How Trauma Works (And Why You Should Care)

When are you left speechless? And I don't mean in the "I'm amazed" way.

I had an experience over the summer where I was left speechless in a "I feel so emotionally stressed and exhausted I can't even think, let alone speak". The person I was with said I had a blank look in my eyes, like I shut down.

This memory has stuck with me. It felt like a tidal wave of emotion hit me, yet I was staying completely still, allowing myself to be enveloped in it.

Turns out, this is not an uncommon experience and is the result of trauma (yep, we got a fun newsletter this time!).

Lil' Bit on Trauma

According to Bessel Van Der Kolk in his book The Body Keeps the Score, when we are exposed to something that reminds us of a traumatic experience, the part of our brain associated with speech (Broca's area) literally shuts off.

Meanwhile, another part of the brain associated with images, smells, sounds, etc. (Brodmann's rea 19) lights up. This puts the person quite literally back into the moment, without being able to speak or convey their emotions in words.

Can you recall a moment where you were so emotionally overwhelmed you could not speak?

If so, this might indicate a (perhaps minor) form of PTSD. Something happened that reminded you, consciously or unconsciously, of a traumatic experience.

I don't know what triggered me. Might've been a feeling of abandonment or something else entirely.

But what I do know is that I have certainly experienced "trauma" in little and big ways throughout my life. I also know that these are affecting me today whether I know it or not.

Therefore, I'd rather be aware of what's going on and work through it so I can avoid causing unnecessary suffering for myself and others.

This is, in essence, what talk therapy and other tools do.

If you have similar interests/ambitions, I'd recommend checking out the book I mentioned (The Body Keeps the Score) and make some form of therapy a priority in your life.

You can hear my "Lessons from My First Year of Therapy" on Youtube if you'd like. :)

ALSO, I've put up quite a bit of content recently, like a new YT video on "How to Inspire (Without Being an Asshole)" and short videos on Dealing with Overwhelm, Following Through on Your Goals, and Curing Insecurity.

Check em out as always!

Much love and see ya next week (or sometime around then),

Ryan