Dysregulation After Trauma
Dysregulation after Trauma
By: Angela Englander August 3, 2015
After traumatic experiences people often find themselves having to cope with a variety of struggles. At times the struggles they are experiencing do not seem to relate directly to the trauma yet may result because of an inability to regulate emotions and/or behaviours. Regulation is a term used to describe a balance between extremes. On one hand a person may over do something and on the other they may be under doing it. A person may also swing from one extreme to the other when they are unable to balance and regulate themselves. The following is a list of common over or under regulated experiences.
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Too Much Control |
Too Little Control |
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Numb emotions |
Overwhelming emotions |
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Withdrawal from socializing |
Constantly needing attention |
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Sleeping all day |
Insomnia |
| Depression |
Anxiety |
|
Inability to relax |
Reckless behaviour |
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Ruminating thoughts |
Inability to focus or concentrate |
|
Obsessive planning |
Procrastination |
|
Sexual avoidance |
Sex addiction |
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Always saying “no” |
Always saying “yes” |
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Passive |
Aggressive |
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Being abused |
Abusing someone |
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Obsessions and compulsions |
Dissociation and avoidance |
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Fear of spending money |
Compulsive shopping |
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Fear of intimacy |
Codependent relationship |
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Not having relationships |
Getting involved too quickly |
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Avoiding social situations |
Constantly needing attention |
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Distrust and paranoia |
Being open with everyone |
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Ending relationships quickly |
Staying in unhealthy relationships |
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Hoarding |
Destroying and damaging possessions |
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Being suspicious of others |
Being around unsafe people |
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Flat emotions |
Intense emotions |
A variety of skills can be used to help balance out extremes, some of these skills involve challenging black and white thinking, challenging false beliefs, and considering opposites that can both be true. By training your brain to think in a more inclusive way you can learn to have a healthier and more balanced life. To find a worksheet on learning how opposite things can both be true check out http://waystowellbeing.ca/opposites-that-can-both-be-true/ . To work on challenging unhealthy beliefs check out http://waystowellbeing.ca/whats-keeping-you-from-living-the-life-you-deserve/ . As always, feel free to e-mail me angela@waystowellbeing.ca .
Have a wonderful day and continue on your healing journey!