Podcast Summary
Neuro somatic intelligence and mental health: Exploring mental health from a neuro somatic intelligence perspective, acknowledging the broken mental health system, and questioning diagnoses and their impact on identity and beliefs
This season of Trauma Rewired aims to redefine mental health from a neuro somatic intelligence perspective, exploring the underpinnings of nervous system health and the various factors contributing to mental health issues, such as trauma, societal forces, and genetic or physical deficits. The hosts, Jennifer Wallace and Elizabeth Kristoff, will present a compilation of science, shared experiences, and expert interviews, encouraging listeners to broaden their perspective on mental health and question the current paradigm. They will discuss how diagnoses shape our identities and beliefs, and the intersections between various issues, such as complex trauma and neurodivergence. The mental health system is acknowledged as being broken, with many people being over-diagnosed, over-prescribed, and stigmatized, particularly those who are underrepresented, such as BIPOC individuals and those with complex trauma. The hosts aim to contribute to a more complete understanding of mental health and healing by exploring the complex interplay of genetic, developmental, and environmental factors.
Nervous system and mental health: Understanding the connection between our nervous system and mental health, recognizing our agency to care for ourselves, and utilizing neuro-somatic work and neuroplasticity for positive adaptation and regulation.
Our mental health is deeply connected to our nervous system, which is influenced by various biological and psychological factors, particularly for women due to hormonal changes and childbirth experiences. It's important to remember that we are the experts of our own nervous systems and have the agency to take care of ourselves while exploring these complex topics. Neuro-somatic work can help us understand how sensory and cognitive inputs affect our nervous system and provide tools for positive adaptation and regulation. Additionally, it's crucial to recognize that our nervous system is neuro-plastic and constantly changing, allowing us to create new neural patterns and make tangible changes in our outputs. This season will delve deep into these topics, offering solutions and resources, while acknowledging the importance of collective change in addressing the systems that contribute to dysregulation and chronic stress.
Nervous System and Mental Health: The nervous system's role in mental health is complex, influenced by beliefs, chronic stress, and trauma, and interconnected with the mind, body, emotions, and social experiences.
Our nervous system plays a crucial role in shaping our mental and physical health. It takes in sensory information, interprets it, and generates responses. Our beliefs, shaped by society and personal experiences, influence how our nervous system responds. Chronic stress and trauma from the environment and society can impact our nervous system, leading to negative health outcomes. The nervous system interconnects the mind, body, emotions, and social experiences in an ongoing feedback loop. Understanding this interconnectedness can help us reframe mental health issues as responses to chronic stress or trauma, and prioritize healing and resilience. The speakers' personal experiences with trauma and healing illustrate the transformative potential of this perspective.
Neuroscopic Institute journey: The Neuroscopic Institute journey is an ongoing process of self-discovery and healing, emphasizing daily nervous system practices for grounding, intuition, and authentic living.
The Neuroscopic Institute (NSI) journey is an ongoing process of self-discovery and healing, even for those who have made significant progress. The speaker, Jen, shares her personal journey of coming to terms with her neurodivergence, sensory processing disorder, and complex trauma, and how NSI practices have helped her ground herself, listen to her intuition, and live a more authentic life. She emphasizes the importance of daily nervous system practices to navigate challenging days and stay connected to one's deeper truth. Jen also reflects on a pivotal moment in her life when she attended an applied neurology training at age 30 and discovered her capacity for pull-ups, which marked the beginning of her journey towards nervous system health and spiritual growth. Through her experiences, Jen encourages listeners to embrace their NSI journey and the unfolding of their own unique paths towards healing and self-discovery.
Complex trauma and nervous system: Complex trauma deeply impacts mental and physical health, residing in the body as somatic memory, and affects memory, mental health, and physical health. Rest is crucial for true health, and modern world designs overwhelm the nervous system, making coping difficult.
Complex trauma deeply impacts both mental and physical health, and it often resides in the body as somatic memory. This season on the podcast, NSI, they will explore this concept in depth, examining how trauma affects memory, mental health, and physical health. They will also delve into topics like depression, anxiety, and neurodivergence, and how these conditions intersect with complex trauma and nervous system development. The hosts believe that rest is crucial for true health and are exploring new techniques to promote rest and integration. They also emphasize that our modern world is intentionally designed to overwhelm the nervous system, making it difficult for many to cope. The podcast aims to provide valuable insights and information to help listeners better understand these complex issues and find ways to improve their overall health and well-being.
ACE scores impact on health: ACE scores significantly influence mental and physical health, increasing likelihood of chronic illnesses, depression, addiction, and even suicide, due to chronic stress and loss of connection to self and nature.
Our Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE scores) significantly impact both our mental and physical health, increasing the likelihood of chronic illnesses, depression, addiction, and even suicide. Chronic stress, shaped by developmental patterns and complex trauma, is believed to be the root cause of many diseases. Our nervous system, which responds to and adapts to stress, is heavily influenced by these experiences. The loss of connection to each other and to nature also contributes to disease and dysregulation. The reductionist approach to understanding the world can lead us to overlook the complex relationships we have with nature and ourselves. The language and definitions used in mental health diagnosis can shape our beliefs and identities, and it's important to question and consider alternative perspectives. Overall, understanding the impact of ACE scores and chronic stress on our health and wellbeing, and the importance of connection to nature and each other, can lead to a more holistic approach to healing and prevention.
History of mental health diagnoses: The definitions of mental health conditions have evolved over time, influenced by politics, socio-cultural dynamics, and biases. It's crucial to question who is defining these terms and consider the impact on individuals' sense of self and community.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has a complex history influenced by politics, socio-cultural dynamics, and biases. The definitions of mental health conditions have evolved over time, and it's essential to question who is defining these terms and why. Some diagnoses, like hysteria for women and homosexuality, have been debunked, and the stigma attached to them can harm individuals. The neurology of identity and beliefs plays a significant role in understanding mental health diagnoses. It's crucial to consider the impact of a diagnosis on an individual's sense of self and to explore alternative ways of validating experiences and finding community. Additionally, neurodivergence, or natural biodiversity in the brain, is a gift that should be celebrated and worked with to maintain health and preserve our unique gifts. The conversation around mental health is ongoing, and it's essential to approach it with curiosity, openness, and a commitment to supporting individuals in their healing journey.
Complex PTSD recognition, treatments, and stigma: Recognition of Complex PTSD in DSM could lead to more accessible treatments and less stigma, but it's crucial to consider potential implications and address root causes through healing modalities, while examining larger structural forces impacting mental health.
Our mental and emotional wellbeing, including conditions like Complex PTSD, can evolve and improve. The recognition of Complex PTSD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) could lead to more accessible treatments and less stigma. However, it's essential to consider the potential implications of such recognition and the importance of addressing root causes through healing modalities. Furthermore, we must examine larger structural forces, such as racism, gender bias, and socioeconomic disparity, and their impact on mental health. Upcoming guests, including Dr. Jennifer Milan and Prentice Hemphill, will contribute valuable insights to these conversations. Additionally, the Trauma Rewired Retreat offers an opportunity for immersive healing through nervous system practices, nature, and community. Always remember, there are various entry points to these discussions, and you can find more information on the show notes.