Trauma sets the stage for an overactive threat detection system and a variety of outputs designed to promote safety. Sensory processing can get shaped in our childhood as a consequence of negative or positive experiences. Let me explain...
Chronic adverse experiences can result in maladaptive neuroplasticity and interpretation of normal sensations. This can manifest as pain or numbness, to name a few (i.e. painful intercourse, lack of sensitivity during sex, chronic back pain etc). Chronic adverse experiences can build up as 'allostatic load' and can cause wear and tear on the body and mind which accumulates as an individual is exposed to repeated or chronic stress. If a child is subjected to multiple adverse’ experiences, this natural window of tolerance can become a narrower band.
Chronic cortisol production has significant impacts on body processes, notably physical tension, inflammation, and immune dysfunction. The safety outputs from a brain constantly perceiving threat can include the following: hyper vigilance to external light / sound or internal stimuli (eg – sensations); and chronic tension and protective bracing in the ‘closing down’ muscle groups (jaw, neck, chest, hips, pelvic floor); feeling ‘on edge’ and ‘revved’ constantly; pain; fatigue; numbness / feeling ‘checked out’. Trauma can manifest generalised or sensory specific changes in the body. For example, sexual abuse can lead to hyper or hypo sensitivity and absence of sexual sensation. And verbal abuse can make us more sensitive to sound. Spending too much time in fight, flight or freeze mode can build up a feeling of disregulation, and a feeling of disconnection from your body. It can also impact on how we connect with others.
Homeostasis is not the only regulator in the body. The Allostatic model is an internal system that is able to regulate itself (i.e. hormonally, and the transmitters). It is adaptable to our experience, unlike homeostasis which moves from a set point. So, if there is adversity (i.e. a breach of trust or sense of safety, autonomy, empowerment), the body’s systems (endocrine, cardiovascular, neurological, or/and immune system) can become highly sensitised to safety or threat. It is important to be aware of how sensory processing gets shaped in our experiences as a child, and how to respond to environments that overwhelm, or underwhelm neurodiverse people in particular. So, the single most important issue for traumatised people is to find a sense of safety in their own bodies.
So, what are some of the ways we can manage this?
We all have a natural ‘sensory modulation window’ in which we feel stable when there is sensory input, but if there’s too much input, or not enough sensory input, we can feel either over or under stimulated. So, aerobic activities such as dancing and running can have a very positive impact on mental health by keeping us within comfortable parameters. On the flip side, somatic therapy is very helpful too and can improve inner resilience. Unlike standard mental health therapy, such as CBT, which focuses prominently on the mind, somatic therapy incorporates body-oriented modalities such as breath-work, massage and meditation to support mental healing. In addition, somatic experiencing therapy sessions can include talk therapy and mind-body exercises.
NB - The information in this article was collected from a webinar hosted by Andy Moloney (exercise physiologist), Lou Kerley (occupational therapist), Felicity de Blic (Pelvic physiotherapist) and Steve Trumble (general practitioner).
Photo courtesy of Sydney Sims
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