A beautiful friend Shannon Desilets posted this. When I read it, I realized that it explains what was happening to my poor body and brain during the past several years caring for my parents, especially as it became more and more difficult. I literally thought I was losing my mind. Even though I was praying, uncontrollable emotions, overbearing fear, and being reactionary were all too common. But I am grateful for the people at our local Aging Center who helped me through – and continue to. I’m grateful for people like Shannon who make it their life mission to help others who are struggling so:

“I’ve spent a lot of time studying the brain in terms of stress or trauma-related impacts. This week, I’ve had the opportunity to get back to my roots a bit and engage in quite of a bit of brain health talks, was able to take a postvention training and planning session with NAMI NH, and this morning, I had the honor of presenting to the outstanding Rochester Mental Health Alliance.

I know a few people “going through it” right now. (The holidays, too, can make things more difficult for people). With this in mind, I am sharing this out about our good ole amygdala. The amygdala is the small almond shaped area of our brain. It is our fear center, regulating our fight, flight, freeze, (& fawn) responses. Trauma may impact this area, resulting in intense emotional reactions to things that aren’t a real threat, or are disproportionate. These outbursts may later lead to regret. The flood of cortisol can also last up to 8 hours, and if recurring stressors happen….
What can be done? A few suggestions (but not limited to) Seeking therapeutic modalities that can help in neuroregulation and in turn, emotional regulation. Daily suggestions to nurture the process: Adopting mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, and ensuring Vitamin B is at a healthy level. (Vitamin B helps to soothe the emotional centers by producing calming neurotransmitters).

Brain health, just as important if not MORE important, clearly, than “regular health” that brings us to our usual doctors. The ripple effect of the amygdala hijack to our bodies, our states of mind, impacting how we relate to others, how we handle conflicts and overcome obstacles … to brain health!”

I Found God today in much appreciated and insightful information from a compassionate friend.