Trauma is defined as an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects. Traumatic events range from one-time incidences to experiences that are chronic and even generational.  Trauma can have a significant impact on the brain.  Initial reactions to trauma can include exhaustion, confusion, sadness, anxiety, agitation, numbness, or disassociation.  Emotional dysregulation is commonly seen in individuals who experience trauma; such as overly intense emotions, trouble making decisions, impulsive behavior, inability to manage behavior,  and avoiding difficult emotions.  

Acute trauma is an exposure to s single event which can last for a period of time.

Chronic trauma is when someone experiences multiple traumatic events over a long period ...

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Ask Yourself-Am I OK?

Life can get busy for most people that we are used to multi-tasking without pausing to take time out to relax.

It is important to sit down, be still and focus on your emotional/mental health.

-How am I feeling right now?

-Is the stress I am feeling overwhelming/accumulating in my life? Why is it so?

-When does my body need to move, i.e. walking, running, dancing?

-Who can I talk to?

-What is the most loving and supportive thing that I can do for myself?

-Is there a boundary that I need to communicate as a way to respect my own needs?

-Is my body telling me to rest, regroup and relax?

-Are there any repetitive thoughts that I have been attached to that are no longer serving me?

-What does it mean for me to let things go so that I am not feeling overwhelmed?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by thoughts ...

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Impulsive behavior is the tendency to act without thinking.  This type of behavior is usually unplanned and spontaneous. It is a behavior that starts in the brain. It is thought to be connected to the prefrontal cortex, which isn’t fully developed until the age of 25.  Impulsive decision-making is often led by emotion as opposed to logic, and can even go against your own desires or plans. It is human nature to sometimes act in ways we wish we hadn’t, or fail to consider all negative consequences of our actions, but a regular pattern of impulsive reactions could be the sign of impulsivity issues. Acting impulsively is often linked to mental health and is even a symptom of some mental disorders.

Some examples of impulsive behaviors are:

• Abruptly changing or cancelling plans
• Binge eating or drinking
• Butting into conversations and talking over people
• Clearing out belonging ...
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