In a training seminar, psychologist and trauma expert Phillip Manfield made this statement:

“Sometimes traumatic events get stuck in working memory.”

What does that mean?

Traumatic Event-

A traumatic event is an experience your mind and body cannot fully process. You feel unsafe and overwhelmed.

Working Memory-

Working memory is the mental workspace where you make sense of what is happening — and what has already happened.

When Trauma Gets Stuck-

Traumatic experiences don’t always get fully processed. Instead of being stored as a memory of the past, they remain active in working memory.

When something in the present resembles the past trauma, the brain reacts as if the danger is happening again.

The survival brain takes over.

Stress rises.

Reasoning goes offline.

This often explains why a normally reasonable person can suddenly become unreasonable.

Trauma Healing-

Healing happens when the brain finally completes the memory process and moves the experience into long-term memory — where it belongs.

When that happens:

•Triggers lose their power

•Emotional overreactions fade

•The nervous system settles

And, memories stay in the past in term memory.

Close:

Understanding what is happening inside your brain can be helpful.

And if you feel stuck, a trained trauma counselor may be able to guide you to healing.

Prayer:

Father, Please bless me. Please heal the places in me that were overwhelmed. Please bring peace to what feels stuck. Help my mind and body rest well. Amen.

Scripture:

“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”

Psalm 30:2 (NIV)