Survive, then thrive
A few weeks ago, I was in a conversation with some friends about a community-based project we considered starting. During our visit, someone said “Separately we may survive, but together we can thrive.” That affirmation of mutual support makes good sense to me.
The truth of mutual support is perhaps nowhere more important to remember than when individuals are dealing with some kind of personal or family trauma. When we try to solve a significant trauma alone, that’s where we usually end up: alone. And the trauma is unresolved.
Next Tuesday, the Geezer Forum will visit the tumultuous experience of Trauma, particularly as it might visit older adults in many different ways. Our resource speaker is Keely Brannigan, LPC (licensed clinical psychologist), a somatic therapist at The Human Connection. Her special training is in trauma therapy.
In my own research and in conversation with Keely, I’ve been drawn to the functional connections between our brains, our bodies and our behaviors that are essentially what Somatic Psychology focuses on. I appreciate what Dr. Arielle Schwartz (LCP) said about this connection:
“Somatic therapies tap into our innate healing capacity by inviting us to listen to the story as told by the body. Our postures, gestures, and use of space provide insight into our experience.”
Two other dynamics draw me to learn more about this approach: brain chemistry and the social impact of “intergenerational PTSD.” The Geezer Forum has occasionally visited the fascinating world of brain health, and how brain chemistry impacts our lives.
One of the chemicals released by our brains is Cortisol, the “flight or fight” chemical. Explanations about how these chemicals impact the cortex, Amygdala, hippocampus and other brain parts get too complicated for most of us to understand.
Suffice to say, when the parts don’t work with each other, we are in trouble. When they begin to work together, we get healthier. The task of various somatic therapies (including yoga, as we explored at the Geezer Forum on February 12), is to bring new ways to begin healing the causes of our traumas
Another dynamic, Intergenerational PTSD, makes sense to me also. The impact of earlier generations on subsequent generations is well documented. I hadn’t heard about one generation passing along PTSD-related trauma. But now I can see how that might happen.
Certainly attitudes of fear, or world-view perceptions, mistrust in authority, etc. can easily be passed from parent to child. That too is well documented. But I’m fascinated that there can also be a neurobiological impact passed from parent to child.
Again the chemical cortisol is mentioned. In basic terms, the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands work together to control the flow of Cortisol for responding to some perceived crisis. With any form of PTSD, that level of response is not always healthy.
Yet there is some mechanism in these glands working together as “a built in negative feedback loop that stops the release of Cortisol once the stressful event is resolved allowing you to rest.” Somatic therapy seeks ways to help the body and mind to rest. A worthy goal!
Keely’s topic is “Thriving Vs. Surviving: Building Resiliency After Trauma”. Let’s learn more together about how trauma can be both reduced and also transformed.
Geezer Forum meets on March 12, 2:30-4 p.m. at the Columbia Bank’s Community Room. Consider joining us!
Paul Graves, M.Div., is lead geezer-in-training of Elder Advocates, a consulting ministry on aging issues. Contact Paul at 208-610-4971 or elderadvocates@nctv.com