No, there is no time in our amygdala where the trauma memories are stored. They live on in the present as though the event is happening right now (hence the name "post" traumatic syndrome). It makes it tough to navigate reality when triggers put you back into that situation. Having lived through it for years and similarly fought to heal for years, my heart goes out to you, Karen. Just remember that any step, even the tiniest of baby steps, is movement forward. And that every day, every moment is new. It's just one choice away.
So we have the choice to use techniques to ground ourselves back to reality in that moment of terror, and to remind ourselves that we are safe, it's not happening now, we are not in danger, we are safe. It can be tedious, but it's nonetheless necessary and does work. EMDR has been a godsend to me as well. A mental health nurse recently told me it's the only known therapy that actually changes the brain. It's set me free in several areas. :)
No, there is no time in our amygdala where the trauma memories are stored. They live on in the present as though the event is happening right now (hence the name "post" traumatic syndrome). It makes it tough to navigate reality when triggers put you back into that situation. Having lived through it for years and similarly fought to heal for years, my heart goes out to you, Karen. Just remember that any step, even the tiniest of baby steps, is movement forward. And that every day, every moment is new. It's just one choice away.
So we have the choice to use techniques to ground ourselves back to reality in that moment of terror, and to remind ourselves that we are safe, it's not happening now, we are not in danger, we are safe. It can be tedious, but it's nonetheless necessary and does work. EMDR has been a godsend to me as well. A mental health nurse recently told me it's the only known therapy that actually changes the brain. It's set me free in several areas. :)
God bless you and your journey, Karen!
In addition to the desperation you felt, it also took courage to enter therapy and to go where that path leads. You go, girl! ❤️