Comments on: Triggers Activate Neuropathways in the Brain

By: Roger Reynolds

Roger Reynolds — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:12:08 +0000

Amy,

Thanks for asking, to clarify.

The letters on the road and pathway image are an analogy using a real life image to demonstrate the following neuropathways in the brain.
A. Something activates a neuropathway in the brain.
B. Primary neuropathway, used for years, a person’s usual response to Activation A.
C. Secondary Neuropathway that has been used a number of times and has been established for a while, in response to Activation A. (
D. Third Neuropathway that has been used just a few times in response to Activation A.

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 05:19:35 +0000

I really appreciate your description of how Neuropathways are created and how positive things like a favorite song can become a trigger when experienced during a traumatic event. I am curious about the photo with the letters and was wondering if each letter corresponds to something that maybe I didn’t see or understand. My support system can sometimes be dismissive or minimizing when it comes to acknowledging my triggers so thank you for giving me useful information that may help me to be able to talk with others in a way that they can understand … I’ve always found it difficult to put my experience into words and it’s really validating to have someone with shared experience who is willing and able to sort of mentor or coach with how to do that.

By: Katherine

Katherine — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 00:11:10 +0000

Roger,

Many thanks for sharing your research and knowledge in a personal and easy manner for people to understand. I empathize with your suffering and am pleased you have a proper diagnosis. I was married to a narcissist for 10 years, followed by attempts to co-parent after I divorced him. He received “residential” privileges, because I am a News Anchor, who worked at night. We shared 50/50 custody otherwise. My children: daughter, 21, son, 19, stopped speaking to me 3 years ago, likely due to a psychic split their young brains needed, in order to survive their father and stepmother’s covert smear campaign against me, of which I was unaware of until my work required me to move 5 hours away.. I will never give up on them, and know what they are up against, having lived with my ex-husband for a decade. My children believe what they have been conditioned and manipulated into thinking about me. I appreciate your explanation of neuropathways and how trauma imprints on the brain, to the point of a default response.. Living in a toxic, abnormal, co-dependent environment, much like you did as a child, wreaks havoc on an impressionable young mind. So happy you were able to identify your pain, and have trigger responses ready, in the event of an unanticipated reminder.. Best wishes to you!!