Dysfunction junction™

Dictionary

‘HE CAN’T HELP IT WHEN HE’S HAPPY HE LOOKS INSANE’ — PEARL JAM

  • A collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems. Adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones that are essential to life.

    Adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia is a term to suggest that the adrenal glands are exhausted and unable to produce adequate quantities of hormones, primarily cortisol, due to chronic stress or infections.

    Adrenal Fatigue is currently unrecognized by the AMA and broader medical community.

    Lauren is going to change that! The diagnosis is real and so is recovery with the proper resources and HOW-ARE U HEALING™ HABITS!

  • Identified by Weischeider (1981) with respect to alcoholic families. The use of these terms has been widened to include other types of dysfunctional family systems including emotionally or psychologically disturbed (e.g., Narcissistic Personality Disordered or Bi-Polar Disorder) 

    • It’s not easy to determine who has been assigned what role in a dysfunctional family, if only as roles do change if only by necessity of someone leaving their assigned role by external factors, forcing a reallocation of the roles

    • There may not be ‘enough’ individuals to assign a single role to, and thus multiple roles are bestowed on the individual. Never at the same moment though. Each role has to be fulfilled ‘one-dimensionally’, resulting in personal internal stress as it’s often far from clear which role the other family members demand at any given time

  • The autonomic nervous system, which is part of the central nervous system, is the body’s unconscious control center.

    It consists of two interconnected branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which regulate homeostasis in regard to psychological and physiological states. Both work together to maintain balance within the body.

  • Perpetual state of heightened alertness and awareness that can result from past trauma. Causes physical, behavioral and emotional symptoms 

    Significant negative impact on quality of life, leading to memory impairment, difficulty regulating emotions, trouble maintaining relationships, intense physical ailments and struggles carrying out day-to-day tasks.

  • The exposure to multiple,

    often interrelated forms of traumatic experiences, interpersonal in nature, over an extended period of time
    AND the difficulties that arise as a result of adapting to and/or     surviving these events

    Complex Trauma is generally associated with childhood but can also happen in adulthood

  • A severe form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/Response (PTSD/PTSR) that develops after prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, typically during childhood or early adulthood. 

    CPTSD is an unrecognized by the DSMV mental health condition that requires specialized treatment, such as therapy and medication, to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

    While CPTSD is often associated with chronic trauma in childhood, adults who experience chronic trauma can also develop the condition.

    The severity and duration of the trauma can influence the likelihood of developing the condition

    Characteristics of CPTSD:

    • Multiple traumatic events: Exposure to numerous, interconnected, and often interpersonal traumas (e.g., abuse, neglect, violence) 

    • Persistent symptoms: Symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and hyperarousal, that are more severe and enduring 

    • Emotional dysregulation: Difficulty controlling emotions, leading to intense anger, shame, guilt, and depression 

    • Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from oneself, others, or reality 

    • Altered self-perception: Distorted sense of identity, worthlessness, and hopelessness 

    • Interpersonal difficulties: Challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships due to distrust, fear, and avoidance 

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  • Essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison (i.e. disparate somatic responses to trauma)

  • LFE’s ‘Are You F*cking Kidding Me/Are You F*cking Serious’ Moment

    Mental escape when physical escape is not possible, or too emotionally overwhelmed to cope

    Out of body experience – as if a person is above or behind their body. 

    ‘This isn't happening to me’

  • ALL THE GENERATIONAL UNPROCESSED COMPLEX TRAUMA!

    The convergence of multiple dysfunction, chaos, heartbreak and shame for any given time period, sometimes in perpetuity…GO HEAL YOURSELF!

    A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS — THE LAUREN FRIEDMAN EXPERIENCE would have been a working title if Lemony Snicket didn’t leverage it first

  • Characterized by persistently negative, unhealthy, or abusive interactions that impair members’ well-being, often stemming from parental challenges like addiction or mental health issues. Dysfunctional family examples include constant conflict, addiction, abuse, mental disorders, neglect, abandonment and more

    • Relationships and interactions among members are persistently negative, unhealthy, or abusive, leading to a toxic environment that impairs the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of its members 

    • Conflict, misconduct, abuse, or neglect are typical dysfunctional family dynamics due to one or both parents. These parents cannot fulfill their family responsibilities due to inconsistent, unresponsive, or overly critical parenting or because of challenges such as addiction, mental health issues, or chronic physical illness.​

  • A psychological condition that describes how adults who grew up in dysfunctional households (which can include addiction, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, witnessing violence, etc.) can carry the same emotional baggage into their adult lives

    • Children who grow up in these types of environments may not receive the emotional support and guidance they need to develop healthy coping mechanisms and self-esteem. This can lead to a pattern of negative behaviors that carry into adulthood, and never learning how-to-human

  • A dysregulated nervous system refers to a state of imbalance or dysfunction within the body’s central control network or central nervous system. This intricate system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and a vast array of sensory and motor nerves, acts as the command center for all bodily functions.

    When working optimally, the nervous system maintains a delicate balance, allowing us to respond appropriately to our environment and maintain overall health and well-being.

    However, when the nervous system becomes dysregulated, it can lead to many symptoms and challenges that affect every aspect of a human’s quality of life.

    • Long after a traumatic event has passed, a person’s nervous system can be reactivated whenever they perceive danger.

    • A dysregulated nervous system can manifest as appearing shut down, lethargic, or “out of it” as part of the "freeze" or "fawn" trauma responses.

    • There is a longstanding body of research that correlates higher Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) scores with an increased risk of a dysregulated nervous system.

    • Difficulty relaxing and hypervigilance are correlated with a dysregulated nervous system and "fight" or "flight" trauma responses

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

    A structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (not always eye movements Lauren uses tappers), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotional charge associated with the trauma memories.

  • Trauma /Stress response mechanisms that the human body activates when facing a perceived threat

    This response involves trying to please the perceived threat by being overly accommodating, submissive, or agreeable to avoid conflict. 

    The fawn response is characterized by a strong desire to please or appease others in the face of trauma. Individuals exhibiting the fawn response might engage in people-pleasing behaviors, seeking to be agreeable and helpful, even to their detriment. This response often emerges from a deep-seated need for social connection and safety, even if it means sacrificing personal boundaries.

  • Trauma /Stress response mechanisms that the human body activates when facing a perceived threat

    This response involves actively confronting the threat through aggression or assertive behavior

    The fight response is characterized by a surge in adrenaline and a readiness to confront a perceived threat. This response manifests as aggression, anger, or a strong urge to resist and defend oneself. In a traumatic situation, a person exhibiting the fight response may become confrontational, argumentative, or even physically aggressive. This reaction is the body's way of feeling empowered in a situation that feels out of control.

  • Trauma /Stress response mechanisms that the human body activates when facing a perceived threat

    This response involves physically distancing oneself from the threat by running away or avoiding the situation.

    Marked by the desire to escape or avoid a threatening situation. People experiencing the flight response might display behaviors such as running away, avoiding confrontation, or seeking physical or emotional distance. This reaction aims to remove oneself from danger or perceived harm to find safety and security.

  • Trauma /Stress response mechanisms that the human body activates when facing a perceived threat

    This response involves becoming immobile or paralyzed, often accompanied by a sense of numbness or dissociation. 

    The freeze response involves feeling immobilized or "stuck" in a traumatic situation. This reaction might involve a sense of numbness, dissociation, or feeling paralyzed. It's the body's way of playing dead, hoping that the threat will pass if one remains motionless. It's a common response when the perceived danger is too overwhelming to confront or escape from. Freeze responses can go unnoticed and last a lifetime

  • Finding new healthy ways to solve for old problems.

    Healing is a journey not a destination — to be ‘healed’ does not exist, but rather a lifelong practice of healing

  • Individuals who experience post-traumatic stress disorder/response (PTSD/PTSR) symptoms while maintaining a seemingly successful and functional life

    Individuals with high-functioning PTSD may exhibit the following symptoms, which may be less severe or present less frequently than in classic PTSD: 

    Intrusive thoughts and flashbacks, Avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, Negative changes in mood and cognition, and Hyperarousal and reactivity. 

    Despite their ability to function well, individuals with high-functioning PTSD may still face significant challenges, including: 

    Emotional distress and anxiety, Difficulty with relationships and social interactions, Sleep disturbances, Substance abuse, and Suicidal thoughts. 

  • A global campaign to de-stigmatize trauma and mental health while democratizing a holistic view of wellness through education, storytelling and the power of connection.

  • Healing as a practice, not a panacea. Healing is an Art and a Science, a combination of practices that vary per human on a daily basis. 

    These practices can include but aren’t limited to (nervous system regulation, addiction support, stress/anxiety management and other modalities) that when executed in silo may not seem like much, but when working together in concert, can rewire your brain and change your life for the better!

Dysfunction junction™

Dictionary

‘YOU ARE BLIND TO THE FACT THAT THE HAND YOU HOLD IS THE HAND THAT HOLDS YOU DOWN…’ — EVERCLEAR

  • A global resource directory of pioneers, thought-leaders, subject matter experts, founders, entrepreneurs, athletes, practitioners, creatives and coaches in the Wellness/Self-Care, Healing Arts, Emerging Innovation, Fitness, Thought-Leadership and Purpose-Driven Mission spaces

  • A heightened state of alert 

    Hypervigilance is a condition in which the nervous system is inaccurately filtering sensory information and the individual is in an enhanced state of sensory sensitivity. This appears to be linked to a dysregulated nervous system which can often be caused by traumatic events or complex PTSD.

    The feeling of being constantly on guard for the purpose of detecting potential danger, even when the risk of danger is low. For people exposed to threat of danger, hypervigilance can fulfill a survival function and increase preparedness.

  • THE LAUREN FRIEDMAN EXPERIENCE

  • Podcast programming focused on the Sobriety Spectrum™ and Sex/lLove Addiction through the lens of trauma

  • Survival Mode is Superpower™️  —  Stress enhances memories for events (Terr, 1988). Many trauma survivors have described photographic “flashbulb memories” (Brown & Kulik, 1977).

    Greater recall is associated with PTSD because individuals are more focused on threat situations. Not consistent in children.

    Except LFE photographic recall from under the age of 3 (dates, conversations, directions, learning etc.)

  • Leveraging a mantra that resonates with you to find inspiration, empowerment and clarity to regulate your nervous system and ride the tidal waves of life

  • ‘Masking’ aka social camouflaging. Masking, first used to describe the act of concealing disgust by Ekman (1972) and Friesen (1969),  is a behavior whereby an individual changes their natural personality to conform to social pressures, abuse, or harassment.

    behavior or coping mechanism individuals may employ to hide or conceal their true thoughts, feelings, or difficulties related to their mental health. It involves presenting oneself in a way that conforms to societal expectations or norms, even if it contradicts what one is truly experiencing internally.

    People may engage in masking their mental health for various reasons, including fear of stigma, judgment, rejection, or a desire to maintain a sense of normalcy. Masking can occur in different forms and can involve suppressing emotions.

    Bottling up these social corrections, rejections, and bullying is creating a feeling of inadequacy (not being good enough), anxieties, and insecurity.

    And, over time, it produces a lifestyle that keeps people at a far distance from their goals, relationships, and ability to handle certain situations.

    It is important to recognize that masking is not a healthy or sustainable strategy. Open communication, seeking professional help, and cultivating a supportive network of understanding individuals can be more beneficial in promoting mental well-being. 

  • Merch with a Purp™ (purpose) is a line of merch thoughtfully created and curated by Lauren with a portion of proceeds donated to fund the WHY GO FOUNDATION Pediatric Complex Trauma Nonprofit helping Children in-crisis reframe their reality

    Supporting humans in their HOW-ARE U HEALING ™ era!


    Mantra Bottle™ – Hydration system that doubles as a HOW-ARE U HEALING™ Habit inclusive of Electrolytes and Mantra Moment™ Stickers

    Electrolytes ​​play a role in mental health in a number of ways, including:

    • Neuropsychiatric manifestations
      Electrolyte imbalances can cause psychiatric symptoms that mimic functional disorders, such as depression, irritability, and personality changes. 

    • Stress and anxiety
      Electrolytes like sodium and magnesium help maintain nervous system balance, and a balance of these electrolytes can help prevent excessive cortisol release. Dehydration can lead to increased stress and anxiety because the brain needs sufficient water and electrolytes to function optimally. 

    • Serotonin production
      Electrolyte imbalances caused by dehydration can interfere with the body's production of serotonin, which can increase anxiety symptoms. 

    • Attention and working memory
      A combination of electrolytes and water can improve attention and working memory. 

  • The ability to move flexibly between different states of arousal in response to stressors.

    When we encounter a change in our environment, like a stressful situation, we can adapt so that we are not overwhelmed. It also means we completely recover after the stressor has been removed. 

    The ability to be flexible and adapt to the circumstances gives us a sense of agency; it makes us feel confident and secure because we can understand and navigate the world in the ways we choose. When our nervous system is regulated, being in our bodies fosters a sense of safety and that is where the HOW-ARE U HEALING™ magic happens 

  • Also known as neural plasticity or just plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization.

    Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and rewire its neural connections, enabling it to adapt and function in ways that differ from its prior state.

    This process can occur in response to learning new skills, experiencing environmental changes, recovering from injuries, or adapting to sensory or cognitive deficits. Such adaptability highlights the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the brain, even into adulthood

    These changes range from individual neuron pathways making new connections, to systematic adjustments like cortical remapping or neural oscillation. Other forms of neuroplasticity include homologous area adaptation, cross modal reassignment, map expansion, and compensatory masquerade

    Examples of neuroplasticity include circuit and network changes that result from learning a new ability, information acquisition, environmental influences, pregnancy, caloric intake, practice/training, and psychological stress.

    Neuroplasticity was once thought by neuroscientists to manifest only during childhood, but research in the latter half of the 20th century showed that many aspects of the brain can be altered (or are "plastic") even through adulthood.

    Furthermore, starting from the primary stimulus-response sequence in simple reflexes, the organisms' capacity to correctly detect alterations within themselves and their context depends on the concrete nervous system architecture, which evolves in a particular way already during gestation.

    Adequate nervous system development forms us as human beings with all necessary cognitive functions. The physicochemical properties of the mother-fetus bio-system affect the neuroplasticity of the embryonic nervous system in their ecological context

    However, the developing brain exhibits a higher degree of plasticity than the adult brain. Activity-dependent plasticity can have significant implications for healthy development, learning, memory, and recovery from brain damage.

  • Mental Health Education Through Music - A powerful medium to educate and heal, fostering a connection and understanding

  • The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for rest and digest,  relaxation and recovery, immune response and tissue repair. This system is activated when we engage in HOW-ARE U HEALING™ Habits and Mantra Moment™

    One of the hardest parts of learning how-to-human is being in tune with your body to know when your nervous system is dysregulated and acquiring a toolbox of HOW-ARE U HEALING™ Habits to bring your nervous system back to a baseline 

  • The physical changes your body undergoes when facing a perceived threat, including increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, essentially activating the "fight-or-flight" response to prepare the body to either confront or escape danger; this response is primarily controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. 

    Key aspects of the physiological stress response:

    Hormonal changes:

    Adrenaline (epinephrine): Released from the adrenal glands, causing rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and heightened alertness. 

    Cortisol: The primary stress hormone, released from the adrenal glands, which increases blood sugar levels and suppresses non-essential functions like digestion. 

    Nervous system activation:

    Sympathetic nervous system: Activated during stress, leading to physical changes like increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and rapid breathing. 

    Parasympathetic nervous system: Once the stressor is removed, this system helps the body return to a relaxed state. 

    Physical symptoms of a stress response:

    Increased heart rate, Elevated blood pressure, Rapid breathing, Muscle tension, Sweating, Dry mouth, Dilated pupils, Stomach upset, Headaches, and Difficulty concentrating. 

    Important considerations:

    • Acute vs. Chronic Stress:

      While a short-term stress response is normal, prolonged stress (chronic stress) can lead to various health issues like high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and digestive problems. 

    • Individual variations:

      Everyone experiences stress differently, and the intensity of physiological responses can vary depending on the person and the stressor. 

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD or PTSR) is a physiological RESPONSE, not a disorder occurring in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances.

    An individual may experience this as emotionally or physically harmful or life-threatening and may affect mental, physical, social, financial, romantic and/or spiritual well-being.

    PTSD has been known by many names in the past, such as “shell shock” during the years of World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II, but PTSD does not just happen to combat veterans. PTSD can occur in all people, of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and at any age. PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD in adolescents ages 13 -18 is 8%. An estimate one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. Women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD. Three ethnic groups – U.S. Latinos, African Americans, and Native Americans/Alaska Natives – are disproportionately affected and have higher rates of PTSD than non-Latino whites.

    People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people. People with PTSD may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event, and they may have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch.

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  • A physical sensation that is triggered by an emotion or thought. It can range from tingling joy to breathless panic. Somatic responses are the body's way of communicating messages from the subconscious to the physical world.

    Physical sensations that can manifest after a traumatic event including but not limited to fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, joint or muscle pain, headaches, hair loss, hormone issues, weight gain, injuries and palpitations, which may or may not be temporary.

    These physical sensations are also known as somatic memory or body memory. If left unaddressed, somatic memories can lead to other physical issues, such as chronic pain, poor posture, digestive problems, autoimmune diseases, cancers, addictions and more 

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  • Stressful stimuli causes a physiological and psychological response called our survival mode.

    This mode involves the release of stress hormones and the activation of our stress-response systems. Our mind and body become focused on combating danger. (Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn) 

    • Survival mode originally evolved to help us handle threats. When we cannot escape or fight, which are states of physiological hyperarousal, we are wired to freeze, a state of hypoarousal. Both hypoarousal and hyperarousal responses are highly effective for brief stressors. However, if the stress is constant, prolonged survival mode becomes maladaptive

  • When faced with urgent or stressful situations, our bodies are equipped to help us survive these ordeals.

    Our sympathetic nervous system kicks in and activates the fight or flight response. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline surge in order to raise heart rate, breathing speed, and blood pressure levels – all invaluable resources needed for escape or confrontation

  • A sudden and forceful event that overwhelms a person's ability to respond to it, recognizing that a trauma need not involve actual physical harm to oneself; an event can be traumatic if it contradicts one's worldview and overpowers one's ability to cope

  • A natural physiological and psychological reaction to a deeply distressing or overwhelming event that exceeds a person's coping abilities. It is a complex and multifaceted response that can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual and the specific circumstances of the trauma. 

    Common Reactions:

    • Emotional: Shock, fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, sadness, anger, numbness, dissociation 

    • Physical: Hyperarousal (increased heart rate, sweating, difficulty sleeping), avoidance (withdrawal, isolation), flashbacks, nightmares 

    • Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, confusion, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance 

    • Behavioral: Changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, substance use, relationship problems, avoidance of triggers 

    Types of Trauma Responses: 

    • Fight-or-Flight:

      The body releases adrenaline and cortisol, preparing the individual to confront the threat or escape it. 

    • Freeze:

      The body shuts down, immobilizing the person to avoid further danger. 

    • Thaw:

      The body experiences a delayed reaction, with symptoms emerging days or weeks after the trauma. 

    • Social:

      The individual may become withdrawn, avoid social interactions, or exhibit aggression. 

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    Supporting children in-crisis

    ‘MAYBE SOMEDAY ANOTHER CHILD WON’T FEEL AS ALONE’ — PEARL JAM