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A common misconception is that the mind is separate from the body and cannot impact each other. It has been found, however, that there is a strong connection between them. They can benefit or harm each other. The mind-body connection is a concept that represents the influence one has on the other. According to the American Heart Association (2021), psychological health can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improve heart health. Other benefits include better sleep quality, stronger social bonds, reduced pain, and more (Ingaki & Ross, 2021). Consequently, it’s important to remember that if we experience chronic stress and complex trauma, it can contribute to a higher risk of CVD and cancer development (Lurz & Ladwig, 2022; Dai et al., 2020). This can also lead to an imbalance in homeostasis, resulting in emotional dysregulation and other pathophysiological complications (Yaribeygi et al., 2017). Stress can be a triggering factor for diseases and mental disorders.
Non-traditional types of therapies that can help restore the mind-body connection are Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). SP is a holistic method based on the understanding that the body stores implicit memory fragments that signal danger in the absence of immediate and acute threats (Classen et al., 2021). It consists of three steps:
EMDR is another psychotherapeutic approach that was initially intended to help treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It involves a series of eye movement alternations that has been found to help reduce symptoms (Scelles and Bulnes, 2021). It consists of eight steps that include relaxation techniques, installation and bolstering of inner resources, and training to face internal difficulties. EMDR has been found to improve symptoms of PTSD faster than any other form of therapy (Hase, 2021). SP, SE, and EMDR can be considered non-traditional treatments for trauma because of their focus on bodily sensations and awareness. They are used to recognize the interconnection between emotional, cognitive, and physiological processes without the need for verbal processing of trauma. They help improve the regulation of the autonomic nervous system which is something that can be often overlooked in traditional therapies. It is important to note that they can have limitations based on their context. Because SP is experienced through phases, it can be time-intensive and less suitable for individuals who require short-term symptom stabilization. For SE, it is the only method to not include an active processing of traumatic memories. Because it lacks this cognitive aspect, SE alone may not be sufficient, especially for individuals with extreme symptoms. Lastly, because EMDR requires an individual to relive traumatic experiences, this can be overwhelming for those with severe dissociation and emotional dysregulation. It is important to recognize which methods of therapy would best fit our own needs and experiences. References
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College presents numerous challenges for students, and this transition can be particularly daunting for minority students, as it often amplifies underlying issues that contribute to feelings of isolation, stress, and anxiety. Kodish et al. (2021) mentioned that in 2019, 42% of U.S. college students reported high rates of depression, with 63.6% experiencing overwhelming anxiety. Furthermore, a recent article from ScienceBeta in 2023 highlighted a significant increase in the rate of depression among minority students at predominantly white colleges compared to their white peers (Demetre, 2023).
First-generation students especially often go through various obstacles like financial stress, lack of familial support, racial disparity, social challenges, and so on. Demetre (2023) further emphasizes the impact of lack of belongingness on the mental health of college students. Navigating some of these issues can be hard for this group of college students, especially without appropriate access or support. Racial inequality in colleges can also exacerbate the feeling of isolation and stress among minority groups. This may come in the form of a lack of faculty members of color dealing with student affairs, microaggression, discrimination, and stigmatization. Lack of representation may burden students with isolation or feelings of inadequacy. Subtle forms of racism or racial-driven situations take a toll on the mental health of minority students especially when constantly exposed to these types of situations. Lack of appropriate support particularly in areas like intersectionality and identity. The interconnected nature of social categorizations like race, gender, and class adds another layer to the mental health experiences of minority college students. The CDC reported in a 2021 article that feelings of distress were found to be more common among LGBTQ+ students, female students, and students across racial and ethnic groups. Navigating multiple facets of identity while trying to find a sense of belonging can be particularly daunting. In conclusion, while college is a time of growth and learning, it is essential to recognize and address the specific mental health challenges faced by minority students. By acknowledging the unique pressures, they experience, from the burden of representation to navigating microaggressions and accessing support, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive college environment. Empowering students to embrace their identities and providing them with the resources they need to thrive is crucial in ensuring that all students have equal opportunities for success in their academic and personal journey. References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). Mental health. Retrieved July 20, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/mental-health/index.htm Demetre, D. C. (2023). Depression among minority college students. ScienceBeta. Retrieved July 20, 2024, from https://sciencebeta.com/depression-rminority-college-students/ Kodish, T., Lau, A. S., Gong-Guy, E., Congdon, E., Arnaudova, I., Schmidt, M., Shoemaker, L., & Craske, M. G. (2022). Enhancing racial/ethnic equity in college student mental health through innovative screening and treatment. Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 49(2), 267-282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-021-01163-1  Have you ever thought about the impact on one's nervous system after experiencing repeated trauma? While we typically anticipate an emotional reaction, it's important to recognize that both the body and mind are equally affected when we sense danger. Although, we can’t always control our reflexes, the function of our nervous systems and our physiological responses may continue to influence our behaviors even after the perceived threat is gone. In 1994, Dr. Stephen Porges proposed a theory called Polyvagal theory, in hopes of understanding the influence of our nervous system on social adaptiveness, expression of behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders. Polyvagal theory specifically describes how one’s automatic behavioral response is linked to perceived environmental cues. Ryland et al. (2022) further explained that Polyvagal theory emphasizes how one’s nervous system works in response to environmental factors that either activate one’s defensiveness or social engagement when appropriate. There are Three Pillars of Polyvagal Theory 3 Pathways Of Our Physiological Responses
Neuroception: Is described as the process of one’s nervous system to scan for cues that indicates safety, danger, or threats. Giving the nervous system the ability to react to those cues. After the scan is done, the Vagus nerve then transmits that information to the appropriate part of the body, serving as the main connection between the brain and the body. For example, when we touch some hot and immediately take our hands away, the vagus nerve sends distress signal to the brain and helps the body return back to a calmer state. With a normal nervous system, this process involves evaluating risk and finding appropriate channels of behavioral response. However, with individuals whose nervous system has been significantly compromised through repeated exposure to trauma, there is a mismatch in assessment of cues where their nervous system indicates constant danger even when the environment is safe. They may show reactions like fight, flight, freeze and even decrease social engagement behaviors (AMS Medicine, 2023)  The Impact of Regulating Our Nervous System
Coregulation: This happens when two or more nervous systems interact in a way that promotes mutual wellbeing and emotional connection. An example of this is seen in mothers and their infants. Oftentimes when the infants are in distress, they rely on the comfort and engagement of their caregivers to regulate their distress. Polyvagal Theory Plays a Role in Treatment Outcomes The Polyvagal theory was developed to help individuals dealing with trauma, stress, emotional dysregulation and other psychological disorders. Reestablishing emotional balance is ultimately necessary for the overall recovery and healing. The presence of trauma especially often dysregulates one’s nervous system. When this happens, we often see instances where people alternate between states of hyperarousal and complete depletion. Behaviors like exaggerated startle response, difficulty sleeping, constant feelings of being on edge or feelings of numbness, disconnect and emotional detachment becomes more apparent. The concept of coregulation often extends beyond parent and child relationships. A significant factor of improvement that was mentioned earlier is social engagement. When in distress, social engagement plays a vital role in fostering positive social interactions, sense of safety, trust and emotional resilience. However, co-regulation can be particularly challenging for people with PTSD or complex trauma. Individuals with PTSD often remain in a heightened state of alertness. This hypervigilance can make them highly sensitive to the emotional states of others, sometimes leading to increased anxiety or discomfort when trying to connect or co-regulate. In the context of development and therapeutic processes, co-regulation may also needed. In therapeutic settings, when there is co-regulation between therapist and clients, there is an increased sense of safety and support that foster healing and growth. People who have been through traumatic experiences that have altered their nervous system may need more positive social engagement with others. This enables people to be able to connect, understand, and support each other’s emotional and physiological well-being. With trauma care and treatment, this is especially helpful in reframing trauma behaviors. Therapeutic process further provides a way to repair ruptures in one’s ability to regulate their emotional capacity and relate to the world around them (Grassmann et al, 2023). The understanding of Polyvagal theory provides great insight into behaviors, choices and even distress patterns which facilitates better connections and positive treatment outcomes. Reference AMS Medicine (2023). Polyvagal Theory: Advancing the understanding of the autonomic nervous system in medicine. AMS Adult Medicine Specialists. https://amsmedicine.com/polyvagal-theory-advancing-the-understanding-of-the-autonomic-nervous-system-in-medicine/#comments Grassmann, H., Stupiggia, M., & Porges, S. W. (2023). The Science of Embodiment: Trauma, Body, and Relationship. International Body Psychotherapy Journal, 22(1), 149–158. Ryland, S., Johnson, L. N., & Bernards, J. C. (2022). Honoring Protective Responses: Reframing Resistance in Therapy Using Polyvagal Theory. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 44(3), 267–275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-021-09584-8 |