The Power of Cold Water

 

Today we return to our Iceberg.

Metaphorically speaking, the water around the lower part of the Iceberg directly impacts the size and mental function of the berg. We talked previously about how cold water, which I said was a trauma caused by an outside source of influence, increases the berg by directly affecting the components of the ice. The environmental aspect of the iceberg is critical because we are not isolated from other influences in our lives.

When trauma, especially in the form of abuse, occurs, there are physiological changes to the victim’s brain. The longer the exposure to the abuse, the more changes will occur. The result of this physiological change affects the human growth process of the brain to be in a state of constant high alert, looking to escape the source of danger and pain.

This is what we say that the younger the person is, the more likely they are to experience future abuse, creating an abuse cycle, likewise. they become stuck at the age of the abuse in their cognitive human growth.

As humans, we have very few things that threaten us. Imagine walking through the woods, and out in front of you, there is a bear. Our physiological response to danger automatically activates our adrenaline system, and we go into our “Flight, Fight, or Freeze” response. Afterward. we ask a few mental questions to process the bear attack.

        1)      What caused the attack?

        2)      Am I at risk of another attack?

        3)      What can I do to prevent future attacks?

How these are answered will further affect our mental and physical growth. If the person is constantly at risk, say from a parent or other person’s abuse, then they will remain under constant guard. The saying goes, A person cannot read a book while being chased by a bear.” Normal activity is directly affected by fear and hypervigilance needed to stay safe.

 

     Beyond the physiological harm to the brain, (Trauma) icy water has an influence on a person’s Thoughts, Core Beliefs, Attitudes, and Emotions, in part to the answers to the questions.

If the person believes the bear attack was their fault, that will affect their beliefs and thoughts. If the source of abuse is constant, then fear and anger can develop as an emotional response. Left unresolved, they will form the base of the person’s iceberg.

But as we will see next time, the Iceberg is not in the water alone. “Cue the suspense music.”

These questions are designed for you to think about the blog. They are not intended for you to share the answers in the comments, but you are welcome to share them with me. 

Question:

Take a minute and reflect on your life.

·         What kind of Physical or Psychological effects have you experienced from trauma (either yours or someone else’s)?

·         Take a minute and evaluate each section of the iceberg to see if there is a connection to a life event.

   ü  How does it affect your Core Beliefs?
   ü  Does it affect your Thoughts?
   ü  Has it affected your Attitude in general or toward people?
   ü  What Emotions are related to events of the past?
   ü  How has all of this been reflected in your actions or behavior? Be specific. 

Who could you share this blog with today that could use a word of insight?