The brain is a magnificent and complex machine. In the face of trauma or horror, the brain has a unique ability to shut itself down. At a moment where the reality of life is too much to comprehend and make sense of the, the brain compartmentalizes and freezes. This may sound like avoidance but it is actually endurance and survival. To make total sense of what is going on, to fully take in and attempt to comprehend what could be a horror of life, could be dangerous. Instead, the brain goes into a state of shock.
Shock can be defined as “a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience”. We are shocked when we are unexpectedly surprised by something- good or bad. Shock can be emotional and/or physical. We can experience psychological shock and we can also experience physical shock. Both psychological and physical shock happen when there isn’t enough blood or oxygen circulating through the body. The symptoms of psychological shock can help us take swift and immediate action to help someone in need after a traumatic event or experience. Taking immediate action to help someone experiencing shock is critical. Without intervention, shock can lead to organ damage, mental health damage, or death.
Symptoms can include:
Sudden loss of color in the skin, going extremely paleSkin turning cold, sweaty, and clammyFeeling nauseaExperiencing vomitingFeeling weakness or fatigueGetting dizzyFaintingShift in emotional state or behavioral state, most often leaning toward anxiousness or agitation. Symptoms of this can include total silence without any response or repeated, cyclical, hyper speech. Behavioral activity can shut off entirely or become erratic and panicked.
Shock is an indication that the entire system has shut down in a response to life events. Research has found that immediate intervention in shock and trauma can prevent post-traumatic stress disorder from developing, or reduce the symptoms. Trying to talk someone through the shock about what they experienced and what they are feeling is not helpful. First, try to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and calm the physical body down as much as possible. By creating a state of calm and security, the brain can start to slow down.
You can live life with confidence. Everyone has a story before they come to treatment. When you arrive at The Guest House Ocala, you arrive to open, welcoming arms. Our treatment programs are customized concierge style to meet your every unique need in order to heal from trauma, addictions, and other related mental health issues. Call us today for information on life at the estate: 1-855-483-7800