Understanding the trauma response
by Paul Tottle
1. 2a. Historical trauma memory
1.1. out of control
1.2. pushed to submission
1.3. overwhelmed
1.4. my thoughts & feelings trigger trauma
2. 3. Anxious thoughts (left brain)
2.1. "not enough time"
2.2. "too much to do"
2.3. need to 'fix it'
2.4. coping strategies
2.4.1. individuality
2.4.1.1. "I'll show you"
2.4.2. seriousness
2.4.2.1. "This is the way it want it to be"
2.5. "I'm not okay the way I am" / "I must change, or do something"
2.6. "I'm going to lose myself" (lose right brain sense of equilibrium)
2.7. "I don't like myself"
2.8. recognise negative thoughts
3. 2b. "breaking point" trauma response
3.1. physiological response
3.2. hypervigilance
3.3. hypersensitivity
3.4. "uncontrollable" tension
3.5. sleeplessness
3.6. recognise trauma response
4. 4. Feelings
4.1. irritable
4.2. inadequate
4.3. helplessness
5. 5. provide "safety" (right brain)
5.1. reassurance
5.1.1. "It's safe to have things I could be doing and be resting."
5.1.2. "I am safe to rest in bed"
5.1.3. inner parent reassuring inner child part
5.2. time out
5.2.1. meditation
5.2.2. change of scene / distraction
5.2.2.1. reading / movies
5.2.2.2. holiday away
5.2.3. humour / fun / play
5.2.4. exercise
5.2.4.1. yoga
5.2.5. a good sleep
5.3. surrendering
5.3.1. "I don't need to know what to do"
5.3.2. get out of 'fix it' mode
5.4. recognising safety
5.4.1. celebrating positive outcomes
5.4.2. being present
5.5. returning to equilibrium
5.5.1. taking every opportunity
5.5.1.1. on multiple levels
5.5.2. to 'exit' trauma loop
5.5.2.1. & shift to right brain processes
6. 5. Negative Consequences
6.1. Overengagement & exhaustion
6.2. Giving up
7. 1. Triggers
7.1. authority / fear of bullying
7.2. other person's anxiety / tension
7.3. deadlines
7.4. my tension & tiredness
8. 0. Current Pressures
8.1. trauma memories triggered
8.1.1. fear of death
8.1.2. loneliness