No matter how hard someone may try to block out any thoughts, feelings, or associations with the trauma, trauma will find its way back into the present moment. 

After a traumatic event, both the body and brain tend to hold onto the defense mechanisms that were put in place, causing a person to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The body and mind fail to recognize if and when the perceived threat has passed.  

If you grew up with family trauma, there’s a good chance that some of that has carried with you, even into adulthood. Both your body and brain have a way of holding onto trauma, even if you may not even realize it.

Your nervous system is like a messaging system in your body. It's made up of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This system helps your body communicate and respond to what's happening around you.

Emotional numbness is a state in which you don’t feel or express emotions. It’s known as a process of shutting out or dismissing any emotions or feelings. Similar to anxiety, emotional numbness can be a common and temporary feeling. Typically, emotional numbness is cued in a similar way as a trauma response.

Trauma and anxiety are two completely different mental health conditions. While they may have their own definitions, diagnoses, and signs and symptoms, the two disorders often go hand in hand.

It’s not uncommon for someone who has endured a trauma to experience anxiety. It’s also not uncommon for someone who has anxiety to show signs of a previous trauma

If you’re experiencing signs of codependency, don’t worry. You’re not alone if you show some of these signs and symptoms. There are also ways that you can turn that unhealthy relationship into a healthy one. Don’t delay in getting the help that you need and deserve.

Sexual abuse is a form of trauma. It can have profound and lasting effects on a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Survivors of sexual abuse may experience a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, Hypervigilance, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low self-esteem, feelings of guilt or shame, difficulties in relationships, and physical symptoms such as chronic pain, sleep disturbances, or eating disorders. These symptoms vary, and there isn't one 'typical' way people respond to trauma.

Trauma can affect people in different ways. No matter if you’re struggling with recent trauma or trauma from the past, help is still available to you.

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to do your best, perfectionism can lead to unneeded anxiety and stress. Recognizing the signs is a great first step.

People-pleasers will often go out of their way to accommodate and help others, seek approval, avoid conflict, and maintain harmony in relationships... sometimes to the extent of neglecting their own needs, values, preferences and energetic capacity.

When you think of addiction, substance abuse is often the first thing you envision. But addiction can also include gambling, sex, and even shopping. Something becomes an addiction when you are no longer in control over doing, using, or taking something to the point that it becomes harmful to your life and well-being.

While both EMDR and Brainspotting rely on the use of eye movements in order for the treatment to work, the positions and movements are different between the two treatments

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of PTSD include anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and an inability to control thoughts, emotions, or feelings relating to the traumatic event.

When the trauma that someone experiences lasts for over a few months, or the symptoms start to get worse over time, it’s usually a sign of PTSD.

But trauma doesn’t just have a negative impact on the body. Trauma can also negatively impact the brain as well. Let’s learn more about how PTSD affects the brain

Codependency is one of the many forms of an unhealthy or dysfunctional relationship. In a codependent relationship, there isn’t a sense of balance between giving and taking or compromise between the partners

You went through a traumatic event. And if you’re being honest, once was enough. You don’t want to have to relive everything. It’s too much. It’s too painful.

Ultimately, the best way to face PTSD is to get professional help. There’s a lot of stigma around mental healthcare, but in this case, it’s not just important; it’s necessary. We’re not weak for seeking help. If anything, we’re being strong enough to reach out when it’s the last thing we want to do.

Food addiction is still being researched, but there is undeniable evidence of its existence. Food addiction, just like any other addiction, is something that can be overcome. If you are struggling with food addiction, here are a few tips to help you gain control.

EMDR works. Whether done online or in person, EMDR can help you work through the trauma weighing you down.

Everyone is different. That means that what helps you calm a panic attack might not help someone else. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re able to find a few techniques that work for you. Here are a few tips to get you started.