After a childhood filled with playful scares from my father, I've found myself jumping at the sound of a simple balloon pop. Join us on "Why Am I Like This?" as Mishayla and I delve into our personal experiences with fear and the startling responses that followed us from innocent childhood pranks to more serious trauma-induced reactions. Michaela shares her journey from a shocking high school event that left a lasting impact on her nervous system, influencing how she perceives safety in everyday situations. Our conversation reveals the rapid-fire processes of the brain's affective and sensory channels, highlighting how the amygdala often overrides cognitive assessment in triggering fear responses.

We unravel the intricate workings of the nervous system, exploring the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems essential for staying grounded. Recognizing how trauma—whether from significant events or mundane experiences—can foster hypervigilance, we emphasize timely trauma processing. Techniques such as EMDR come into play, presenting pathways to desensitizing heightened responses. Through relatable examples, like the universal fear of spiders or the modern-day active shooter drills, we illustrate how perceptions shape our threat responses and impact the long-term state of our nervous systems.

Our exploration moves toward managing anxiety and overcoming phobias, likening them to an allergy of the mind. Not every fear reflects an actual danger, and understanding this distinction is crucial. We discuss techniques to regain control, such as controlled breathing and cognitive exercises, offering a toolkit to bring the cognitive brain back into play. For those dealing with severe anxiety disorders, we underscore the importance of professional guidance, presenting practical strategies to ground oneself and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. From challenging negative thoughts to exploring the "window of tolerance," we offer insights into finding stability and competence in the face of fear.

Laura's Free Course on Emotional Development and Regulation:
https://benavieri.com/neuroception-sign-up/

This show is sponsored by:

Benavieri Counseling & Coaching
www.benavieri.com

Active Healing Psychiatric Services
www.activehealingpsych.com