by Krystyn Strother

Being diagnosed with a medical problem can be distressing, even traumatic. The experience of trauma is entirely subjective but it can lead to post-traumaticstress disorder (PTSD). Let’s first look at the definition of PTSD and Trauma:

Trauma is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as an emotional response to a terrible event.1 That’s a pretty broad definition and can be entirely subjective.

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is described as an intense response to trauma and can create severe distress and can limit one’s ability to function in life.2 PTSD from chronic pain or illness is very real and if you think about it, makes a lot of sense.3 Chronic illness and pain are all at once traumatic to the body, brain and emotions, and the level to which people experience symptoms are vast. Some folks dowell, while others struggle to get out of bed each day.

One of the tools that we possess to cope with trauma is to work directly with the brain using mindfulness. Science has shown us, through a huge number of studies, that the brain does not become static once it reaches maturity. It continues to change based on our experiences and actions by way of neuroplasticity. They gray matter in our brain can get bigger or smaller; neural connections can become stronger or weaker. Every time you learn a new dance step you are creating a new neural pathway.

We often hear about neuroplasticity in relation to using techniques to heal from injury, cope with chronic pain, deal with stress and anxiety. While creating new neural pathways does help us deal with these things, it can also work against us when we have negative experiences. When trauma is encountered, the brain creates new pathways and changes its structure in response to the event in a way that does not serve us well.4

There is a significant amount of data that supports using mindfulness as treatment for those affected by trauma and PTSD.5 Practicing mindfulness reverses the neurological patterns taking place with trauma and PTSD by decreasing areas of the brain that are more active in stressful situations and increasing activity in areas of the brain that regulate our emotion and decision making.6 Do a google search for “mindfulness brain scan” to see side by side images of brain function before and after practicing mindfulness.

It is important to realize and reiterate that fear or anxiety around procedures, infusions, or other pokes and sticks is nothing to be ashamed of, and trying to get yourself or your child to accept an “it’s no big deal” attitude is often not the answer, especially if there is trauma and PTSD involved. Fortunately, there are tools that we can use to help our kids, and ourselves, become more comfortable. Practicing together as a family will help those with fear, anxiety, or trauma feel less alone and supported.

1. Progressive relaxation

   A. Tense the muscles of your body (arms, upper body, legs) and hold for a count of 10.

   B. Release the tension and relax to the count of 20.

2. Belly breath

A. Relax your face and place one hand on your belly. Take long, slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Feel the belly rise as you breathe in and gently drop as you breathe out. Don’t force the breath, let it be easy. Do this for 5 or more breaths.

3. Fear wave

a. This is helpful for those that may have a fear of needles or experience anxiety around pokes and sticks. This can also be used as a template for other procedures.

We begin by noting what it is that makes us the most anxious. Rather than tackle the big stick first we can start with small things. Use the chart below and have your kiddo rank what scares them the most. This one is filled out as an example.

Begin with the least difficult situation. You can visualize this situation as an island out at sea. You slowly paddle out in your boat or surfboard (your kid’s watercraft of choice) toward this point. If anxiety begins, hold where you are in the water and try a few rounds of progressive relaxation or belly breath. The anxiety doesn’t have to go away completely but it will begin to lessen and become more manageable. Continue moving towards the feared situation. Each bout of anxiety or fear is like a wave. It builds and intensifies and then it will gradually reduce. Staying with the fear allows us to see how anxiety makes us feel and shows us that it is only temporary. Ride the waves of the sea until you find yourself at the shore of this particular island.

When your child feels confident with one situation, move onto the next. Eventually, with visualization practice, there will be smooth sailing towards these situations. This practice changes the way the brain reacts to the actual fear inducing situations when they arise. Overcoming your fear will take some time and practice, but in the long run, it will make life less stressful and you will feel less anxious.