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How Stress Affects Your Memory

The relationship between stress and memory is complex. A little bit of stress can enhance your ability to encode, store, and retrieve factual information. Too much stress, however, can shut the system down. You may have had this experience studying for a test. A moderate amount of anxiety is motivating and will help you perform better. Too much on the other hand, especially while taking the actual test, can prevent you from recalling what you know.

The experience of trauma and chronic stress over time can actually change the brain structures involved in memory. To understand how this happens, we need to consider one of the ways memories are formed and recalled.

When we have a sensory experience, the amygdala (associated with processing emotion) influences the hippocampus (associated with processing memory) to encode and store the information. Emotionally charged events (both positive and negative) form stronger memories. Later, when it comes time to retrieve a memory, the prefrontal cortex gives the command.

All three of these brain structures are also involved in traumatic stress.

Chronic Stress and Memory

When we experience a threat, the amygdala sets off an alarm which puts the nervous system and body into fight or flight mode. This system exposes the brain and body to high levels of circulating stress hormones. Research has shown that high levels of stress hormones over time can damage the hippocampus (it actually shrinks). This reduces its ability to encode and form memories.

Additionally, during times of stress, the amygdala will inhibit the activity of the prefrontal cortex. From a biological perspective, this is useful in keeping us alive. Energy and resources are pulled away from higher thought and reasoning (the prefrontal cortex) and re-directed to bodily systems needed to preserve our physical safety. For example, our sensory abilities are heightened. Our muscles receive oxygen and glucose so we can fight or run.

For most if us, the fight or flight response is usually not needed to keep us alive in today’s society. It is not useful during an interview for a job you really want or while out on a date. A chronically activated nervous system actually reduces our ability to function and, over time, damages certain structures in our brain.

Trauma and the Hippocampus

To investigate the effects of trauma on the hippocampus researchers looked at the brains of coal miners who had developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being involved in an explosion (2). The researchers found that the coal miners with PTSD had significantly reduced volume of the amygdala and hippocampus in comparison to non-traumatized coal miners.

These findings hold important implications when it comes to memory. Reduced volume in the hippocampus and amygdala due to chronic stress reduces the ability to form and recall memories.

What We Can Do

The brain retains its ability to change throughout the entire lifespan. Studies have already shown that the damaging effects of chronic stress and trauma on the hippocampus can be reversed. For example, the use of antidepressant medication that increases serotonin levels has been shown to counteract the effects of stress on the hippocampus. With antidepressant use, the hippocampal volume in the chronically stressed brain increased.

While the mechanism for the changes in the hippocampus is not fully understood, we can assume that in addition to the increase in serotonin, the reduction in stress that caused the damage in the first place, also plays a role in the reversal of damage to the hippocampus.

Take the steps necessary to reduce chronic stress. Not only will lower stress have a positive effect on your overall quality of life, but it may also begin the process of healing the damage to the brain structures involved in memory. Exercise, therapy, and medication are all options for reversing damages of trauma and chronic stress.

References

Bremner, J. D. (2006). Traumatic stress: effects on the brain. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 8(4), 445.
Zhang, Q., Zhuo, C., Lang, X., Li, H., Qin, W., & Yu, C. (2014). Structural impairments of hippocampus in coal mine gas explosion-related posttraumatic stress disorder. PloS one, 9(7), e102042.
Malberg, J. E., Eisch, A. J., Nestler, E. J., & Duman, R. S. (2000). Chronic antidepressant treatment increases neurogenesis in adult rat hippocampus. Journal of Neuroscience, 20(24), 9104-9110.
Power, J. D., & Schlaggar, B. L. (2017). Neural plasticity across the lifespan. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Developmental Biology, 6(1), e216.

How Stress Affects Your Memory
How Stress Affects Your Memory
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Out of the Diary of Neurodivergence: Embracing the Uniqueness Within

THE Journey of A NEURODIVERGENT INDIVIDUAL – Self Discovery and Acceptance

Growing up, I always felt different. It was like everyone around me had a manual on how to navigate life, while I was left piecing together the instructions from scattered hints and clues. Social interactions felt like a foreign language, one I couldn’t quite grasp no matter how hard I tried. My awkwardness and inability to express myself made me feel like an outsider, even among my family and closest friends.

For years, I believed there was something inherently wrong with me. I couldn’t understand why I struggled to relate to my siblings, why conversations with my parents felt stilted, and why I seemed to miss the social cues that came naturally to my peers. I often wondered if I was the only one who saw the world through a different lens, feeling lost and misunderstood.

It wasn’t until later in life that I discovered the truth: I am neurodivergent. Learning that my brain functions differently, firing in unique patterns, was both a revelation and a relief. Suddenly, the pieces started to fit together. The awkwardness, the struggles with social skills, the sense of not fully belonging—they all made sense. I wasn’t broken; I was simply wired differently.

Being neurodivergent means experiencing the world in a way that diverges from the norm. It’s like having a superpower in some areas, paired with challenges in others. I’ve always had a knack for certain tasks, excelling in areas where others might struggle. But this talent came with a flip side: difficulty adhering to societal norms and expressing emotions in ways that foster good relationships.

Realizing my neurodivergence was both empowering and daunting. On one hand, it validated my experiences and gave me a framework to understand my struggles. On the other hand, it meant acknowledging that I’d spent a significant part of my life feeling like an outsider in my own skin. It was a bittersweet epiphany, recognizing that my unique perspective was both a gift and a challenge.

Therapy has been a crucial part of my journey. It’s helped me put things into perspective, working on the aspects I’m good at while elevating the areas I previously overlooked. Through therapy, I’ve gained new tools and strategies to navigate life more successfully. I’ve learned to appreciate my neurodivergent mind, understanding that while I might miss certain social cues, I also bring a unique and valuable perspective to the table.

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Unexamined Convictions: Embracing the Power of Self-Reflection

Our beliefs and convictions play a significant role in shaping how we perceive the world and engage with others. However, when we become entrenched in the belief that our way of thinking and living is the only valid one, we inadvertently isolate ourselves and alienate those around us. This lack of self-reflection not only damages our relationships but also poses a serious threat to our mental well-being.

At the core of this issue lies the reluctance or outright refusal to consider alternative perspectives. We cling stubbornly to our own beliefs, convinced of their absolute truth, and dismissive of any dissenting opinions. In doing so, we create an echo chamber of validation where our convictions are reinforced but our growth stunted.

This rigid mindset not only leads to a sense of isolation but also blinds us to the impact of our behavior on others. We fail to recognize how our words and actions may make others feel marginalized, dismissed, or invalidated. Our interactions become one-sided monologues, devoid of genuine dialogue or empathy.

Over time, this pattern of behavior takes a toll on our mental health. The constant need to defend our beliefs, coupled with the growing sense of isolation, can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even paranoia. We find ourselves trapped in a cycle of negativity, unable to break free from the prison of our own convictions.

Moreover, as we continue to push others away with our rigid stance and refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue, we inevitably find ourselves increasingly alone. People grow weary of the constant conflict and tension, opting instead to distance themselves from the toxicity of our presence. In the end, we are left with nothing but the hollow echo of our own voice, isolated and disconnected from the richness of human connection.

However, all is not lost. The power of self-reflection offers us a way out of this self-imposed isolation. By taking the time to examine our beliefs, behaviors, and their impact on others, we can begin to break free from the shackles of our own convictions. This requires humility, courage, and a willingness to admit when we may be wrong.

Through self-reflection, we can cultivate empathy, understanding, and a genuine appreciation for the diversity of human experience. We learn to listen with an open heart and mind, recognizing the inherent value in every perspective, even those that differ from our own.

In conclusion, the path to true connection and fulfillment lies not in the rigid certainty of our convictions but in the humility to acknowledge our own limitations and the courage to embrace the richness of human diversity. By embracing the power of self-reflection, we can break free from the cycle of isolation and negativity, and cultivate relationships built on mutual respect, understanding, and empathy.

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Navigating a Relationship with Someone who has a Personality Disorder

Navigating a relationship with someone who has a personality disorder can be complex and challenging, requiring understanding, patience, and often professional support. While as a novice, you may not be equipped to diagnose a personality disorder, there are certain signs and red flags that could indicate the presence of such issues. However, it’s essential to approach these matters with sensitivity and without jumping to conclusions.

One of the key mental indications that someone might have a personality disorder is the presence of persistent patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that deviate significantly from societal norms and cause distress or impairment in functioning. These patterns tend to be longstanding and pervasive, affecting various aspects of the individual’s life, including their relationships, work, and personal well-being. Common signs may include intense and unstable relationships, impulsivity, emotional volatility, and difficulties in regulating emotions or empathizing with others.

As a novice, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the different types of personality disorders and their symptoms, but it’s equally important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Building a relationship with someone who has a mental health issue requires compassion, open communication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. It’s essential to recognize that individuals with personality disorders are not defined by their condition and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

Seeking support from a clinical psychologist or mental health professional can be invaluable in navigating the challenges of a relationship with someone who has a personality disorder. A psychologist can provide insight into the dynamics of the relationship, offer strategies for managing difficult situations, and help both partners develop coping skills and communication techniques. Additionally, therapy can provide a safe space for discussing concerns, addressing conflicts, and fostering understanding and empathy between partners.

In therapy, both individuals can explore how the personality disorder impacts the relationship dynamics and work collaboratively to identify healthy ways of coping and communicating. Through psychoeducation, couples therapy, and individual therapy sessions, couples can develop strategies for managing symptoms, setting boundaries, and nurturing a supportive and fulfilling relationship.

Ultimately, building a relationship with someone who has a personality disorder requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to mutual growth and understanding. While it may present unique challenges, with the right support and approach, it’s possible to cultivate a loving and resilient partnership built on acceptance, compassion, and genuine connection.

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Recognizing Someone Close To You Might Be Neurodivergent

Recognizing that your partner may be neurodivergent is a journey marked by subtle observations, nuanced understanding, and open communication. Often, the realization dawns when certain behavioral patterns or communication styles deviate significantly from societal norms. It could be a partner who struggles with sensory sensitivities, exhibits repetitive behaviors, or faces challenges in social interactions. This might be a shock, but observing these unique traits can lead you to consider neurodivergence as a potential factor.

Delicate Conversations

The confirmation of neurodivergence often involves delicate conversations. It may begin with gentle inquiries about personal experiences, preferences, and challenges. Sharing educational resources on neurodivergence can foster understanding and encourage your the neurodivergent individual to explore the possibility further. Seeking professional guidance, such as consulting with psychologists or neurodiversity specialists, can provide clarity and a formal diagnosis if needed. This process should be approached with empathy, emphasizing support rather than pathologizing differences.

Handling the realization that your partner, child or someone close to you are neurodivergent requires patience, compassion, and open-mindedness. Understanding that neurodivergence is a natural and valid aspect of human diversity is crucial. Communication becomes paramount—discussing each other’s needs, preferences, and potential challenges can strengthen the relationship. Acknowledge and celebrate the strengths that often accompany neurodivergence, recognizing the unique perspectives and talents to the relationship.

Expect that navigating neurodivergence within a relationship may involve adapting communication styles, and being mindful of sensory sensitivities, and finding common ground in terms of shared activities, will help a lot. A commitment to learning and growing together is fundamental. It’s important to recognize that everyone, neurodivergent or not, has their own set of strengths and challenges, and relationships thrive on mutual understanding and acceptance.

Best Recourse

Recourse to better the situation involves ongoing education, both individually and as a couple or family about neurodivergence. Attend workshops, read literature, and engage with neurodivergent communities to gain insights and tools for navigating your unique relationship. Seeking the assistance of relationship counselors or therapists experienced in neurodivergent dynamics can provide tailored strategies for enhancing communication and connection.

Ultimately, recognizing and embracing neurodivergence within a relationship is an opportunity for growth, understanding, and deeper connection. It involves a commitment to mutual support, continuous learning, and an appreciation of the richness that neurodiversity brings to the tapestry of your partnership. With love, patience, and a willingness to adapt, navigating a neurodivergent relationship can lead to a stronger, more resilient connection built on the foundation of acceptance and understanding.

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Brain Working Recursive Therapy BWRT®

Brain working recursive therapy In the USA and other regions where ‘therapy’ is a restricted term, it is an innovative new concept of working with negative and destructive thought patterns, completely unlike anything that has gone before it. I am a trained Brain working recursive therapist BWRT®. It presents an entirely new view of the subconscious mind – one that is extremely ‘user friendly’ and easy for the client to understand – as well as an elegant way of providing psychotherapy that gets easily beneath the Conscious Critical Faculty.

There is so much in this new methodology that can be used as a ‘stand alone’ to enhance almost every other work methodology!

It’s not hypnosis or a deriviative of hypnotherapy and although it works to release trapContinue Reading

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What is EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes. The brain’s information processing system naturally moves toward mental health. If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes. Using the detailed protocols and procedures learned in EMDR training sessions, clinicians help clients activate their natural healing processes.Continue Reading

When Reality Feels Out of Sync

Signs You Might Be Struggling with realities

These mental health reality issues can sometimes be subtle but deeply impactful. If you notice that your perception of reality seems off, or that people around you aren’t seeing things the way you do, it might be time to reflect. Here are a few signs to watch for:

Difficulty Keeping Reality in Check
You might feel disconnected or find that your version of events is different from those around you. You may recall details or facts differently, leaving others confused or questioning your perspective.
Strained Relationships
If you find that people are avoiding you or becoming distant, it could be a sign that something in your communication or behavior is pushing them away. Relationships that were once close might feel more strained, and interactions may feel forced or awkward.
Divergent Perceptions
When telling a story, you might feel excited or find the event significant, but others seem indifferent or fail to share your enthusiasm. This mismatch can leave you feeling isolated or misunderstood.
Feeling Isolated in Your Views
If you consistently find yourself out of sync with how others perceive reality, situations or events, or if you feel like no one “gets” you, it can create a sense of alienation and frustration.

These signs don’t necessarily mean something is seriously wrong, but they do suggest it may be helpful to explore what’s happening with a trusted professional or support system. Reaching out early can help you regain balance and help with your reality distortions finding new ways to process your perceptions and experiences. In order to be mentally stable you have to find a way to maintain a clear connection with reality.

WHAT IS A REALITY DISTORTION?

Reality distortions refer to alterations in how an individual perceives and interprets the world around them. These distortions can affect one’s thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions, making them differ significantly from objective reality or how others see things. Reality distortions can occur in various mental health conditions, such as:

Delusions: Strong beliefs that are clearly false or not shared by others, often seen in conditions like schizophrenia.
Hallucinations: Sensory experiences (seeing, hearing, feeling things) that are not actually present in the environment.

Conclusion

Reality distortions can significantly impact how individuals perceive and navigate the world, leading to confusion, strained relationships, and isolation. Whether through delusions, hallucinations, cognitive biases, or memory distortions, these altered perceptions can make it challenging to maintain a clear connection with reality. Recognizing these distortions is an important first step toward seeking support. With professional guidance, individuals can better understand their perceptions, manage their mental health, and improve their overall well-being, fostering more meaningful connections with the world and the people around them.

Origins of Neurodivergence: Genetic and Brain Development Factors

Neurodivergence, or Neurodivergent Spectrum Disorder (NSD), is generally considered a neurodevelopmental condition that originates early in life, typically presenting signs in childhood, often by age 2 or 3. It is not something that is created over time or caused by external factors like parenting, vaccines, or other environmental influences, as past myths suggested. Instead, it is rooted in the brain’s development, with both genetic and environmental factors playing a role.

Key Points on the Origin of Neurodivergence:

Genetic Factors:
Neurodivergence has a strong genetic component. Studies have shown that it tends to run in families, and specific genes have been associated with an increased risk of NSD. However, there isn’t a single “neurodivergence gene.” Instead, it is likely caused by a combination of genetic mutations that impact how the brain develops and functions.
Brain Development:
Research suggests that people with neurodivergence have differences in how their brains are structured and how certain areas communicate with each other. These differences likely begin during prenatal development, as the brain forms, though they may not become apparent until after birth. For example, atypical growth patterns in areas responsible for communication, social behavior, and sensory processing have been observed in individuals with neurodivergence.
Early Development:
The signs of neurodivergence typically appear in early childhood, often before the age of three. Common early signs include difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. These behaviors are typically evident in toddlerhood but may become more pronounced as the child grows.
Environmental Factors:
While genetics play a major role, some research suggests that environmental factors might also influence the development of neurodivergence. Factors such as parental age, maternal health, and prenatal exposure to certain substances (like certain medications or pollutants) may slightly increase the risk of NSD. However, these factors do not cause neurodivergence on their own and only contribute to a broader predisposition.

Brain Differences in Neurodivergence:

There are notable differences in brain connectivity and structure in individuals with neurodivergence. These include:

Cerebral Cortex: The cerebral cortex, which is responsible for higher-order functions like language and social behavior, often develops differently in individuals with NSD.
Amygdala and Hippocampus: These areas, related to emotion regulation and memory, also show atypical development in people with neurodivergence.
Neural Connectivity: Studies have found both under-connectivity and over-connectivity between different regions of the brain, leading to challenges in processing social cues, sensory information, and communication.

Neurodivergence is not something that develops later in life but rather something that emerges due to differences in brain development, usually evident from a young age.