DIVE, SURVIVE OR THRIVE: A Prescription for Post-Traumatic Thriving

Abstract

Medical problems and procedures, along with a host of other issues, can be traumatizing. The fallout for post-traumatic effects can linger for decades. In any traumatic episode, the body switches off the parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system while turning on the sympathetic (fight-flight-freeze) system. In this mode, the body pumps high levels of adrenaline through the bloodstream. This is a basic survival instinct based on the need to escape the trauma and get to safety. Trauma causes a well-researched chain reaction. It shifts the brain activity from the outer "human brain" to the inner "reptilian brain" that governs instincts. This can result in a blurred and distorted mental state, so when the trauma ends, many patients remain stuck in the sympathetic nervous state. It is somewhat like a car at full throttle while parked in neutral. The human body is not designed to have a continual flow of high adrenaline levels flowing through the bloodstream. Yet, this is precisely what unresolved trauma does. This state of perpetual trauma hurts, so many self-medicate with any of the many harmful activities designed to dull the pain. Of course, self-medication only deadens the hurt but does nothing for the underlying unresolved trauma. Health care professionals have their specialties, yet all should be versed in the fundamental steps patients can take to flip the parasympathetic nervous system back on. Two of the most effective techniques are "grounding" and "sitting in the fire." They are simple practices, can cost nothing, and get right to the heart of healing the unresolved trauma. When included in the overall prescription, both physical and emotional healing can occur.