Helping You Turn Your Pain into Purpose with Tana Amen
Oct 18, 2023
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Tana Amen, trauma survivor, talks about overcoming childhood adversity and adult struggles. She shares her journey with ADHD, PTSD, and eating disorders. Tana discusses strategies for success, healing from trauma, and the importance of self-compassion.
Childhood trauma can have a significant impact on brain development, leading to symptoms similar to ADHD.
Healing from trauma is essential for overall well-being and success, and can be achieved through therapies like EMDR.
Deep dives
Childhood trauma and its impact on the brain
Childhood trauma, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and abandonment, can have a profound impact on the brain development of young children. Studies have shown that the brains of children who experience trauma are similar to those of soldiers coming back from war, as their emotional centers are constantly fired up and on high alert. This heightened state of vigilance and stress can lead to difficulties with focus, impulse control, memory, and emotional regulation, which align with symptoms of ADHD. Trauma also affects the frontal lobe development, leading to decreased frontal lobe function and difficulties with decision-making and executive functioning. Treating childhood trauma through therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help reprocess traumatic memories and alleviate their hold on an individual. Integrating strategies like exercise, proper nutrition, supplements, and meditation can further support brain health and recovery from trauma.
The importance of addressing and healing from childhood trauma
Healing from childhood trauma is crucial for overall well-being and success in life. Unresolved trauma can lead to ongoing emotional and psychological challenges, as well as detrimental effects on physical health. It is essential to address trauma through various therapeutic techniques like EMDR and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). Taking steps to heal from trauma can improve brain function, alleviate symptoms of ADHD, and create a solid foundation for personal growth and success. It is important to have patience and understand that healing is not a linear process. There may be ups and downs along the way, but with consistency, self-compassion, and support, individuals can experience significant positive changes and reclaim their lives from the grip of trauma.
The role of self-care in managing ADHD and trauma
Proper self-care plays a crucial role in managing the symptoms of ADHD and trauma. This includes adopting a brain-healthy diet, incorporating supplements that support focus and emotional regulation (although individual needs will vary), engaging in regular exercise (while being mindful not to overexert), practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation, and seeking therapy for trauma treatment. Self-care practices not only support overall brain health but also provide individuals with the tools and resilience to better navigate the challenges of ADHD and trauma. It is important to recognize that everyone's journey is unique and may require a tailored approach to self-care.
The power of grace and self-compassion in the healing process
When individuals have experienced trauma and ADHD, it is essential to cultivate grace and self-compassion within themselves. Shame and self-blame can often accompany these experiences, leading to negative self-perception and inhibition of the healing process. By offering grace, understanding, and self-compassion, individuals create an environment of emotional safety and acceptance, allowing for growth, resilience, and personal transformation. Tools like positive self-talk and visualization exercises can be instrumental in fostering self-compassion. Changing the internal dialogue to one of understanding and encouragement can provide a solid foundation for healing and personal development.
Trigger Warning: this episode discusses sensitive topics about sexual abuse and suicidal ideation.
In this episode, I have a discussion with Tana Amen, a trauma survivor who overcame childhood adversity and adult struggles to find purpose and success. Tana shares her journey with ADHD, PTSD, eating disorders and more, and how she learned to embrace her strengths while managing her challenges. With her comprehensive knowledge about the brain, trauma, and ADHD, Tana brings a wealth of experience and understanding that's sure to resonate with many.
Tana Amen, BSN, RN, is a New York Times bestselling author, vice president of the Amen Clinics, a neurosurgical ICU trauma nurse, and a world-renowned health and fitness expert. She has won the hearts of millions with her simple yet effective strategies to help anyone optimize their lifestyle and win the fight for a strong body, mind, and spirit. Tana holds a second-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Tana and her husband, Dr. Daniel Amen, have four children and five grandchildren.
Timeline Summary:
[00:43] Introducing Tana Amen, BSN, RN and NY Times Bestselling Author & Trauma Nurse.
[02:27] Tana shares about her traumatic childhood and path to success despite adversity.
[02:52] The tipping point that led Tana to write her memoir "The Relentless Courage of a Scared Child."
[05:36] Tana recounts her difficult upbringing and early struggles with an eating disorder.
[08:01] How childhood trauma shapes the developing brain, often leading to ADHD
[11:25] Trauma memories stick while other memory functions decline.
[15:01] How Tana's car accident left an undetected brain injury visible on brain imaging
[22:50] EMDR therapy was transformative in healing Tana's trauma.
[26:31] Tana still does tune-up EMDR sessions when triggers arise.
[28:10] Being married to someone who doesn’t have ADHD.
[30:42] Healing from trauma is an up-and-down journey.
[33:24] Supplements affect each brain differently.
[37:23] The number one piece of advice from Tana.
[39:25] Tana's message to her younger self: your life will be amazing, just wait.
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