Brain Basics
These cells send electrical and chemical messages throughout the nervous system
Neurons
These are the two most commonly known trauma responses
Fight or flight
Name one activity that helps regulate the nervous system.
Mindfulness, exercise, sleep, therapy, deep breathing, yoga, connection with others, etc.
This stress hormone is helpful during emergencies but harmful when elevated for long periods.
Cortisol
This brain region helps with planning, decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning
Prefrontal cortex
This almond-shaped brain structure is responsible for quickly scanning for possible threats
Amygdala
This daily "habit" helps process emotional memories and improves the brain function. It is vital for brain health.
Your brain uses about this percentage of your body's total energy.
20%
This structure helps form and organize memories, including information about when and where something happened
Hippocampus
In addition to fight, flight and freeze, this response involves trying to stay safe by pleasing or appeasing someone
This hormone helps us feel connected and emotionally safe with others.
Oxytocin
How much does PTSD increase the risk of addiction?
People with PTSD are approximately 2 to 4 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder than those without PTSD.
This group of interconnected brain structures helps process emotions, memory, motivation, and survival responses
Limbic system
This branch of the autonomic nervous system mobilizes the body by increasing alertness, heart rate, and energy
Sympathetic nervous system
This is the "just right" zone where learning and healing happen best (hyper and hypoarousal are the ending spectrcums of this zone)
Window of Tolerance
What is the 10 question screener that assesses childhood experiences linked to trauma?
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Studies show people with 4 or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at much greater risk for depression, substance use disorders, and chronic health problems.
This nervous-system quality allows the brain to change and form new connections through experience and practice
Neurplasticity
According to Polyvagal Theory, this branch of the vagus nerve supports feelings of safety, social connection, and calm engagement with others.
Ventral Vagal system
This process allows old memories to become temporarily changeable each time they are recalled.
Memory Reconsolidation
According to the CDC, experiencing trauma can increase the risk of at least _____ of the 10 leading causes of death.
Answer: 5
1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. COPD/lung disease
4. Diabetes
5. Suicide