The Impact of Trauma: Understanding What the Somatic Nervous System is Responsible for

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Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.

The Trauma Effect: Deciphering the Role of the Somatic Nervous System

In this article, we will dive deep into the intricacies of the somatic nervous system, its roles and responsibilities, and how it is impacted by trauma.

Key Points

• Understanding the basics of the somatic nervous system
• The role of the somatic nervous system in voluntary movements
• How trauma affects the somatic nervous system
• Restoration of the somatic nervous system post-trauma

What is the Somatic Nervous System Responsible for?

The somatic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system and is primarily responsible for voluntary body movements and the sense of touch. It communicates with the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) through afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) nerves.

Voluntary body movements include those we perform consciously, such as walking, dancing, writing, and lifting objects. You might wonder, what exactly do these afferent and efferent nerves do? Afferent nerves carry information from the senses (touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception) to the brain, while efferent nerves carry signals from the brain to the muscles to initiate action or movement. This perfect synchronization between the brain and muscles results in precise, controlled movement.

Impact of Trauma on the Somatic Nervous System

The somatic nervous system starts acting differently when a person experiences trauma. High stress and trauma can cause excess release of adrenaline, leading the body to respond with a fight, flight, or freeze response - a protective mechanism to shield one from potential harm.

Sustained stress or trauma can result in damage to the somatic nervous system leading to long-lasting changes in the body's reactions to stress. In the recovery stage, calming practices like mindfulness and somatic experiencing can help the somatic nervous system restore its balance.

FAQs

Q1: Why is it important to understand what the somatic nervous system is responsible for?
A: Understanding the somatic nervous system is crucial as it's responsible for voluntary movements and our sensory perception. Recognizing its role can help individuals comprehend their bodily responses to different situations, particularly trauma.

Q2: What can damage the somatic nervous system?
A: Sustained high levels of stress or trauma can cause damage to the somatic nervous system. Substance misuse, infections, and physical injury can also affect this system.

Q3: How can the somatic nervous system be restored after trauma?
A: Post-traumatic healing methods include mindfulness practices, somatic experiencing, relaxation methods like deep breathing, alongside medical intervention.

Q4: Does the somatic nervous system work independently?
A: No, the somatic nervous system works in harmony with the rest of the nervous system. Particularly, it communicates with the central nervous system to control voluntary movements and collect sensory information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the somatic nervous system plays a critical role in our voluntary movements and sensory perception. A clear understanding of its functioning can help us explicate our bodily responses during different situations, particularly trauma.

This knowledge is not just vital for those seeking to comprehend their own mental health better but also crucial for those considering a career in the mental health space. To train in the field, consider exploring our courses on somatic psychology.

If you found this informative and useful, you might also want to read our piece on "The Pivotal Role of the Autonomic Nervous System", which offers further insights into the complex workings of our body.

Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.