Traumatic experiences, especially those of an interpersonal and cumulative nature, frequently result in chronically dysregulated nervous systems for survivors. The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). When the systems are appropriately balanced, we are able to assess situations and make thoughtful decisions about how to respond. When these systems are chronically dysregulated and out of balance due to trauma, survivors often react to seemingly minor stressors by fighting, fleeing or freezing.
The brains and bodies of chronically dysregulated individuals get stuck in this hyperaroused state. Their brains have faulty alarm systems, and their bodies are braced for attack; ready to spring into action against any real or perceived threat. This constant state of muscle tension and psychological stress can lead to:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Weakened Immune Systems
- Muscle Spasms
- Migraine Headaches
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and other forms of Chronic Pain
These disorders may never be traced back to the individual’s attempt to cope with trauma. In the latest research by Bessel van der Kolk, Janina Fisher, Pat Ogden, and Peter Levine, they note that trauma is literally held in the body. In other words, an individual’s body perceives a threat before one is consciously aware of it.
Trauma survivors often come to view their dysregulated nervous systems and bodies as enemies that cannot be trusted and that must be disconnected from the Self for survival. While this disconnection and numbing can provide temporary relief from the ravages of trauma, the price is a failure to truly know oneself, feel fully alive, or authentically connect with others.
Pia Mellody, one of the original pioneers in the treatment of addiction, trauma, and codependence as a result of arrested development at The Meadows inpatient treatment center has developed a model of therapy that addresses:
- Addiction
- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Sex
- Gambling
- Love
- Eating Disorders
- Self-Harm
- Codependency
- Somatic Issues
- Shame Core