TRAUMA & ATTACHMENT INFORMED CARE

The term “trauma” is often misunderstood as referring to the nature of an event or situation. More to the point, the term “trauma” refers to a state of being that happens in a part of the body called the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In plain terms, the ANS is a system of nerves that spans from the brain to the vital organs, such as the heart and lungs. When the ANS experiences an event it deems life-threatening, preparatory self-protective motor responses are engaged automatically. When these responses are prevented from being actualized, this creates a state of tonic immobilization, commonly known as "freeze". The disregulation that occurs as a result is called trauma.

Our body can manifest trauma from external and internal sources. Externally it can occur from an accident, abuse, or even from more common occurrences such as stubbing your toe in the dark. It can also occur as a result of living in a violent relationship or racist culture. Internally trauma can occur when a body memory is triggered by thoughts, physical sensations, or overwhelming emotions. It only takes the body perceiving a threat, with no recourse or support, for trauma to occur.

The term "attachment" in this context refers to a system of nerves which function to connect us with other beings and essences. This attachment system inter-connects us with all that is living. It is how a parent knows when a baby is in distress, and how we know when we feel safe or not safe around somebody. This system is another place our bodies hold the stories of our past, for better or for worse. To learn more about attachment, here is a good place to start.

RECOGNIZING THE SYMPTOMS

There are many possible effects the body, mind, and spirit will develop, often as some kind of pattern, when harboring unresolved trauma. Here is a list of some possible symptoms: