Sweet As Ever LLC

Please take the time to read this article by Courtenay Harris Bond with the PhillyVoice.com. We have been testing the supply for months. Over 400 samples from March - October, thanks in large part to the help of Fernando Montero and his team. The drugs are changing and we need to stay current and share up to date information. I met with Valley Forge Medical Center and Hospital and we discussed the shift in drug supply and how it correlates to the acute withdrawal stages including complications and symptemology with this poly chemical substance wave. Savage Sisters Recovery, Inc is hoping to have more conversations across the community to share the information. We need to work together come up with real time solutions to promote healing, research & progress to help our communities heal. #philly #voice #drugchecking #worthsaving #publichealth #socialjustice #harmreduction #recovery #addiction #treatment https://lnkd.in/eBbKzMmp

“Why do I feel this way?” Sometimes, the effects of trauma go beyond the mind—it lives in the body. Trauma doesn’t just disappear after the event; our body carries the weight of it, often in ways we don’t recognize. Here’s how the body remembers trauma: ➔ Flashbacks/Headaches: Sudden memories or intrusive thoughts can resurface, bringing physical pain like headaches. ➔ Dissociation: You might feel detached, as though you’re not fully present in your own life. ➔ Chronic Pain: Unexplained aches and pains can linger as your body holds onto the stress. ➔ Muscle Tension: Your muscles may remain tight or stiff, even when you’re at rest. ➔ Digestive Issues: Stress and trauma can affect how your body processes food, leading to cramps, nausea, or other digestive problems. ➔ Sweating: Profuse sweating, especially during sleep, can occur as your body relives the memories. ➔ Body Size Fluctuations: Weight gain or loss can happen as a result of trauma-related hormonal changes or emotional eating. ➔ Immune System Dysfunction: Trauma may dysregulate your immune system, making you more prone to illness. ➔ Skin Problems: Issues like eczema, dry skin, or hair loss can also be connected to unresolved trauma. This is your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention. Trauma isn’t just “in your head”—it’s in your nervous system, muscles, and even your gut. The good news? Healing is possible. Trauma-informed therapies, mindfulness, and self-care can help release these stored emotions from the body. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, know that you’re not alone. Your body is trying to protect you, but it’s also asking for healing. Let’s normalize conversations about how trauma impacts the body. What’s one thing you’ve learned about your mind-body connection? Let’s discuss in the comments. illustration credit: @thepresentpsychologisy #TraumaAwareness #MentalHealth #MindBodyConnection #HealingJourney

Have you ever stopped to check in with your inner child? That part of you that still carries past experiences and emotions deserves kindness and acknowledgment. 🌟 Here are some gentle messages for your inner child: - You deserved to feel safe. I will work hard to keep you safe now. - You are not responsible for making others happy. - I am sorry you felt so alone. For employees managing workplace stress or students navigating academic challenges, addressing your inner child can help build self-compassion and emotional resilience. Taking a moment to recognize these feelings can lighten the mental load and improve overall well-being. What message would you send to your inner child today? Let's start a meaningful conversation below. 🌱

🎆🎆🎆

Developmental trauma refers to the chronic exposure to adverse experiences during critical periods of a child's development. Such experiences may include neglect, emotional or physical abuse, inconsistent caregiving, or witnessing domestic violence. Unlike acute trauma, which results from a singular event, developmental trauma stems from prolonged and repeated exposure to harmful environments, significantly shaping the child’s emotional, cognitive, and physiological development. Developmental trauma disrupts the foundational processes of development, particularly in the domains of attachment, emotional regulation, and cognitive functioning. Research by van der Kolk (2005) highlights that early exposure to chronic stress alters the brain’s structure and functioning, especially in areas such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These changes result in: 1. Dysregulated Stress Response: Prolonged activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leads to heightened reactivity to stress and difficulties calming down. 2. Impaired Attachment: According to Bowlby’s attachment theory, children exposed to inconsistent caregiving develop insecure attachment styles, which can manifest as anxiety, avoidance, or difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life. 3. Cognitive and Academic Challenges: Chronic exposure to stress impairs executive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving (Perry et al., 1995). Behavioral Manifestations Developmental trauma can lead to: Hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response. Difficulty regulating emotions, often leading to intense outbursts or withdrawal. Risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm, as coping mechanisms. Long-Term Effects Felitti et al.'s (1998) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study found a strong correlation between early trauma and negative outcomes in adulthood, including physical illnesses (e.g., cardiovascular disease), mental health disorders (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety), and social difficulties. Developmental trauma has far-reaching consequences. DM for support

Polyvagal Theory was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how the vagus nerve, a key part of the autonomic nervous system, regulates our responses to stress, safety, and connection. This framework sheds light on trauma, emotional regulation, and relationship dynamics, offering transformative insights into mental health. Three States of the Nervous System 1. Ventral Vagal State (Safe and Social): The state of calm and connection. It allows for social engagement, clear thinking, and emotional regulation. 2. Sympathetic State (Fight or Flight): Activated during perceived threats, it prepares the body to respond. Prolonged activation can lead to anxiety and stress. 3. Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown): Triggered by overwhelming threats, it causes disconnection or numbness, often linked to trauma and depression. Neuroception and Co-Regulation 1. Neuroception: This subconscious process helps the nervous system detect safety or danger. It explains why environments or interactions can feel safe or triggering without conscious awareness. 2. Co-Regulation (Vagal Brake): Safe interactions with others can calm the nervous system. The ventral vagus nerve, through the vagal brake, helps maintain calm by slowing the heart rate. This highlights the importance of supportive relationships in mental health. Importance in Mental Health 1. Understanding Trauma: Trauma survivors often alternate between hyper-arousal and shutdown. Recognizing these states helps in providing effective, trauma-informed care. 2. Enhancing Emotional Regulation: Identifying nervous system states empowers individuals to adopt tools to foster calm and resilience. 3. Improving Relationships: Understanding co-regulation deepens connections and helps build trust in interactions. 4. Promoting Mind-Body Integration: Practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and yoga stimulate the ventral vagal state, reducing stress. Practical Applications 1. Recognize States: Observe your physical and emotional cues to understand your current state. 2. Use Grounding Techniques: Engage in activities like rhythmic breathing, humming, or connecting with loved ones to activate the ventral vagal state. 3. Foster Safe Environments: Build supportive and calming spaces that encourage safety and connection. 4. Seek Support: Trauma-informed therapy can guide nervous system regulation, especially after trauma. Example: Mia, recovering from childhood trauma, oscillates between anxiety (fight or flight) and withdrawal (shutdown). By understanding Polyvagal Theory, she identifies her triggers and uses grounding exercises, gradually building safe connections. Over time, she experiences fewer shutdowns and fosters healthier relationships. Polyvagal Theory offers a practical framework to understand and regulate our nervous system. By integrating its principles, we can foster safety, connection, and healing, transforming our mental health and relationships. Illustration credit: Trauma Geek

In recent years, certain psychological terms such as gaslighting and narcissist have become increasingly popular in everyday conversations. While it is encouraging to see people becoming more aware of psychological concepts, identifying red flags, and prioritising boundaries, we must approach this with caution. The popularisation of these terms has led to a tendency to misuse or oversimplify them. For instance, gaslighting is more than someone lying or disagreeing with you—it is a manipulative strategy designed to make you question your reality, memory, or sanity. Similarly, being triggered is not simply feeling uncomfortable or annoyed; it refers to a sudden increase in symptoms such as flashbacks in PTSD or compulsions in OCD. Likewise, calling someone a narcissist for being rude or selfish fails to capture the clinical complexity of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which is a formal diagnosis and not just a description of unpleasant behaviour. Lastly, while something hurtful may cause distress, it does not automatically qualify as trauma, which refers to experiences that overwhelm one’s ability to cope and have long-lasting impacts. As someone studying psychology, I recognise the significant weight and depth these terms hold. In professional practice, labels are applied only after careful assessment and a thorough understanding of an individual’s behaviour and circumstances. Misusing these terms not only dilutes their meaning but also risks stigmatising individuals and overlooking the nuances of their experiences. While protecting ourselves from toxic environments and setting healthy boundaries is essential, we must resist the urge to hastily label others. Instead, we should take a step back, assess situations thoughtfully, and strive for balance—embracing psychological knowledge while respecting its depth and complexity. #PsychologyAwareness #Gaslighting #Triggers #Narcissism #UnderstandingTrauma #MentalHealthMatters #SettingBoundaries #RedFlags #EmotionalWellbeing #PsychologyStudent #ResponsibleLabeling #HealthyRelationships #counseling #therapy #mindfulness #oulife #oustudent #openuniversity #psychology #mentalhealth

Love this

Rose, on the surface, she seems fine, or at least that's what most people think. After losing her brother in a road traffic accident (RTA), she returned to work, smiled politely, and even made small talk at gatherings. But beneath that composed exterior was a world no one saw. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is often like an iceberg. What’s visible above the waterline, like Rose’s occasional startle responses or her avoidance of driving, is only a fraction of what lies below, such as: - Sleepless nights haunted by flashbacks. - A constant sense of dread, even in safe spaces. - Irrational guilt, whispering that she should have been there to prevent it. - A body that tenses at the sound of screeching tires, as if bracing for impact all over again. One evening, a friend casually said, “You’re so strong, Rose. You’ve moved on so well.” The words stung, not because they were ill-intended, but because they dismissed the depth of her unseen struggle. Rose’s story reminds us that PTSD is rarely just about what we see. The "iceberg" of PTSD includes emotional pain, intrusive thoughts, and physical symptoms like fatigue and muscle tension, all hidden beneath the surface. So, how can we support someone like Rose? 1. Acknowledge the unseen: Don’t assume someone is “okay” because they appear functional. 2. Be patient: Healing is a process, not a timeline. 3. Create safety: Offer judgment-free spaces where they can share, or simply be present with them in silence. 4. Encourage professional help: Therapy, especially trauma-informed approaches like EMDR or CBT, can guide healing. If you’ve ever felt like Rose, know that what lies beneath your iceberg matters, even if it feels invisible to the world. And if you know someone navigating PTSD, remember, your empathy can be a lifeline in their sea of emotions. Let’s look beyond the surface and support each other through the storms. Illustration credit: Unknown