Although the amygdala is roughly the size of a kidney bean, it plays a large role in human survival. It is responsible for activating our fight-or-flight response, controls emotional learning, and stores what we learn. The fight-or-flight response is characterized by a surge of adrenaline, increased heart and breathing rates, allowing us to avoid car accidents, run from predators, protect children from danger, etc.
While the amygdala often saves lives in tough situations, its function can be negatively altered by early traumatic experiences. When an infant is not properly attuned to by their primary caregiver, they can develop psychological issues that ripple through many aspects of their lives. Unfortunately, when one suffers from this type of early emotional trauma, the amygdala overworks itself.
Michele Rosenthal at psychcentral.com says “the amygdala can get caught up in a highly alert and activated loop during which it looks for and perceives threat everywhere.” This causes the sufferer to feel as if there is a threat around every corner. Stress disorders come with increased amygdala activity. When the amygdala is malfunctioning in this way, the fight-or-flight response is perpetually activated. They lose control over fear responses and enter emotional episodes that hinder brain functions such as concentration and problem solving whose effects can sometimes last hours (Arlin Cuncic, verywellmind.com). It is hard to imagine that someone struggling with a hyperactive amygdala can lead a peaceful and healthy life.
According to Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D, the hyperactive amygdala causes a release of a stress hormone called norepinephrine. Excess norepinephrine effects sleep patterns and emotional triggering. The prefrontal cortex, which regulates the fight-or-flight response, is not as active, causing increased anger reactions and impulsivity. While all these combined symptoms can bring someone to a breaking point, there is hope. Traumatic damage to the brain can be reversed. It is important to note that an emotional injury is not a scar or deformity. Altered brain function can be returned to normal with treatment.
By confronting the psychological pain of childhood, one can change how their brain reacts to the world. The hyperactive amygdala can return to its normal levels, norepinephrine can be released appropriately, and the prefrontal cortex can once again regulate fear responses and emotional reactions. It all comes down to making the choice to pursue a happier, more relaxed life.
From a Mind Map Perspective
Early childhood wounds create extreme reactions stemming from extreme hyperarousal in the amygdala. When in this state, a child who is not properly attuned to will have a difficult time regulating emotions and self-soothing. Instead of reacting to life or death situations, the amygdala needlessly remains activated with harmful effects. Reactions include always being on edge, losing sleep, and inappropriate emotional responses. Without the ability to self-sooth, the hyperactive amygdala will lead to emotional chaos rippling through one’s life and can negatively affecting their relationships, work, and life. Sorting through the origins of those feelings allows a shift of one’s outlook on life. Healing from this type of adverse experience requires the patient to identify their childhood wounds by tracing them back to the earliest disconnect. They then can work through the emotional responses and process their experiences. Because childhood wounds and reactions affect perception, the patient needs to work through the resulting false ideas and cognitions in order to paradigm shift into the amygdala responding to appropriate stimuli. From there, recovery begins and the amygdala can return to its intended functions. Healthier connections with loved ones and others can be achieved.
