In this episode, we explore the intricate connection between trauma and migraines with our special guest, Dulcie, a trauma-focused counselor and expert in polyvagal theory. Dulcie brings her extensive knowledge and experience to shed light on how our nervous system shapes our responses to past traumas and influences our present experiences. From childhood adversity to chronic pain, we delve into the profound impact of unresolved trauma on our daily lives and overall well-being. Highlights: - The Nervous System and Mental Health: Discover how the nervous system is shaped by trauma and its profound influence on our mental health. - Understanding the Vagus Nerve: Learn about the vagus nerve, its role in trauma, and its connection to our overall well-being. - Defining Trauma: Explore the various types of trauma and what constitutes a traumatic experience. - Trauma in Children: Understand how trauma is defined in children, the physical signals to look out for, and the importance of early detection. - Coping Strategies: Discuss common coping strategies that develop in childhood and continue into adult life, such as people-pleasing, shutting down, and constant environment scanning. - Treating Trauma: Learn about effective strategies to treat trauma, make the nervous system more flexible, and how to stay present in the moment. - Polyvagal Theory: Dive into polyvagal theory and its crucial connection to understanding and healing trauma.
Anxiety
Member Stories and Migraine Science episodes about Anxiety.
Jaya
41 years old, USA
Self-reported migraine
At start:
17 days/month
After 5 months:
5 days/month
What changed
Went from hiding migraine pain on video calls at work to having the energy to exercise, play with her daughter, and being open with her manager about the diagnosis.
"I found progress by being open with what I was experiencing... and being open with those around me."
Dulcie
39 years old, Canada
Self-reported migraine
At start:
28 days/month
After 1 month:
2 days/month
What changed
Dulcie went from daily pain to many pain-free days, needed less medication, and could spend more time working and reading.
“Don’t just accept that this is normal for you.”
Patrick shares what it means to support a partner through migraine, from missed family moments and guilt to medication challenges and holistic healing.
Jane
58 years old, UK
Self-reported migraine
At start:
19 days/month
After 5 months:
10 days/month
What changed
Jane learned to recognize early migraine signs, respond sooner, and reduce the fear of losing days to pain and sickness.
“This was a time that I have looked forward to my entire life when I can just function normally.”
Episode Highlights With Diane Ducarme - You have about 100 billion nerve cells in your body and they're all orchestrated by the vagus nerve - The vagus nerve was discovered in 1872 in medicine but is still not understood in the Western world - Vagus comes from the Latin vaga, which means to wander, and it wanders throughout the body - The things that get in the way of the vagus nerve working optimally - How emotions come into play here - What brain freeze teaches us about the vagus nerve - Where Western medicine recognizes the connection of emotions to the vagus nerve - Liver toxicity can lead to wakeups from 1-3 a.m. - Ways to support the vagus nerve - How we can sometimes intuitively avoid foods that are harmful to the vagus nerve
Episode Highlights With Diane Ducarme - She speaks seven languages - English is actually her third language - The genetic aspects of migraines and why they're so intense - The health benefits of letting go and how this relates to migraines - Hope for migraine sufferers and how to actually resolve migraines through a root cause approach - How not letting go impacts our brain and also our body in a massive way - An incredible story about someone completely recovering from migraines - The actual process of letting go and some easy tactics to use to do it - Why emotions are actually positive but staying stuck in a single emotion is detrimental - How to consciously change emotions - Practical suggestions for processing and moving emotions - How to use foods to help dissipate negative emotions
Sylvie
55 years old, New Zealand
Self-reported migraine
At start:
11 days/month
After 2 months:
0 days/month
Dive into Sylvia's journey battling migraine since childhood. Explore how she found relief through holistic approaches, functional foods, and body mindfulness. For Migraine Warriors: This podcast is a beacon for those seeking answers and support. Remember, you're never alone; there are over one billion individuals worldwide battling migraine disease. Episode Highlights: 🌟 Navigating Work Challenges with Migraine: Discover how Sylvie's decision to work remotely was a result of her anxiety, fear of workplaces, and difficulties managing migraine there. 😟 Lingering Apprehension: Sylvie reveals the long-term effects of migraine as she mentions her nervousness about returning to work. 🔄 Evolving Nature of Migraine: Find out how the necessity of providing personalized migraine solutions, and the dynamic nature of migraine impact the app's update plans. 🚨 Importance of Self-Awareness: Sylvie advocates for early identification of migraine triggers and shares her insights on components of self-consciousness that relieve migraine. 🥗 Positive Nutrition Changes: Sylvie tells about mindful food choices and reflects on her stability post-menopause, signaling a new, more balanced phase in her life.
Sylvie
46 years old, New Zealand
Self-reported migraine
At start:
8 days/month
After 5 months:
2 days/month
What changed
Went unpredictable vertigo attacks to going back to a party after resting for two hours.
"I'm not as anxious as I used to be around the migraine... and that's pretty amazing."
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