When we talk about how harm affects us in violence survivor communities, it’s almost always about how other people’s harmful actions have affected victims.
The many symptoms of PTSD. The lingering anxiety and depression. Unregulated emotions.
There is definitely a cause-and-effect between traumatic experiences and the continued and often uncontrollable reactions we have.
Rarely do we talk about how OUR OWN actions and reactions affect our own brains and bodies. That’s part of the neurobiology of trauma, too, and ignoring the idea keeps us from healing completely.
Yet, in some ways, learning to rewrite our own reactions, thus rewriting our brain chemistry, is one of the easier parts of healing. After all, we have the most influence over ourselves and the least influence over other people.
What do you think of this idea? This is an important conversation, and we want to hear from you.
If you found this post interesting or thought-provoking, check into joining the Beyond Brave Community where Evelyn has many healing conversations with other survivors like you.
