posted 1st September 2024
In times of crisis, human beings experience an array of psychological responses that can profoundly impact our mental health and emotional well-being. Among these, the brain's ability to protect itself from overwhelming stress and trauma plays a crucial role.
Coined as "involuntary detention from their reality," this phenomenon illustrates a psychological coping mechanism engendered by our neural circuits to help us handle emotionally traumatic experiences.
At the heart of the brain's reaction to trauma is its inherent ability to modify our perception of reality, effectively detaching us from the pain and intensity of the moment. This detachment is not a conscious choice but an involuntary reaction that can serve as a protective buffer against emotional overwhelm.
According to van der Kolk (2014), during traumatic experiences, the brain can alter its processing by dissociating, a process that allows individuals to endure distress by temporarily disconnecting from it. This phenomenon can be seen as the brain's method of "involuntary detention from their reality," providing a mental escape from unbearable situations.
Neurological Underpinnings
Understanding the neurological underpinnings involves exploring key brain areas involved in stress and trauma response, notably the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. The amygdala, responsible for detecting fear and preparing the body for emergency responses, can trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions that enhance survival during an immediate threat (LeDoux, 2000). In contrast, the hippocampus, which ordinarily plays a significant role in forming new memories, may function under constraints during trauma, affecting how memories of the trauma are encoded (Bremner, 2006). The prefrontal cortex, which governs reasoning and decision-making, often becomes less active. This reduction in activity may contribute to the feeling of detachment or unreality—a psychological distancing from the crisis at hand.
Dissociation: Clinical Insights and Implications
Dissociation serves as one of the primary mechanisms behind this involuntary detention from reality. During dissociation, a person may feel disconnected from their body, their sense of identity, or the world around them—almost as if they are a detached observer of their own life (Spiegel, 2013). This can serve as a coping mechanism to shield the individual from full emotional engagement with traumatic events. Clinically, understanding dissociation and its triggers is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies that help individuals reintegrate their traumatic experiences in a healthy, manageable way.
Psychological Theories on Trauma Response
Psychological theories, such as Horowitz's Stress Response Syndromes, offer a framework for understanding how the brain reacts to overwhelming events (Horowitz, 1986). These theories suggest that the brain cycles through stages of outcry, denial, and eventual working through of the traumatic event. The initial involuntary detachment from reality can thus be seen as part of the denial phase, where the emotional reality of the event is not fully acknowledged, affording the brain some time to adjust and prepare for processing the trauma.
Therapeutic Interventions and Healing
Therapeutic interventions aimed at helping individuals move through and beyond this involuntary detachment are crucial. Techniques such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) are specifically designed to help patiemts safely confront and reprocess traumatic memories, facilitating a reconnection with reality in a controlled and therapeutic manner (Shapiro, 2018).
Mindfulness and Resilience Building
Beyond clinical interventions, practices such as mindfulness and resilience training can enhance an individual's ability to cope with stress and reduce the likelihood of severe dissociative reactions. Mindfulness encourages a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, helping individuals anchor themselves in their current experiences rather than detaching from them (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). The brain's ability to involuntarily detain itself from reality during traumatic events is a profound demonstration of the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity. By understanding the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms that underlie this process, mental health professionals can better support individuals in navigating their paths to recovery.
Ultimately, uncovering the mysteries of this mental phenomenon not only enriches our understanding of the human psyche but also enhances our capability to develop more effective coping strategies in times of crisis.
References
- van der Kolk B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.
- LeDoux J. (2000). Emotion circuits in the brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience.
- Bremner J.D. (2006). Traumatic stress: Effects on the brain. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.
- Spiegel D. (2013). Dissociation: The mind's escape. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation.
- Horowitz M. (1986). Stress response syndromes: PTSD, grief and adjustment disorders. The Guilford Press.
- Shapiro F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, third edition: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. Guilford Press.
- Kabat-Zinn J. (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Delta.
