Tag: trauma
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Trauma Flashbacks: A Look at Symptoms, Coping, and Specifics
What Are Trauma Flashbacks? Trauma flashbacks can be sudden and overwhelming. When experiencing a flashback, the present moment seems to vanish, and you intensely relive an aspect of a traumatic event. Flashbacks are a core symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD). For many, this moment feels like a reactivation of the…
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What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and how does it feel?
If the noise of a crowd of people throws you completely off track or you find the label in your sweater unbearable, you are not alone. People with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) experience the world in a way that neurotypical people often find difficult to comprehend. But what exactly is SPD? And why does it…
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Hypervigilance: A Survival Mode
What Is Hypervigilance? You walk into a room full of people, and your brain immediately analyzes everything: the faces, the noise levels, every small movement. You want to relax, but your system is in constant alert mode—a scenario familiar to many neurodivergent individuals. This heightened state of awareness, known as hypervigilance, is a mental survival…
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Alexithymia: When feelings can’t find words – and how you can discover them
Do you feel like you can’t put your emotions into words? Maybe you even wonder if you feel anything at all because it’s so hard to name it? These insecurities drive many people to the term alexithymia. But don’t worry, you’re not alone – and the problem is solvable. What exactly is alexithymia? Alexithymia literally…
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Polyvagal Theory: An Introduction and Critical Examination
What Is the Polyvagal Theory? In recent years, the polyvagal theory has gained significant popularity, particularly in trauma therapy, while also sparking ongoing debate among scientists and therapists. Developed in the 1990s by American neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory focuses on the vagus nerve and its role in regulating social, emotional, and physiological states.…
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Hyperactivity: How movement, blood sugar and society shape our understanding
The diagnosis “hyperactive” is quickly made – but what does it mean? It’s a daily struggle for many parents: the child’s energy seems boundless, concentration fleeting, and at times this energy erupts in the form of tantrums. Hyperactivity is often visible, especially in children with ADHD, and can be challenging for those around them. But…
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Dissociation: A Defense Mechanism with Long-Term Consequences
What Is Dissociation? If you’ve ever tried to understand the world around you but suddenly felt numb, empty, or disconnected from your own body, you may have experienced a dissociative reaction. Dissociation is a complex response, often triggered by trauma, designed to protect the body and psyche from overwhelming emotions. It can feel like “standing…