Peak Wellness w/ Tana Amen | Mitigating Health Deficits Caused by Trauma
Oct 23, 2023
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Tana Amen, a bestselling author and neurosurgical ICU trauma nurse, discusses mitigating health deficits caused by trauma. Topics include the impact of trauma on health, the interplay between trauma, genetics, and lifestyle, understanding and overcoming trauma using functional medicine, brain healing and lifestyle choices, the long-lasting consequences of unreported abuse and trauma, and the role of anxiety and accountability in achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Childhood trauma can increase the risk of chronic illness and disease, but lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise can help mitigate its negative effects.
Reframing our trauma as an opportunity for growth and learning can rewire the brain and improve mental well-being.
The current pandemic has led to an increase in trauma and mental health issues, highlighting the need for prioritizing mental health care and resilience-building strategies.
Deep dives
The Impact of Trauma on Health and Wellness
Trauma, especially in early childhood, can have significant long-term effects on health and wellness. Studies have shown that childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can increase the risk of chronic illness and disease, including heart disease, addiction, and mental health issues. Trauma can also impact the length of telomeres, which are protective caps on our DNA strands, and shortened telomeres have been linked to accelerated aging and increased risk of age-related diseases. However, there is hope, as research suggests that lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management, can help mitigate the negative effects of trauma and promote healing and resilience. Additionally, creating a safe and supportive environment for future generations can help break the cycle of trauma and improve health outcomes.
The Power of Reframing and Neuroplasticity
Our perception of trauma and the stories we tell ourselves about our experiences can have a significant impact on healing and resilience. Reframing, or changing the way we interpret and understand our past, can help us shift our mindset and create new neural pathways in the brain. By reframing our trauma as an opportunity for growth and learning, we can reduce the emotional power these past experiences hold over us. This process of neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire and heal, enabling us to create a more positive and empowered narrative of our lives. Through awareness, therapy, and various techniques like mindfulness and meditation, we can harness the power of neuroplasticity to transform our relationship with trauma, enhance mental well-being, and improve overall health outcomes.
Rising Rates of Trauma and Mental Health Challenges
The current pandemic has brought about new challenges and has led to an increase in trauma and mental health issues. Reports suggest that incidents of child abuse and neglect are on the rise, as the normal avenues for reporting, such as schools and healthcare systems, have been disrupted. The consequences of this trauma may not become fully apparent for years to come, creating a long-term mental health crisis. It is crucial to recognize and address the mental health impact of these traumatic experiences, not only on individuals but also on future generations. By prioritizing mental health care, providing support systems, and promoting resilience-building strategies, we can work towards mitigating the long-term effects of trauma and nurturing the well-being of individuals and communities.
The Importance of Focusing on Positive Aspects of Trauma
Despite experiencing trauma, the speaker emphasizes the value of not solely focusing on the negative aspects of it. They reflect on their own healing process and acknowledge the positive qualities and resilience they inherited from their family. By highlighting the positive aspects and traits that have been passed down, the speaker encourages a shift in perspective towards finding strength and resilience in the face of trauma.
The Role of Comprehensive Assessment in Addressing Trauma
The discussion emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach when addressing trauma. Functional medicine is highlighted as a valuable tool for conducting a thorough assessment of an individual's biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. This comprehensive assessment helps to identify the root causes of trauma-related issues and allows for targeted treatment plans that don't just rely on medication. The aim is to understand the underlying factors contributing to trauma and provide individuals with the necessary skills and support to heal and improve their overall well-being.
This is our Peak Wellness show where we give specific focus to our health and wellness. The vehicle that drives all we do. In this episode we’re talking about trauma. Which is at the core a distressing or disturbing experience. The reality is our past traumas, especially in our early upbringing, latch on and often negatively affect our health. Tana Amen is a New York Times bestselling author, a neurosurgical ICU trauma nurse, a world-renowned health and fitness expert, and she and her husband Daniel Amen run the revolutionary Amen Clinics. You can connect with Tana at https://tanaamen.com/. We brought Tana on because she had significant trauma from birth into young adulthood. Significant trauma. We talk about her personal experience in mitigating the negative effects to her health, combined with her’s and Daniel’s studies, research, and testing on the brain’s ability to change and grow. Trauma is a primary culprit in our fight for wellness that generally goes untended to. We’re going to tend to it, right here.
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*This podcast is rated clean but the subject matter is adult themed and may not be suitable or relevant for children or those with fragile belief systems.
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