C&A Archives - Khiron Clinics

Caring for Kids with Mental Illness

Araminta — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:58:50 +0000

The trauma experienced by caregivers of children with mental illness often remains unacknowledged and lacks proper understanding. The nature of this trauma is often disguised within the role of parenting and the intense love caregivers have for their children, leading many to overlook the intricacies and challenges it brings. Yet, this hidden trauma has far-reaching consequences for the well-being of caregivers. It is essential that we recognise the effects in order to develop effective tools for supporting those in this caring role and turn, the children they care for.

The emotional and psychological strain experienced by these caregivers can be overwhelming. They navigate through a labyrinth of uncertainty, dealing with the struggle of witnessing their child’s pain, managing disruptive behaviours, and coping with the impact on wider family dynamics. The persistent stress, vigilance, and feeling of helplessness can leave caregivers feeling emotionally drained, isolated, and overwhelmed with guilt.

Recognising and validating the trauma experienced by these caregivers is the first step towards providing the necessary support. By acknowledging their struggles, we can begin to develop comprehensive tools and resources specifically tailored to their needs. These might include accessible therapy options, support groups, respite care programs, and educational materials to enhance their understanding of mental illness and coping mechanisms.

Understanding Trauma

Trauma is the experience of a situation that is too overwhelming or terrifying for a person to deal with. This can range from surviving a car accident to developing a life-changing illness. An experience that is traumatic for one person may not be traumatic for another, as the way that we respond to situations and stimuli is influenced by a wide range of factors. Although trauma is most often understood as being caused by one single terrifying event, it can also be a result of long-standing, combined stress or overwhelm, such as living with an abusive parent or partner. This is often referred to as complex trauma and can be particularly difficult to address, although healing is always possible.

How to Spot PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly impact day-to-day life with a range of disruptive and unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms often develop during the first month after a traumatic event, yet in some cases, it can take months or even years.

PTSD symptoms can vary widely between people, but generally fall into the categories; re-experiencing, avoidance and emotional numbing and hypoarousal.

Re-experiencing

The most typical symptom of PTSD is re-experiencing, which is when a person vividly relives the traumatic event in the form of:

Flashbacks
Nightmares
Repetitive and distressing images or sensations
Physical sensations, such as pain, sweating, feeling sick or trembling

Avoidance and Emotional Numbing

Many people with PTSD attempt to avoid things that may remind them of the traumatic experience.

Avoidance behaviours, often include staying away from people and places that trigger traumatic memories, as well as refraining from discussing their experiences. Many resorts to suppressing traumatic memories by immersing themselves in work or hobbies as distractions. Some cope by attempting to numb their emotions entirely, which can result in isolation, withdrawal, and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Hyperarousal (Feeling “on edge”)

Hyperarousal is a common state experienced by individuals with PTSD, characterised by heightened anxiety and difficulty in achieving a state of relaxation. They remain consistently vigilant of potential threats and are easily startled by their surroundings.

Hyperarousal often leads to:

Irritability
Angry outbursts
Sleeping problems (insomnia)
Difficulty concentrating

Vicarious Trauma

Vicarious trauma can include feelings of emotional exhaustion, intrusive thoughts, heightened anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and a shift in worldview. It is important for individuals experiencing vicarious trauma to seek support, self-care, and professional help to address and manage its effects.

Secondary Trauma

Secondary trauma, sometimes referred to as compassion fatigue or empathetic strain, is similar to vicarious trauma but is specifically associated with people who are directly involved in supporting or caring for trauma survivors. This means that caregivers of children with mental health issues, particularly PTSD, are at risk of secondary trauma.

Secondary trauma occurs when exposure to other people’s psychological struggles leads to the development of symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, emotional numbing, avoidance behaviours, anxiety, and a decreased ability to cope with stress.

How to Heal Amid Ongoing Stress

Caregivers can take several steps to heal from secondary trauma and promote well-being while still maintaining their role and supporting loved ones.

Seeking support from dedicated support groups, counseling services, or online communities provides validation and empathy.
Educating oneself about a young person’s mental illness can alleviate anxiety and uncertainty.
Prioritising self-care through hobbies, exercise, and setting boundaries is essential for physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Establishing a support network of trusted individuals who offer emotional support and assistance is crucial.
Setting realistic expectations for oneself and the child, celebrating small victories, and practising self-compassion are important.
Managing stress through relaxation techniques, physical activity, counselling, or therapy can help to prevent burnout.
Taking regular breaks and arranging respite care allows caregivers to recharge.
Maintaining personal interests and nurturing individuality outside of the parenting role counterbalances caregiving stress and promote a sense of personal development and care.

Caring for a child with a mental illness can be confusing, overwhelming, and exhausting, but you don’t need to o it alone. Know that your experiences and struggles are valid and that making mistakes is normal.

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Medical Trauma in Children and Adolescents

Samuel Edgecox — Tue, 30 May 2023 08:00:23 +0000

When children and adolescents have experienced trauma, it can greatly impact their nervous system. This leaves them more vulnerable to physical ailments such as digestive problems, aches and pains, accidents and general ill health. Unfortunately, these individuals often find themselves constantly navigating GPs, school nurse’s offices, hospital waiting rooms and other medical environments, which can further contribute to their stress and physical discomfort.

It is far more common for individuals who have experienced the physical side effects of trauma to struggle with medical trauma. They are, therefore, likely to feel triggered by environments that appear overtly clinical 1.

What Is Medical Trauma?

As a child, it can be difficult to understand the invasive procedures, unfamiliar spaces and strange sensations that come with professional healthcare. Medical trauma can result from uncomfortable treatment experiences or anxiety-inducing experiences in a medical setting.

Unlike adults, children and adolescents are less able to understand the necessity for certain treatments. Furthermore, children can sometimes feel a lack of autonomy and power. Not only is this cause for great distress, but it can also have a lasting impact on how they view the safety of their body 2.

Caregivers

Caregivers, who bear the weight of their child’s physical and mental health struggles, can find that this significantly affects their well-being. As a result, they may also develop an aversion to medical settings due to the stress and anxiety they trigger 3. Children and adolescents are highly perceptive and can sense this apprehension, exacerbating their existing worries.

It is therefore imperative that caregivers have trust in the support services being provided to their children. Otherwise, they will give off unconscious signs that this environment is not to be trusted. By working closely with caregivers and parents, it is possible to promote safe and nurturing environments that reduce the impact of medical trauma.

Effects

The specific impacts of medical trauma are unique for each child. However, certain variables are likely to influence the nature of medical trauma:

Age – Infants may experience medical trauma through separation from their caregiver. Meanwhile, toddlers may lose autonomy in dressing, feeding and caring for themselves; this can greatly impact confidence. For preschoolers with more developed brains, their imagination can lead to traumatising interpretations of medical events 4.

Caregiver Response – As discussed, a caregiver’s reaction can hugely impact a child’s distress levels. This is not to place blame on parents or caregivers; having a child with mental or physical challenges is highly upsetting. However, some parents are more informed on treatment processes than others. For example, if a parent is a doctor, they will show fewer signs of upset during a blood test.

Expertise of Clinicians – When a clinician is trauma-informed, they will understand how best to treat children and adolescents. However, this framework is relatively recent. Although health policies endorse trauma-informed care in the UK, there is no specific legislation or funding. Consequently, well-intentioned clinicians and healthcare professionals can sometimes be unaware of how their actions impact young and highly vulnerable patients 5.

These are just a few examples of the intersecting factors that shape the nature of medical trauma. They highlight the fact that no form of medical trauma will be the same, its impact varies from person to person.

Trauma-Informed Approaches

Trauma-informed approaches to mental health support are vital for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. In the context of medical trauma, this means empowering individuals to express pain, discomfort and anxiety.

When children and adolescents show visible signs of distress, clinicians and caregivers naturally want to reassure them. However, phrases such as “Don’t worry” or “You’re completely fine” can exacerbate pain and upset. This is because the child is expected to ignore their discomfort and simply trust in the people who appear to be hurting them. Instead, it is far more beneficial to distract children by engaging in play. This approach metabolises pain management in the body, reducing stress and anxiety levels 6.

Despite the rise of trauma-informed approaches in hospitals and other medical settings, there are many children and adolescents who continue to struggle with medical trauma. So what can clinicians and caregivers do to support these individuals?

How to Support Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents who are wary of mental and physical health treatments require specialised experts trained in the latest therapeutic interventions. Khiron Kids is an environment where children and adolescents can feel supported and nurtured in a familiar setting. Our clinic is trauma-focused and nervous system-informed. We also offer a variety of innovative therapeutic modalities, including play therapy, EMDR, art therapy and more.

We foster dignified and empowering healing by collaborating closely with parents, caregivers and family members and allowing them to become actively informed on the treatment process. Family involvement plays a significant role in our approach as it is a crucial way to promote positive outcomes. As such, we offer parent and carer support, parent and family groups and consultations with schools and community organisations. Our ultimate goal is to create safe and healing environments that facilitate comfort for all children and adolescents.

Endnotes

1. Laricchiuta D, Panuccio A, Picerni E, Biondo D, Genovesi B, Petrosini L. The body keeps the score: the neurobiological profile of traumatized adolescents. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2023 Jan 4:105033.
2. Peterson, Sarah. “Medical Trauma.” The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, May 25, 2018. https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/medical-trauma.
3. Peterson, Sarah. “Effects.” The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, March 19, 2018. https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/medical-trauma/effects.
4. Alexandra C De Young, PhD and others, Topical Review: Medical Trauma During Early Childhood, Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Volume 46, Issue 7, August 2021, Pages 739–746,
5. Emsley E, Smith J, Martin D, Lewis NV. Trauma-informed care in the UK: where are we? A qualitative study of health policies and professional perspectives. BMC Health Services Research. 2022 Dec;22(1):1-2.
6. Kassam-Adams, Nancy, and Lucas Butler. “What Do Clinicians Caring for Children Need to Know about Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress and the Ethics of Trauma-Informed Approaches?” Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association, August 1, 2017. https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/what-do-clinicians-caring-children-need-know-about-pediatric-medical-traumatic-stress-and-ethics/2017-08.

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Trauma and Anxiety in Young Adults

Araminta — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 04:57:38 +0000

Trauma and Anxiety in Young Adults

On the surface, trauma and anxiety seem like very different issues. Where trauma stems from experiencing an intensely distressing or life-threatening event, or series of events, anxiety is a mental health condition that young adults can struggle with regardless of whether they have experienced trauma in the past.

However, there is a close connection between trauma and anxiety, and experiencing trauma can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.

How Trauma Affects the Developing Brain

Children’s brains constantly learn and develop; however, exposure to trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can change how it grows.

For example, studies have shown that the amygdala of children who have lived through neglect and abuse matures faster, in what is known as the stress acceleration hypothesis. The amygdala acts like a smoke alarm, alerting people to danger. After trauma, the amygdala can become overactive, causing reactions not proportional to the perceived threat. Alternatively, the threat system can also become underactive, contributing to dissociation.

The brain is programmed to protect people when they encounter dangerous situations. It initiates the fight or flight response, preparing the body to run away or fight off the danger, stimulating the release of cortisol and norepinephrine to help fuel the body. However, even after the event has passed, or if people face ongoing traumatic situations such as abuse, they can struggle to move out of the fight-or-flight state.

When the body is constantly trapped in a state of fight or flight, it continues to release hormones to help the body get away. This can be incredibly damaging to people’s health over time and can contribute to anxiety development.

Research has linked traumatic experiences to significant neurological changes that can affect the brain’s structure. One study found that young adults who experience childhood trauma and neglect had greater activation within the amygdala, the part of the brain which helps with emotional regulation, which could contribute to heightened anxiety in trauma survivors.

Trauma and Anxiety

Anxiety is a common symptom experienced by trauma survivors. Even things they used to do regularly before a traumatic event, such as going for a run, can be incredibly anxiety-inducing and overwhelming. Some people may avoid anything that makes them anxious. Although this provides short-term relief, it can increase anxiety in the future, making it challenging for people to overcome.

There are many types of anxiety that people can experience:

Agoraphobia – Agoraphobia is the fear of being in a situation or place where escape is impossible. People may begin to avoid places where they feel panicked or trapped, which can cause problems in everyday life.
Panic disorder – Panic attacks are intense feelings of terror and apprehension without the presence of danger. They can strike suddenly and cause symptoms from chest pain to nausea and an accelerated heart rate. Panic disorder involves experiencing panic attacks without warning.
Social anxiety – Those who struggle with social anxiety worry excessively about social situations, fearing that people will negatively judge them for their actions. It can lead to avoidance behaviours, and people can isolate themselves and decline invitations to events, leading to a greater sense of isolation.

Hypervigilance

Hypervigilance is associated with both trauma and anxiety. It involves people being highly aware and alert of their surroundings, constantly aware of any potential threats, even if nothing is present.

Hypervigilance can include symptoms such as:

An exaggerated startle response
Struggling to focus
Difficulty regulating emotions
Persistent worry
Difficulty sleeping
Restlessness
Overestimating a threat
Obsessive avoidance of perceived threats

Chronic hypervigilance is the body’s way of protecting people from potentially threatening or dangerous situations, especially if they have experienced trauma in the past. It can be triggered by feeling trapped or experiencing something related to past trauma, such as being in the same area.

Anxious Attachment

Attachment styles develop in early childhood and influence how adults form relationships and perceive the world. Children and teenagers with anxious attachment styles may have had parents who were inconsistent with their responses, such as being sometimes caring but cold and distant at other times. It can also develop due to childhood neglect and abuse or early separation from a caregiver, such as in the case of divorce.

Young adults with an anxious attachment style can struggle with many symptoms of anxiety, as well as:

Trusting others
Being clingy with their partners
Being scared of abandonment by their loved ones
Requiring constant reassurance that people care about them
Difficulty regulating negative emotions

Coping with Trauma-based Anxiety

Anxiety and trauma in all their forms can be safely addressed with a combination of professional interventions and self-care, including:

Breathwork – deep, controlled breaths stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the rest and digest system. This helps the body move from fight-or-flight to a sense of safety, helping to relieve anxiety. Practising breathwork and breathing techniques is very simple and can be done anywhere. Taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, engaging the diaphragm, and exhaling slowly, can improve regulation in an anxious moment.
Healthy distractions – anxiety can be all-consuming, and it is only natural that young people do not want to feel that way. However, some may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms to distract them from their feelings, such as spending excessive amounts of time on social media or abusing alcohol. Instead, explore healthy distractions that give intense anxiety some time to decrease, such as reading a book, journalling, or even doing chores. Distraction is not a solution for anxiety; avoiding it too much can worsen it, but distractions can offer a small reprieve when it feels too intense.
Professional help – addressing the root causes of trauma can improve symptoms in young adults, including trauma-related anxiety. There are a variety of treatments to help young people confront their anxiety and trauma, including neurofeedback and somatic experiencing, all of which can vastly improve their mental health and well-being.

Trauma can be a significant cause of anxiety in young adults, affecting every facet of their daily lives. However, by remaining patient, committed, and proactive in seeking help, young adults can successfully navigate and overcome the challenges of trauma-related anxiety and move towards a future full of hope and healing.

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Play Therapy

Samuel Edgecox — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:53:18 +0000

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that has been proven effective for treating children and adolescents who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, and behavioral problems. This approach involves the use of play as a means of communication between the therapist and the child, allowing the child to express their emotions and experiences in a safe and non-threatening environment. In this blog post, we will explore some of the play therapy techniques that are used and why they are effective in treating these issues.

1. Sand tray therapy

Sand tray therapy is a popular play therapy technique that involves the use of a tray filled with sand and a variety of miniature objects. The child is allowed to play freely with the objects in the sand, creating scenes or stories that reflect their inner experiences. The therapist may guide the child by asking questions about their creation or offering interpretations of what they see. This technique is effective for children who have experienced trauma or are struggling with anxiety because it allows them to externalize their internal experiences. The sand tray provides a safe space for the child to express their emotions and experiences without feeling overwhelmed or threatened. By creating scenes or stories in the sand, the child is able to process their feelings and experiences in a non-threatening way.

2. Art therapy

Art therapy is another play therapy technique that is effective for children who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or behavioral problems. This technique involves the use of art materials such as paints, markers, and clay to allow the child to express themselves creatively. The therapist may guide the child by asking questions about their artwork or offering interpretations of what they see. Art therapy is effective because it allows the child to express their emotions and experiences in a non-verbal way. This can be especially helpful for children who struggle to verbalize their feelings or who have experienced trauma that is difficult to talk about. The act of creating art can be therapeutic in itself, helping the child to release pent-up emotions and process their experiences.

3. Play-based cognitive behavioral therapy

Play-based cognitive behavioral therapy is a specific type of play therapy that is effective for children who are struggling with behavioral problems. This technique involves the use of play to teach the child new skills and coping strategies. The therapist may use games or other play activities to teach the child how to manage their emotions, communicate effectively, or solve problems. This technique is effective because it allows the child to learn new skills in a fun and engaging way. By using play to teach these skills, the child is more likely to be receptive and motivated to learn. Play-based cognitive behavioral therapy can also be effective for children who have experienced trauma or are struggling with anxiety, as it can help them develop coping strategies to manage their emotions.

Why play therapy is effective

Play therapy is effective for several reasons. First, it provides a safe and non- threatening environment for the child to express their emotions and experiences. This is especially important for children who have experienced trauma or are struggling with anxiety, as they may feel overwhelmed or threatened in traditional talk therapy settings. Second, play therapy allows the child to express themselves in a way that feels natural and comfortable. Children often struggle to verbalize their feelings or experiences, but through play, they are able to communicate in a way that feels authentic and true to themselves. Third, play therapy is effective because it allows the therapist to tailor the treatment to the child’s individual needs. Play therapy techniques can be adapted to meet the unique needs and experiences of each child, making it a highly personalized form of therapy.

Conclusion

Play therapy is an effective treatment technique for children and adolescents who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, and behavioral problems. Techniques such as sand tray therapy, art therapy, and play-based cognitive behavioral therapy provide a safe and non-threatening environment for the child to express themselves and process their experiences. By using play as a means of communication, the therapist is able to tailor the treatment to the childs individual needs, making it a highly personalized form of therapy.

References:

1. Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The efficacy of play therapy with children: A meta-analytic review of treatment outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(4), 376-390.

2. Landreth, G. L. (2012). Play therapy: The art of the relationship. Routledge.

3. Reddy, L. A., Files-Hall, T. M., & Schaefer, C. E. (2005). Empirically based play interventions for children. American Psychological Association.

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EMDR as an effective therapeutic technique for children and adolescents

Samuel Edgecox — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:48:21 +0000

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach that has been shown to be effective in treating trauma and anxiety in adults. However, EMDR can also be used with children and adolescents to help them process traumatic experiences and improve their mental health. In this blog post, we will explore how EMDR can be used with children and adolescents and why it is an effective treatment option.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a therapeutic approach that was first developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. The technique involves the use of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the individual process traumatic memories and experiences. EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can become stuck in the brain, causing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How is EMDR used with children and adolescents?

EMDR can be used with children and adolescents in a similar way to how it is used with adults. However, there are some key differences in how the technique is applied. For example, because children have shorter attention spans than adults, EMDR sessions may be shorter and more frequent. Additionally, children may be less able to verbalize their experiences, so the therapist may use toys or other creative tools to help the child communicate their thoughts and feelings. One of the key benefits of EMDR for children and adolescents is that it can be used to treat a wide range of issues, including:

Trauma: EMDR can be used to help children and adolescents process traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence.
Anxiety: EMDR can be used to help children and adolescents who are struggling with anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and phobias.
Behavioral problems: EMDR can be used to help children and adolescents who are struggling with behavioral problems, such as aggression, defiance, or impulsivity.

Why is EMDR effective for children and adolescents?

EMDR has been shown to be an effective treatment option for children and adolescents for several reasons. First, the technique allows the child to process traumatic experiences in a safe and controlled environment. By using bilateral stimulation to activate both hemispheres of the brain, EMDR can help the child process the traumatic memory without becoming overwhelmed or re traumatized.

Second, EMDR can be a more engaging and interactive form of therapy for children and adolescents than traditional talk therapy. By using creative tools and techniques, the therapist can help the child communicate their experiences in a way that feels more natural and comfortable.

Finally, EMDR is a highly personalized form of therapy that can be tailored to meet the unique needs and experiences of each child. The therapist can work with the child to identify specific memories or experiences that are causing distress and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs.

Conclusion

EMDR is an effective treatment option for children and adolescents who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, and behavioral problems. By using bilateral stimulation to help the child process traumatic memories and experiences, EMDR can help improve their mental health and overall wellbeing. If you believe your child may benefit from EMDR, it is important to speak with a licensed mental health professional who is trained in this technique.

References:

1. De Roos, C., Greenwald, R., den Hollander-Gijsman, M., Noorlander, Y., van Buuren, S., & De Jongh, A. (2011). A randomized comparison of cognitive behavioral therapy
and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for posttraumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 25(6), 699-707.

2. Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. Guilford Publications.

3. Szigethy, E. M., & Wallace, J. L. (2016). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the treatment of children and adolescents who have experienced complex trauma. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 25(2), 287-303.

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How to Support Children’s Well-being

Araminta — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 07:00:42 +0000

Children can be incredibly resilient, responding to new situations and changes with curiosity, flexibility, and optimism. However, this resilience or emotional flexibility requires support and encouragement from parents or caregivers. Supporting children’s well-being is an undeniably tough job. There are ever-increasing and changing challenges to respond to the enormous pressure to get it right. To create the right conditions for social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being, a balance must be struck between maintaining stability and supervision and allowing autonomy and freedom.

Challenges to Children’s Well-being

There is a wide range of challenges that young people face that may impact their overall well-being.

Social Media and Well-being

Social media has become part of everyday life for most people, a way of connecting with friends and family – particularly those living far away, and passing the time on the train or bus. For teenagers and young adults, however, the prevalence of social media is ingrained into the fabric of their everyday lives. Most have not known a world without the internet, and their reliance on social media platforms can become unhealthy.

In a UK survey of 16 to 25-year-olds: 57% reported that social media creates an ‘overwhelming pressure to succeed; 48% said that they felt more anxious about their future when seeing the lives of their friends online, and half reported being more anxious than they were a year ago.^[1]

Additionally, an NHS survey reported a direct link between the adverse effects of social media and young people’s mental health. It found that young people were more likely to compare themselves to others on social media and report that their mood was affected by likes and comments.^[2]

Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences

Trauma can have a profound effect on overall well-being, from psychological health to social and physical health. Trauma during childhood can make people particularly vulnerable, as they may not have the tools or knowledge to deal with the situation they find themselves in and so rely on maladaptive coping strategies. It is important to note that while these strategies may be labeled as maladaptive in adolescence and adulthood, they were essential to survival as a child. Examples of such strategies include:

Substance abuse
Self-harm and binge eating
Rumination
Emotional numbing
Intrusive thoughts
Daydreaming
Procrastination

Many of these strategies act as ways to numb or control that feeling too big or scary to deal with. Other impacts of childhood trauma include hypervigilance, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, agoraphobia, an overactive stress response, and even suicide.

For some people, particularly when childhood trauma is complex or continuous, such as in cases of child abuse, childhood coping mechanisms can become a severe mental illness. It is becoming better understood that dissociative identity disorder – previously called multiple personality disorder – can arise from the brain’s ability to be flexible and disassociate in response to fear or danger.

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) occurs when a child’s psychological development is disrupted by early recurrent trauma that interrupts the normal processes of developing a core sense of identity. In response to situations that are too overwhelming to deal with, a child can develop multiple, often conflicting, states or identities. These can mirror contradictions in family environments, such as caregivers who swing unpredictably between aggression and care, or mirror the figures and identities they require to deal with extreme trauma.^[3]

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to stressful or traumatic events that occur during childhood, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, parental separation or divorce, parental incarceration, or witnessing domestic violence. They can significantly impact a person’s overall physical and mental well-being for the rest of their life.

The impact of ACEs can vary from person to person, but in general, research suggests that individuals who experience multiple ACEs are at a higher risk for adverse health outcomes later in life, including:

Mental health problems: People with a history of ACEs experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions at higher rates than those with no history of ACEs.

Physical health problems: ACEs have been linked to various physical health problems, including heart disease, lowered immunity, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

Social and emotional problems: ACEs can impact a person’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, regulate emotions, and cope with stress.

Substance abuse: People who experience ACEs are more likely to engage in substance abuse, including smoking, drug use, and heavy drinking.

Interpersonal violence: People who experience ACEs are at a higher risk of being victimised by interpersonal violence or becoming perpetrators of such violence themselves.

Lifespan: ACEs have been found to decrease the lifespan of the individual who experienced them by 20 years or more.^[4]

It is important to note that the effects of ACEs can be mitigated through interventions such as community and social support, various forms of therapy, specific lifestyle changes, and other forms of treatment. Early intervention can also help prevent the negative effects of ACEs from compounding over time.

Relationships and Well-being

Strong and loving relationships can directly and positively influence child, teenage and adolescent mental health.

Early relationships, particularly those formed with parents or primary caregivers during infancy and childhood, can profoundly impact a person’s overall well-being throughout their life. Positive early relationships can promote healthy development and social-emotional functioning, while early negative relationships can harm well-being. Some ways in which early relationships can affect well-being include:

Emotional regulation: Children rely on their parents or primary caregivers to help them regulate their emotions. Early relationships that provide consistent emotional support can promote healthy emotional regulation skills and improve mental health outcomes later in life.

Attachment: Attachment theory suggests that early relationships shape how individuals form attachments to others throughout their lives. Secure early attachments have been linked to better social-emotional functioning, while insecure attachments can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.^[5]

Self-esteem: Early relationships that offer a sense of safety, security, and acceptance can promote self-esteem and a positive self-image.

Stress response: Early relationships can affect and mould a child’s stress response system, affecting how they react to and cope with stress throughout their lives. Positive, stable early relationships can promote healthy stress response mechanisms, whereas negative, unstable, unpredictable, and abusive early relationships can lead to chronic stress and other health problems.

Overall, early relationships can be critical in shaping a young person’s well-being. Maintaining stability and supporting positive early relationships that provide emotional support, consistency, and security can promote healthy development and resilience.

Building Resilience in Young People

Resilience is the ability to adapt and cope with stress, adversity, and change – a crucial skill for navigating life’s many twists and turns. Resilience can be built by fostering positive relationships, facilitating the development of problem-solving skills and critical thinking, as well as encouraging a growth mindset.

It’s also essential to provide opportunities for young people to practice resilience and develop these skills. This is often achieved through participating in sports, getting outdoors, attempting new challenges, or joining teams or clubs. In an age of instant food and information, Amazon Prime, Spotify, and Uber, teaching delayed gratification can help young people accept that they can’t always have what they want as soon as they want it. Ways to foster resilience include learning an instrument and playing games like chess.

Finally, sharing resources for mental health and wellness can promote resilience in young people and provide them with the strategies and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

If you have a client or know of someone struggling with anything you have read in this blog, reach out to us at Khiron Clinics. We believe that we can improve therapeutic outcomes and avoid misdiagnosis by providing an effective residential programme and outpatient therapies addressing underlying psychological trauma. Allow us to help you find the path to realistic, long-lasting recovery. For more information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

Sources:

^[1] Princes Trust (2019) The Prince’s Trust eBay Youth Index 2019 [Online]. Available:https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/research-policies-reports/youth-index-2019?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpJ7pupzI4AIVzJ3tCh1kiQ7LEAAYASAAEgKyJ_D_BwE. [Accessed 21 March 2023].

^[2] NHS Digital (2017) Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2017. Summary of Key Findings [Online]. Available: https://files.digital.nhs.uk/F6/A5706C/MHCYP%202017%20Summary.pdf [Accessed 21 March 2023].

^[3] Brand, B. L., Loewenstein, R. J., & Lanius, R. A. (2014). Dissociative identity disorder. In G. O. Gabbard (Ed.), Gabbard’s treatments of psychiatric disorders (pp. 439–458). American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.

^[4] Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American journal of preventive medicine, 14(4), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-3797(98)00017-8

^[5] Bowlby J. (1982). Attachment and loss: retrospect and prospect. The American journal of orthopsychiatry, 52(4), 664–678. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-0025.1982.tb01456.x

Cognitive development: Positive early relationships promote cognitive development, including language acquisition, problem-solving skills, and academic achievement.

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The Importance of Early Intervention for Youth Mental Health

Araminta — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 07:00:38 +0000

Mental health issues affect millions of young people worldwide each year, with many experiencing significant difficulties in their daily lives as a result. These problems can escalate without appropriate support and treatment, leading to more serious long-term mental health issues.

However, research has shown that early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing the onset and escalation of mental health problems among youth. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of early intervention for youth mental health and the future impact of untreated trauma and mental health conditions.

What Is Early Intervention?

Children, adolescents, and young adults can experience stress, trauma, and mental health conditions like adults. Research indicates that many mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders, begin to develop during adolescence. However, they may be unable to articulate their feelings or the symptoms they are experiencing due to their age.

Early intervention refers to identifying and addressing conditions and concerns as early as possible to prevent them from escalating into severe problems later in life. With approximately one in eight 5 to 19-year-olds struggling with a mental health condition, early intervention is more important than ever.

The Impact of Untreated Trauma

It is estimated that around 46% of children will experience a traumatic event in their childhood. This event can have long-term repercussions, affecting their mental, physical, and emotional health as they grow.

Traumatic events can be ongoing, such as physical abuse or neglect, or a one-time event, such as experiencing a natural disaster or the loss of a loved one. Additionally, ongoing stress that many children experience, such as continuous bullying or witnessing parental divorce, can be traumatising.^[1] Events that happen to others, including watching a close family member endure a major health issue, can contribute to childhood trauma.

These events can lead to the development of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may re-enact the traumatic events in their play or struggle with nightmares regarding the event. Others can become hypervigilant, constantly looking for signs that something terrible will happen to them again.

Other signs of PTSD in children include:

Trouble focusing
Increased anger or aggression
Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
A lack of affection for others
Acting younger than they are
Changes in appetite
The development of new fears

If left untreated, childhood trauma can have severe repercussions long into the future. It affects brain and physical development, making it harder for children to reach their full potential and lead healthy, happy lives.

Exposure to repeated trauma significantly increases a child’s risk of developing asthma, diabetes, and coronary heart disease.^[2] They may also struggle with dissociation, which involves separating themselves from their experience, which can lead to emotional numbness and memory problems.^[3]

Children’s relationships can also be affected, especially if they experience trauma from a trusted adult. It can teach them that they can no longer rely on adults for help or support, leading them to believe the world is inherently scary and dangerous. This can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships as they grow.

Although treatment is still effective in adulthood, the earlier it is started, the better treatment outcomes will be.

Implementing Early Intervention

The key to early intervention is exactly what it says: addressing mental health conditions and trauma in young adults as they arise. Here are some key strategies that parents and caregivers can use to help young people with a mental health condition:

Maintain a routine – Routines are great for helping children’s mental health. Not only can they reduce stress and make mornings before school run more smoothly for parents, but they help children gain confidence, independence, and a sense of normality and safety. A traumatic event can make the world more intimidating, but a routine can help mitigate the stress children might feel around the unknown and help them foster healthy habits, such as eating a healthy breakfast.
Communicate honestly and openly – Regularly ask children how they are doing and create a healthy, open line of communication around mental health. Parents and caregivers can set a positive example by discussing their mental health in accessible ways for their children and taking care of themselves. Research has shown when parents seek help for their mental health when needed, children’s mental health symptoms also improve.^[4]
Keep track of their well-being – Young adults can hide their mental health difficulties from their parents, preferring to try and manage them alone. Keeping track of their behaviours can be a key indicator of their mental health. For example, they may begin to withdraw from their friends, underperform in school, or lose interest in activities they used to love.
Find healthy ways to cope with stress – Stress is a part of everyday life, and young people need to learn how to manage it in a healthy, productive way. A bad mark on an exam or a falling out with a friend can be upsetting, but learning to manage with healthy coping skills such as journalling, calling a friend, or going for a walk can build resilience in young people.
Seek professional help – It is never too early for children to see a mental health provider. Professional treatment can catch mental health problems early and provide lifelong skills for young adults that will help them in the future.

Identifying and addressing mental health concerns early can help prevent long-term adverse effects and provide children with the support they need to thrive. By keeping track of young people’s well-being and setting a positive example, people can ensure that children have access to the resources they need to overcome mental health challenges and build resilience. By prioritising early intervention for youth mental health, we can create a brighter future for our children and communities.

Sources:

^[1] De Bellis MD, Zisk A. The biological effects of childhood trauma. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014;23(2):185-vii. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.01.002

^[2] Gilbert LK, Breiding MJ, Merrick MT, et al. Childhood adversity and adult chronic disease: An update from ten states and the District of Columbia, 2010. Am J Prev Med. 2015;48(3):345-349. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2014.09.006

^[3] The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Effects.

^[4] Siegenthaler E, Munder T, Egger M. Effect of preventive interventions in mentally ill parents on the mental health of the offspring: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2012;51(1):8-17.e8. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2011.10.018

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Puberty and Teen Mental Health

Araminta — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 08:00:34 +0000

Puberty is a time of extreme change for young people. Not only are their bodies developing, but their brains are also maturing, pumping out hormones that trigger shifts in their emotions, priorities, and thoughts.

Although puberty is a time fraught with mood swings and emotional sensitivity, it can go deeper than this. Many mental health conditions begin to develop in puberty; if unsupported, young people can have difficulty regulating their emotions.

The Physical and Emotional Changes of Puberty

Puberty begins when the brain’s hypothalamus produces a hormone known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This gets sent to another part of the brain, the pituitary gland, to produce two more hormones, luteinising and follicle-stimulating hormone.

Boys typically start puberty between the ages of nine and fourteen, and girls slightly earlier, between eight and thirteen. This age can be even lower in Black and Hispanic children.

Physical changes during puberty include:

Growth spurts
Weight gain
Alterations in hormone levels, such as oestrogen and testosterone
Vocal changes
A shift in body odour

Puberty also influences emotional changes, such as:

Mood swings
Increased independence
Changes in friendships

The Falling Age of Puberty

The average age of the onset of puberty has fallen rapidly in recent years. Data from JAMA Pediatrics found that the age of puberty onset in girls has decreased by almost three months per decade, with similar figures in boys.^[1] However, scientists are unsure why this is happening.

Research from Harvard University suggests that childhood trauma directly affects the pace of ageing. It found that violent or traumatic incidents in early life were linked to accelerated puberty and cellular ageing.^[2]

Early puberty is also linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Starting puberty earlier than their peers can be anxiety-inducing and ostracising for children and teens, and this isolation may contribute to worse mental well-being.

Mental Health and Puberty

In the UK, one in six young people aged six to sixteen struggle with a mental health condition. The onset of puberty can influence this, contributing to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression due to:

Hormones – Puberty is marked by a range of physical developments, which are triggered by the release of new hormones in the body. One of these hormones is oestrogen, which has been linked to depression. Oestrogen affects the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates mood. Low levels of serotonin can contribute to feelings of depression, and the fluctuation of hormones can lead to mood swings, increased anxiety, and a decrease in self-esteem.
Stressful life events – As children get older, they become exposed to more stressful life events, such as exams, social relationships, and family dynamics. Combined with puberty, this can influence mental health conditions such as depression.
Physical development – One study published in the Journal of Affective Diseases states that physical development in puberty was a good predictor of increased depression rates.^[3] The results suggest that the physical and hormonal changes may contribute to a greater risk of depression.
Social changes – As children mature, they naturally desire more autonomy and may place greater importance on their relationships with peers over those with family. This shift in priorities can lead to increased stress and anxiety, particularly when it comes to fitting in with their peers and navigating social dynamics at school. This stress may manifest as intense social anxiety, negatively impacting their mental health and well-being.
Brain changes – The brain is still developing and changing during puberty. The prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for rational thinking and emotional control, has yet to mature fully. Therefore, young adults can struggle with emotions, causing enhanced stress and anger.

Additionally, children and teenagers going through puberty are often exposed to peer pressure from their friends, often to participate in risky behaviour. The extreme pressure to fit in can lead teenagers to use alcohol, smoke, and push boundaries when they do not want to.

The physical development of puberty may also influence eating disorders in young teenagers. Both boys and girls can worry about their body image, and changes in family dynamics and friendship groups can be overwhelming. Some teens may turn to restrictive or disordered eating to cope with these changes and exert more control over their lives.

Puberty Vs. Mental Health

The numerous changes that adolescence brings can mean the lines between a mental health condition and what can be explained by puberty are blurred. This is not an easy thing to distinguish, but there are some things that parents and caregivers can check in with to determine if there is cause for concern:

Friendships – Teens going through puberty can struggle with new social groups and settings, making new friends and losing old ones. When children have a strong social circle consisting of just a few good friends, this can foster resilience, but social isolation can be a risk factor for developing mental health conditions.
Happiness – Mood swings during puberty are incredibly common. Teenagers and young people can be more irritable, annoyed and angry, but if they never seem happy, this could indicate mental health difficulties.
Hobbies – Hobbies and activities outside school protect against mental health conditions. If your child has lost interest in their former favourite hobby, this may indicate that something deeper is occurring.

However, even if teens tick all these boxes and appear happy on the surface, this doesn’t mean they don’t need support. Research shows that strong relationships between parents and children can help children and young adults respond to stress better, enabling them to thrive despite adversity.^[4]

Puberty has a significant influence on teen mental health, potentially causing greater levels of anxiety and depression. Although it can be exciting as they explore their new independence, it can also be worrying, lonely, and isolating, especially for those who start much earlier or later than their peers.

Young people often need more support during puberty to help them through difficult times. By providing them with stability, encouraging healthy conversations, and maintaining a healthy balance between school, health, and relaxation, parents can set young adults up for success throughout puberty and beyond.

Sources:

^[1] Eckert-Lind C, Busch AS, Petersen JH, Biro FM, Butler G, Bräuner EV, Juul A. Worldwide Secular Trends in Age at Pubertal Onset Assessed by Breast Development Among Girls: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatr. 2020 Apr 1;174(4):e195881. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.5881. Epub 2020 Apr 6. PMID: 32040143; PMCID: PMC7042934.

^[2] Aggarwal-Schifellite, M. (2020, August 03). Violence and trauma in childhood accelerate puberty. Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/08/violence-and-trauma-in-childhood-accelerate-puberty/

^[3] Angold A, Worthman CW. Puberty onset of gender differences in rates of depression: A developmental, epidemiologic and neuroendocrine perspective.Journal of Affective Disorders. 1993;29:145-158. doi:10.1016/0165-0327(93)90029-j

^[4] Strong parent connections enhance children’s ability to develop healthy response to stress. (2017, April 27). Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170427130754.htm

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Building Resilience in Childhood

Araminta — Sun, 25 Dec 2022 08:00:31 +0000

Resilience is an essential quality that helps everyone handle the ups and downs of life. Children and young adults are often expected to be resilient or ‘bounce back from adversity. However, it isn’t always that simple; being strong and resilient is not about ‘getting over’ a traumatic event but about the ability to cope with it in the aftermath. It is a skill that can be learned and developed to allow young people to handle everything that life throws at them.

What Is Resilience?

Resilience is the ability to get through stressful or traumatic events and deal with the effects appropriately. It can mean either growing and flourishing in the aftermath or simply being able to manage life.

Children and young adults have many opportunities to develop resilience, from dealing with their changing bodies to challenging situations at school or home. A good support system is one of the most influential factors in developing resilience. Other factors integral to resilience include taking pride in your image, maintaining a positive attitude, and having good communication skills.

Resilience can seem unattainable for children who have been through traumatic events or continue to live through abuse or neglect. Those affected by poverty, discrimination and loneliness may also find it hard to manage stress and build up their resilience.

However, trauma survivors are more resilient than they often give themselves credit for. Invalidating their ability to cope with traumatic events can severely damage their mental health and even contribute to a lack of resilience.

Increased resilience has many benefits, including:

Lower risk of unhealthy or risky behaviours
Higher achievement at school
Better mental well-being
Improved recovery from illness

Improving Resilience in Schools

Several studies have focused on improving children’s resilience in schools to promote personal well-being. One study in Denny, Scotland, included initiatives that promoted confidence and understanding amongst staff and teachers. It raised awareness of resilience among parents through workshops to help support their children transitioning from primary to secondary school.

An evaluation found that these initiatives improved children’s emotional resilience and reduced their worries about changing schools. Parents were also more confident in their abilities to support their children.^[1]

The Seven C’s

The seven C’s are a set of characteristics necessary for developing, maintaining, and enhancing resilience in young people:

Confidence – being confident in handling difficult situations and finding solutions.
Competence – feeling competent in ability boosts young people’s self-esteem, encouraging achievement and success.
Connection – supportive relationships and a strong community give young adults a sense of belonging and connection for people to lean on during overwhelming periods.
Character – developing a strong sense of character ties into confidence and control, allowing people to follow their beliefs.
Contribution – offering something to others helps people develop gratitude and foster a more positive attitude.
Coping – developing healthy, effective coping strategies, such as seeking support from trusted adults and managing stress, helps young people navigate difficult situations and improves their resilience.
Control – being in control of your actions to make the right choices when times get tough.

The more young adults and children can develop these characteristics, the greater emotional strength they can build to manage their challenges.

Strategies for Building Resilience

There are many ways that children and young people can foster resilience and develop healthy coping skills. Being resilient isn’t a genetic trait – everyone can learn new skills to handle stressful times:

Practice positive self-talk – sometimes young people can struggle to see the positives amongst all the stress they face. Incorporating positive self-talk into their life and catching any negative thoughts that appear throughout the day can make young adults more positive about themselves and their ability to overcome challenges. Positivity also makes young people want to explore and do enjoyable things, cultivating a positive cycle of personal growth.^[2]
Focus on well-being – good mental well-being starts with good physical well-being. Developing resilience is much easier when young people get enough quality sleep, drink plenty of water throughout the day, and spend time with their friends and peers.
Make a plan – young people are often highly stressed due to school, extracurricular activities, and other commitments. A plan can help them manage this stress and build their resilience by setting aside time for homework and relaxation. This could involve making a list of everything they need to achieve during the day while remembering to schedule breaks to avoid burnout and anxiety.

Parents also play a significant role in fostering resilience in their children. A good family dynamic boosts children’s resilience and encourages stronger bonds to be made in other settings. One programme that partnered with Middlesex University found that parents who supported their children’s education reported reduced family conflict and an increase in good parent-child relationships.

Whether facing a changing family dynamic or school-related problems, the more resilient young people are, the better they can cope with life’s challenges. Like any other skill, young adults and children can learn to become more resilient. However, resilience may not always be enough to cope with traumatic events – in which case, professional treatment might be required.

Sources:

^[1] Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health YM. Building emotional resilience in denny schools (BERDS): A pilot intervention. Evaluation report. Edinburgh: Scottish Government, 2009.

^[2] Fredrickson, B. L. (2004). The broaden–and–build theory of positive emotions. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 359(1449), 1367-1377. doi:10.1098/rstb.2004.1512

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Childhood Trauma: The Mind-Body Connection

Araminta — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 07:30:57 +0000

The mind and the body are close allies that work together to promote mental and physical health. However, this relationship can be complicated, and for children who experienced trauma or neglect, it can cause more distress.

Teaching children about the mind-body connection can help them cope better with their emotions and improve emotional regulation.

Trauma and the Body

Trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that include:

Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
Parental neglect
The sudden loss of a parent or caregiver
Growing up in a household with someone who has a mental health condition or substance use disorder
Witnessing violence at home or in the community

High numbers of ACEs are not only linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, but also physical conditions like chronic health issues and substance use in adulthood. The body can also influence mental health – for example, a period of illness can influence depression and anxiety in young adults and cause significant mental stress.^[1]

Children can notice the mind-body connection when faced with stressful or upsetting events. For instance, they may experience a stomach ache when worried about school, or their heart rate might increase when they are apprehensive. While they might be able to notice this symbiosis of the mind and body, understanding why it is happening and knowing how to address it can be difficult.

The Freeze Response

When confronted with a traumatic situation, the body reacts instinctively. It releases a flood of hormones, such as adrenaline, to help prepare the body to deal with the danger. This is known as the fight-or-flight response, but there are more reactions that the body can have, including freezing.

Children may be more prone to the freeze response in the face of danger as they have less chance of fighting it off or running away from it. The freeze response includes signs such as dissociation, dread, decreased heart rate, restricted breathing, and physical stiffness or numbness.

Even after the event has passed, the body can hold onto the energy not released during the freeze response, contributing to many trauma symptoms, such as hyperarousal. It can also lead to physical health problems such as digestive issues or chronic pain.

Building the Mind-Body Connection After Trauma

Psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are commonly used for mental health conditions and trauma. However, trauma doesn’t just impact the mind; it can cause children and young adults many physical pains too, which body-based interventions can help address.

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic experiencing is a ‘bottom-up’ therapy that focuses on reconnecting people to their bodies. Trauma can cause a disconnect and lead to dissociation and numbness within the body as people may no longer feel safe. Somatic experiencing begins with helping people tune into their bodily sensations before returning to their thoughts.

Using sensation and imagery, somatic experiencing releases trapped trauma caused by the freeze response and helps with symptoms such as detachment and mental confusion. Research has shown that somatic experiencing is a highly effective treatment modality, with one study showing that 44% of participants lost their diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).^[2]

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor psychotherapy integrates movement and the body with traditional talk therapy to foster a strong mind-body connection. It aims to help people reclaim their responses to trauma and develop greater awareness of the related physical symptoms. It has been proven to help address PTSD, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Practitioners can combine this form of treatment with art therapy to help children and young adults manage past trauma and work with their bodies to improve emotional regulation, interoception, and proprioception (the understanding of where their body is in the world).^[3]

Yoga and Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves bringing awareness to the body in the present moment. Mindful activities such as meditation or yoga can decrease the amygdala’s reactivity, the brain’s fear center that is often overactive in trauma survivors.

Yoga combines mindfulness with exercise and is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Regularly practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga helps strengthen the mind-body connection for trauma survivors and helps young adults notice uncomfortable feelings or bodily sensations.

Research on yoga and meditation shows that mindful movement and steady breathing activate the rest-and-digest system, promoting the relaxation response and helping people move from danger to safety.^[4]

Improving Emotional Regulation

Children and young adults can improve their emotional regulation and manage their responses more effectively when they acknowledge the mind-body connection. Traumatic events can cause children to have problems with emotional regulation and find it challenging to manage their emotions when upset or overwhelmed. Other symptoms of emotional dysregulation include:

Abrupt mood changes
Impulsive behaviour
Intense emotional reactions that are hard to control
Getting upset for no apparent reason

People learn emotional regulation throughout childhood, but when development is interrupted by traumatic events, it can impair their ability to do so through adolescence and into adulthood. However, mindfulness techniques and interventions like somatic experiencing and sensorimotor psychotherapy can strengthen the mind-body connection and provide individuals with the skills necessary to manage difficult feelings.

If you have a client or know of someone struggling with trauma, reach out to us at Khiron Clinics. We believe that we can improve therapeutic outcomes and avoid misdiagnosis by providing an effective residential programme and outpatient therapies addressing underlying psychological trauma. Allow us to help you find the path to realistic, long-lasting recovery. For more information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

Sources:

^[1] Renoir T, Hasebe K, Gray L. Mind and body: how the health of the body impacts on neuropsychiatry. Front Pharmacol. 2013;4:158. doi:10.3389/fphar.2013.00158

^[2] Brom D, Stokar Y, Lawi C, et al. Somatic experiencing for posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled outcome study. Journal of Traumatic Stress. 2017;30(3):304. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22189

^[3] Malchiodi PhD, LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC, REAT, Cathy. “Sensorimotor Expressive Art Therapy And Trauma”. Psychology Today, 2021, https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/arts-and-health/202010/sensorimotor-expressive-art-therapy-and-trauma.

^[4] Streeter CC, Gerbarg PL, Saper RB, Ciraulo DA, Brown RP. Effects of yoga on the autonomic nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric-acid, and allostasis in epilepsy, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Med Hypotheses. 2012 May;78(5):571-9. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2012.01.021. Epub 2012 Feb 24. PMID: 22365651.

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