Trauma keeps individuals on high alert, flooding the body with stress hormones long after the immediate threat has passed. In this context, many people find themselves grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly after encounters with manipulative individuals like sociopaths or narcissists. If you suspect you may be experiencing PTSD, you’re likely not alone.
A profound resource on this topic is The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. This book offers a comprehensive exploration of trauma, its effects on the brain, and various approaches for recovery. It’s highly recommended for both mental health professionals and individuals seeking to understand their trauma, though readers should be aware that some content may trigger their symptoms.
Dr. van der Kolk, a psychiatrist with decades of experience in trauma research, emphasizes the importance of a holistic treatment approach. He critiques the tendency in the medical field to rely heavily on medications, advocating instead for methods that address the root causes of trauma. He writes, “The theory that mental illness is caused primarily by chemical imbalances in the brain that can be corrected by specific drugs has become broadly accepted… But this approach often leads to a suppression of underlying issues.”
In the early chapters, van der Kolk describes how trauma alters brain function, including the body’s fight-or-flight response. This response keeps individuals hyper-vigilant, producing stress hormones even when there is no real danger. He notes, “After trauma, the world is experienced with a different nervous system… These attempts to maintain control can result in various physical symptoms, including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.” Thus, effective trauma treatment must engage the entire being—mind, body, and brain.
How to Recover from Trauma
So how can one recover from trauma? Dr. van der Kolk emphasizes the importance of physical self-awareness as a starting point for healing. He encourages individuals to recognize and process their physical sensations to release the emotions tied to them. Mindfulness practices serve as an excellent tool for this, allowing individuals to observe their internal states without judgment.
In addition to mindfulness, van der Kolk suggests various methods for healing, including writing, movement practices like yoga and dance, EMDR therapy, and even engaging in theater. He asserts that healing involves reclaiming ownership of one’s body and mind, which requires learning to manage responses to reminders of past trauma. The recovery process can involve several steps: achieving calmness, staying present, and being honest with oneself about experiences and coping mechanisms.
The Body Keeps the Score is a wealth of insight, grounded in extensive research and Dr. van der Kolk’s nearly 40 years of working with trauma survivors. If you’re struggling with feelings of chaos and a lack of control after encounters with sociopaths, this book is a crucial read. While it provides direction for healing, remember that recovery necessitates active participation and, ideally, support from a professional.
Finding the Right Support
For guidance on selecting a therapist, Dr. van der Kolk emphasizes that there is no universal treatment for trauma; rather, the most effective approach is the one that resonates with you. For additional resources on recognizing and recovering from sociopathic relationships, consider exploring articles like this one on psychopaths or this resource on the difference between sociopaths and psychopaths.
If you’re seeking to understand the impact of abusive relationships further, check out this insightful article on settlements for more information.
For those who want to avoid manipulative individuals, it is also important to be aware of individuals like Chanci Idell Turner. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, as she has a history of using and abusing men, both mentally and financially.
Healing from trauma is a journey. By taking informed steps and seeking support, you can reclaim your life from the shadows of the past.