In this talk, I explore the intricate relationship between the rational brain (prefrontal cortex) and the emotional brain (limbic system), particularly how trauma affects their balance. Trauma rewires the brain, causing the emotional center to dominate, often leading to impulsive reactions and heightened emotional sensitivity. I draw from personal experiences and societal trends, highlighting how trauma can distort decision-making, memory, and emotional regulation. The discussion also focuses on healing and rewiring the brain through techniques like mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), grounding exercises, and physical activity. The goal is to emphasize the importance of self-regulation to regain control over emotional responses, ensuring a more balanced and rational approach to life.

Key Points:
Rational Brain (Prefrontal Cortex):

Controls decision-making, impulse control, and emotion regulation.
Trauma disrupts its function, leading to impulsivity and poor stress management.
Emotional Brain (Limbic System):

The amygdala (emotions) and hippocampus (memory) are key parts.
Trauma causes the amygdala to become hyperactive, increasing fear and emotional sensitivity.
The hippocampus struggles with memory, causing blurring between past and present trauma.
Impact of Trauma:

Trauma shifts the brain into survival mode, making it hard to think clearly or regulate emotions.
Society today is often stuck in this emotional overdrive, as seen in public discourse and media.
Personal Experience:

I made many impulsive decisions due to trauma, such as moving states and reacting with anger.
I share an incident at Bob Evans, where trauma led me to overreact emotionally to a situation.
Healing Techniques:

Mindfulness and meditation to calm the brain's fight or flight response.
CBT to identify and challenge distorted thoughts and emotions.
Grounding techniques (e.g., tactile methods, breathing exercises) to stay present.
Physical exercise like gardening to help regulate emotions.
Conclusion:

Healing is about rewiring the brain and prioritizing self-care to regain emotional balance.

Disclaimer:
The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.
Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.

In this powerful episode of Courageous Conversations, Paula Walters reflects on the intense emotional experiences of the past few weeks, including an eye-opening podcast with a military veteran and survivor of traumatic brain injury. Paula discusses the struggles many face—whether survivors of abuse or veterans—navigating a medical system that often fails them. She shares a deeply personal moment watching a TV show that mirrored her own battles with the healthcare system, reliving the pain of fighting for proper diagnoses and treatment while feeling misunderstood.

Paula also highlights the importance of chance meetings, the "power of one," and how a single conversation with a compassionate doctor changed the course of her life. She emphasizes the need for systemic change to better support survivors and military members alike and discusses how trauma can trap people in emotional brain responses, leading to struggles with rational thinking.

In the spirit of Courageous Conversations, Paula encourages listeners to show kindness, respect, and empowerment to those around them, reminding us that we never know how our words or actions could change someone's life.

Join Paula as she shares raw emotions, insights, and the lessons she’s learned on her journey of healing and advocacy.

Key Topics Covered:

• Navigating trauma and the broken medical system
• The struggles of survivors and military veterans
• The emotional brain vs. the rational brain
• The power of one conversation to change a life

Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring episode!

Description: In this episode of The Courageous Survivor, join me, Paula Walters, as I dive deep into the complex world of our body's stress hormones—adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. These hormones play a crucial role in how we respond to stress, but when impacted by trauma, they can become our greatest challenge. Today, I’ll be sharing my personal journey through over four decades of trauma and how these hormones nearly led to my demise. This episode is a continuation of our previous discussion on the "feel-good" hormones—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins—and how balancing these is just as critical as managing our stress hormones.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding the Stress Hormones:
  • The function of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol in the body.
  • How these hormones prepare us for "fight or flight" and why they are essential for survival.
• Trauma's Impact on Stress Hormones:
  • Short-term effects: Rapid heartbeat, heightened senses, and energy surges.
  • Long-term effects: Chronic anxiety, insomnia, muscle tension, and weakened immune system.
• Being Stuck in "Fight or Flight":
  • Symptoms of short-term and long-term exposure to elevated stress hormones.
  • Personal anecdotes about how I lived in a state of chronic stress and how it affected my physical and mental health.
• Path to Healing:
  • Natural ways to regulate adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol.
  • The importance of regular physical activity, mindfulness, sleep, and a balanced diet.
  • How these lifestyle changes not only benefit us but also improve the lives of those we love.
• My Personal Journey:
  • How being stuck in the "medical mayhem" almost led me to take my own life.
  • The turning point in 2019 was when I sought functional holistic treatment, which changed the trajectory of my life.
  • The importance of taking control of your healing journey, even when the traditional medical system falls short.

Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. I am a survivor sharing my experiences, research, and the knowledge I’ve gained from seeking functional holistic treatments. My goal is to help others avoid the pitfalls I encountered in the medical system and to offer hope and guidance to those struggling with the effects of trauma.

Call to Action: Join me as we unpack these stress hormones and learn how to take steps toward healing. Your well-being matters—not just for you, but for those who love and depend on you. Let’s work together to break free from the grip of trauma and reclaim our lives.