Wizard & Lizard Brain
What part of our brain is the wizard located in?
Prefrontal Cortex
What is trauma?
The #1 job of our brain is to ________ us.
PROTECT
FUN CARD #2
You are granted one superpower for the rest of your life, what is it?
What does the lizard brain do?
It helps us survive!
The Lizard-brain, very simply put, is responsible for processing threats and is activated in strong emotional situations; this is often referred to as the fight-or-flight response.
What are some symptoms/reactions of trauma?
Trauma can have many different symptoms including behavioral reactions, body reactions, feelings reactions and brain and "thinking reactions".
Lets review the reactions chart!
When in danger our brain responds with ________, _______, or _________.
Fight, flight or freeze.
FUN CARD #2
What is something that REALLY gets on your nerves and why? How do you deal with that
Where is the lizard located at in our brain?
Our amygdala
True or false: PTSD is a permanent mental illness.
False. PTSD is considered a mental "injury" because symptoms are a natural reaction to a distressing event where someone felt overwhelmed, afraid or helpless.
"Trauma" comes from the Greek word for "wound" (seriously!).
The almond sized center of our brain that is responsible for sensing danger and stress response.
What is the amygdala?
FUN CARD #3
If you could get rid of one emotion forever, which emotion would you choose and why?
What does the wizard brain do?
It helps us stop and think!
It is responsible for complex thought, planning, decision-making, impulse control, and self-awareness. When our wizard is in control, we are more in control and ready to handle more difficult situations.
How can talking to someone about a traumatic experience help you feel better?
Talking to a trusted person, like a parent, therapist, or friend, can help you understand your feelings, feel less alone, and start healing. It can also help you find new ways to cope with the difficult feelings caused by the trauma.
What does the Amygdala do?
Helps you feel and react to emotions, especially when you're scared, upset, or excited. You can think of the amygdalae as the brain’s “alarm system.” When something happens that makes you feel afraid or in danger, the amygdalae send a signal to the rest of your body to get ready, making your heart beat faster and your muscles ready to move.
Fun Card #4
Describe the angriest you have ever been?