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Normal processing
The soldiers image is processed : it is consciously observed and we consider whether it is dangerous
The ’ New Brain ’ ( explicit memory – consciousness
The ’ Mid Brain ’ ( implicit memory ) The amygdala detects threats and separates important threats from non important ones ( which are processes normally ), the hippocampus places memories in their correct context ( in time and space )
Impulse / stimulus
For example , the sight of something frightening , such as a soldier
The ’ Old Brain ’ (’ reptile-brain ’/ reflex , basic survival )
Catastrophic events happen so fast that , in order to survive , experiences are not processed in the ’ new brain ’ but in the ’ mid brain ’ ( the ’ emotional brain ’), and afterwards may be inaccessible to consciousness . They nevertheless control the body ( generating flashbacks , for example ).
The soldiers image causes the amygdala to trigger immediate physical responses – fear , freeze , or fight – well before the ’ new brain ’ can process the stimulus or we consciously ’ see ’ the soldier
KEY TO KNOW
In this picture of processes in the brain when encountering danger , we have used an example of a child that has been raped by a soldier . Whenever the child sees a soldier or a man wearing an uniform the brain needs to process the stimulus and distinguish between danger and safety . If considered as danger the amygdala will elicit the fight , flight or freeze reaction .
Adversity + chronic stress = toxic to the brain
When traumatic experiences last for a long period of time , a condition called chronic stress develops . Prolonged stress is toxic to the brain .
• After experiencing danger , the brain is in a state of alert . It must readjust to its normal state .
• If it does not readjust , this affects functioning and development .
• The ability to self-regulate declines because the alarm system remains hypersensitive , and the regulation system is less effective .
• Memory is fragmented ; this affects capacity to learn .
• Slower learning is due to reduction of the brain ’ s network speed .
• Fewer neural synapsis network connections reduce the brain ’ s flexibility .
• When we are stressed for a long time , it becomes more difficult for us to handle stress . Synapses in the brain can lose contact with each other , and thus communication between several parts of the brain deteriorates . This makes us forgetful and confused .