Growth from Darkness

How is guilt and shame related to trauma? The roots run deep. Grab your journal and prepare to learn something new.

The inability to sleep (when it's caused by a trauma reaction can have long lasting effects. In this episode we'll cover what some of the symptoms might be, and toward the end I promise to leave a series of questions that a professional looking to help you might ask.

How long have you been struggling with sleep?

Describe your typical sleep pattern. How easily do you fall asleep? Do you wake up often during the night? How rested do you feel in the morning?

Have you noticed any changes in your sleep habits recently?

Do you have any nightmares or disturbing dreams? If so, can you describe them?

Are there any specific thoughts, feelings, or situations that seem to make it harder to sleep?

Have you ever experienced any traumatic events in your life? This could include anything from a major accident or injury to emotional abuse or neglect.

If so, how did those events affect you at the time? How do they affect you now?

Have you ever felt unsafe or threatened in any way?

Do you have any history of mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression?

Are you experiencing any significant stressors in your life right now? This could include things like work, school, relationships, or finances.

How are you coping with these stressors?

Do you feel safe and supported in your current environment?

Do you have any substance abuse issues?

Additionally, the therapist might ask you to complete a sleep diary to track your sleep patterns over time.

Use specific assessment tools designed to screen for trauma symptoms.

What an EXCITING episode! Hrisanthi and Amanda are quickly approaching one year of friendship AND podcasting together! This episode is all about recapping what we’ve learned over the past year, and how our lives have dually and monumentally changed because of the work we’re doing. We’ll recap some of our favorite funny moments (remember that road rage incident) and genuinely just have a great time being what and who we are at our core - friends who don’t care about the distance. 

We do NOT get paid for the podcast. As always you can support the podcast through a variety of ways: 

- [ ] PayPal ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

- [ ] Venmo @DetailedPieces

- [ ] Purchase Amanda’s books at Barnes and Noble Online

https://books2read.com/ap/xej5pN/Amanda-Blackwood

- [ ] Find Hrisanthi’s book on Amazon https://a.co/d/5VxRSyB⁠

- [ ] Shop my Etsy for books, art, cards and more! https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyBlackwoodShop

Catch previous episodes and more podcasts by Amanda Blackwood:

https://growthfromdarkness.com/podcasts

A trauma-related nightmare is different from normal nightmares in that it is directly linked to a traumatic event or experience. Trauma-related nightmares are often recurring, distressing, and vivid dreams that involve reliving or symbolically representing aspects of the traumatic event. We've both experienced these, have you? We do NOT get paid for the podcast. As always you can support the podcast through a variety of ways: - [ ] PayPal ⁠[email protected]⁠ - [ ] Venmo @DetailedPieces- [ ] Purchase Amanda’s books at Barnes and Noble Onlinehttps://books2read.com/ap/xej5pN/Amanda-Blackwood- [ ] Find Hrisanthi’s book on Amazon https://a.co/d/5VxRSyB⁠- [ ] Shop my Etsy for books, art, cards and more! https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyBlackwoodShopCatch previous episodes and more podcasts by Amanda Blackwood:https://growthfromdarkness.com/podcasts

A trauma-related nightmare is different from normal nightmares in that it is directly linked to a traumatic event or experience. Trauma-related nightmares are often recurring, distressing, and vivid dreams that involve reliving or symbolically representing aspects of the traumatic event. We've both experienced these, have you?

We do NOT get paid for the podcast. As always you can support the podcast through a variety of ways: 

- [ ] PayPal ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

- [ ] Venmo @DetailedPieces

- [ ] Purchase Amanda’s books at Barnes and Noble Online

- [ ] Find Hrisanthi’s book on Amazon https://a.co/d/5VxRSyB

- [ ] Shop my Etsy for books, art, cards and more!  https://www.etsy.com/shop/LadyBlackwoodShop

Catch previous episodes and more podcasts by Amanda Blackwood:

https://growthfromdarkness.com/podcasts

Depression is a common reaction to trauma. It can occur immediately after a traumatic event, or it can develop weeks, months, or even years later. In this episode we're going to explore more about what it is, what the long term consequences are of not facing it down, and how to fight back against it. 

The trauma reaction of depression can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

One way that trauma can lead to anxiety is by altering the way the brain processes fear. When we experience a traumatic event, our brain's fear center, the amygdala, becomes more sensitive. This means that we are more likely to experience fear and anxiety in response to even minor threats.

Another way that trauma can lead to anxiety is by creating a sense of hypervigilance. People who have experienced trauma may be constantly on the lookout for danger, even when there is no real threat. This can lead to chronic anxiety and worry.

Anxiety as a trauma response can manifest in a variety of ways.

One of them showed up in me during this episode when I suddenly realized the episode would air AFTER. Thanksgiving, and not on the holiday itself.

Deep breathing exercises: 

A panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that comes on quickly and reaches its peak within minutes. During a panic attack, people may experience a variety of physical symptoms.

Heart palpitations are a common trauma response. They occur when your heart beats faster or harder than usual. This can feel like your heart is racing, pounding, or fluttering in your chest. So how can you control that?

Hypervigilance is a trauma reaction that is characterized by a heightened state of alertness and awareness. People who are hypervigilant are constantly scanning their surroundings for potential threats, even when there is no real danger present.