trauma can hinder societal progress by fostering environments of fear and defensiveness, making it difficult for communities to engage in healing and reconciliation. The connection between collective trauma and our nervous system underscores the importance of addressing these shared experiences to promote collective well-being.
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Links to recommended resources on this topic:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
The Polyvagal Institute an organisation by the psychologist and founder of Polyvagal Theory Dr Stephen Porges