Trauma & the effects on humans

When humans experience trauma, endorphins are released to essentially come and save the day by soothing the emotional pain. While we are largely unaware of the day to day activities of our neurotransmitters, this process often causes people to subconsciously seek out the same pain they’ve experienced over and over to get that same rush of endorphins again. Almost like a drug. This is most common in relationships whether romantic or platonic. An example of this is you might find yourself in and out of relationships with people who don’t value you or friends who talk down to you. You’re left broken after the break ups… then after you’ve peaked with grief, here comes the rush of those confusing endorphins again unbeknownst to you, convincing you that you’re fine now; Meanwhile there’s all this unhealed trauma left there to rear its ugly head in future relationships as well as repeat. This is technically how trauma bonds are formed if you’re into how the chemical side of things work. Oxytocin bonding can also play a role.

Humans cope with trauma and unfavorable conditions in different ways. Some can accept the situation for what it is and tackle it head on avoiding things that mask the pain. Then there are some that are deluded into believing that they’re happy with the way things are (those confusing endorphins again 🙄). Almost always, hindsight is 20/20 and one can later admit they were actually more miserable than they thought.

Now we just need to figure out more productive ways to interrupt the vicious cycles that accompany trauma and create balance. Therapy, exercise, education, self awareness, meditation and journaling/shadow work have all shown positive results for numerous mental health issues. Every individual is different and will respond differently to protocols. It doesn’t hurt to try things out and see what works for you. The idea is to get your endorphins going through a different avenue. A more positive one which could in turn, interrupt the cycle of seeking what is not good for you therefore breaking the “addiction.” Sometimes substitutes can be a good thing temporarily. Just don’t underestimate the effects that certain events in your life have had on you and start to unpack that. Your experiences and feelings are valid. People will minimize and invalidate them which is why you have to be your own advocate or be prepared to go throughout life having a rough time internally.

Moving forward, be sure to show yourself the same kind of consideration you would to a loved one that was dependent on you and don’t downplay the traumas that have happened in your life. Sure they may cause you to be stronger but do they really if they’re just piling up going unchecked as well as leaving emotional damage & harmful patterns along the way? Heal and redirect yourself whatever that looks like for you.

I learned about the chemical side of things in a neuroscience module that was wrapped up in a course I took a few years ago. I took a couple of online courses of interest when we were shut down during the pandemic and the information has definitely served me well. Since our bodies are largely ran by chemicals, it helps to know what those chemicals are and how they affect our behavior. If I can help anyone with anything that I write by sharing knowledge in the form of an article, poem, song or whatever, then that is an accomplishment to me. It drives me to write more.

May we all discover effective ways of dealing with some of the unfavorable parts of the life experience and practice healthy coping mechanisms.

“🎼If you want to change your life, change your mind 🎼” - Sister Sledge

Sources:

-University of Edinburgh Science, Philosophy & Religion: Science & Philosophy 2020 (Online learning course)

-Life