calming dysregulation fast – ten trigger hacks

When you have Childhood PTSD, there’s nothing worse than being in some crucial conversation, or some big moment, and some little thing triggers you. And even though you know it’s not worth getting upset about, you get upset anyway. You can feel it spreading through your body — the feeling of adrenaline and discombobulation, feeling numb in …

trauma-soothing genes: implications for transgenerational trauma & new treatments

Using a powerful new sequencing technique researchers have tracked down genes within mice that work towards soothing fear-related memories. These genes are hidden within relatively unknown regions of the mammalian genome we'd written off as 'junk DNA'. "It's like harnessing the power of the Hubble Telescope to peer into the unknown of the brain,"  said …

The way of suffering -Thich Nhat Hanh (1926-2022)

Handling our suffering is an art - if we know how to suffer, we suffer much less, and we’re no longer afraid of being overwhelmed by the suffering. Mindfulness helps us recognize, acknowledge, and embrace the presence of the suffering, which can already bring some calm and relief. When a painful feeling comes up, we …

how to map your nervous system: polyvagal theory – part 2

Did you know that you can test your vagal nerve function, and not only can you test it, but you can begin to tap into the healing power of the vagus nerve? Your vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organs such as digestion, heart rate, respiratory rate and impacts certain reflex actions …

how to map your nervous system: polyvagal theory – part 1

With anxiety, depression, and stress on the climb, have you ever wondered how you can understand your reactions to life’s challenges and stressors? Or maybe you wondered how you can become more resilient? Did you know that you can map your own nervous system? This is such a powerful tool that can help you shift …

new memory editing technique can erase bad memories

A radical new technique to target and erase painful memories has raised “huge ethical problems,” say leading neurologists, because it threatens to artificially change a person’s personality. The memory-editing technique, which is called decoded neurofeedback, or DecNef, was created for the treatment of PTSD. It uses an electromagnet similar to an MRI scanner, to measure …

the chemistry of emotions part 2

Neurotransmitters play a critical role in modulating emotions in the brain and serious problems can result if neurotransmitter levels are not optimally balanced. Depression, anxiety or mood swings can all be caused by a lack of a balance in neurotransmitters. Drug therapies given to individuals suffering from these disorders aim to restore that balance. For …