Is Your Dog's Weird Behavior a Sign of Hidden Trauma? Unleash Calm with Trauma-Informed Care!

 Ever wonder why your seemingly sweet pup freaks out during thunderstorms or cowers at the sight of men with hats? Their behavior might be rooted in a past experience you weren't even aware of. Like humans, dogs can experience trauma that affects their emotional well-being and behavior.

Traditional approaches to canine behavioral problems often focus on correcting unwanted behavior. But what is a deeper reason behind the barking, lunging, or hiding? Trauma-informed care for dogs is a new approach gaining ground, and it could be the key to unlocking a calmer, more confident companion. According to Corridan and colleagues (2024), TIC acknowledges that a dog's past experiences, especially during their critical development period (the first year of life), can have lasting impacts, and just like us, dogs can experience events that shape their emotional well-being and how they interact with the world.

Think about it: Does your dog cower at strangers for no apparent reason? Bark uncontrollably during thunderstorms? Or maybe they have developed repetitive behaviors like excessive licking or pacing well, according to Corridan and colleagues (2024); these could all be signs of underlying anxiety or fear rooted in a past traumatic experience.

Similar to the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences in humans, dogs can experience Adverse Early Experiences that have long-term consequences, and these might include (Corridan et al., 2024):

1. Physical or emotional abuse.
2. Witnessing violence in their environment.
3. Living in an unstable or unpredictable home.
4. Early separation from littermates or mother.
5. Lack of proper socialization during critical development stages.

The Power of TIC: Helping Your Dog Heal and Thrive

TIC offers a new lens through which we can view and support our canine companions. Here's how it can benefit your dog (Corridan et al., 2024):

1. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: TIC helps lower stress and anxiety by creating a safe and supportive environment, leading to a calmer and more confident dog.
2. Improved Communication: TIC emphasizes building trust and communication between you and your furry friend. This strengthens your bond and helps you better understand their needs.
3. More Effective Treatment: By addressing the root cause of the behavior (the potential trauma), TIC can lead to more effective and long-lasting treatment outcomes.

Creating a Trauma-Informed Space for Your Dog

 Do you ever feel like time just slips away with ADHD?

Struggling to get things done on time is a common challenge for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). But what if the problem goes beyond simply forgetting appointments or tasks? Mette (2023) suggests that adults with ADHD may have difficulties with something even more fundamental: perceiving time itself.

The Brain Regions Involved in Time Perception

Scientists are starting to unravel the mystery behind time perception difficulties in ADHD. Several key brain regions seem to play a role (Mette, 2023):

1. Prefrontal Cortex: This area acts like your brain's control center and is responsible for planning, decision-making, and working memory. When the PFC isn't functioning optimally, it can be harder to gauge time effectively and manage tasks accordingly.
2. Cerebellum: This region involves motor control, coordination, and, yes, even timing. Studies using fMRI (fancy brain scans) have shown that adults with ADHD have increased activity in some regions
   of the cerebellum during time estimation tasks with distractions. It's like the cerebellum is working overtime to compensate for underlying timing issues.
3. Basal Ganglia: This group of structures involves habit formation, learning procedures, and timing aspects. Researchers are still figuring out how exactly the basal ganglia contributes to time estimation difficulties in ADHD, but it's definitely a player.
   

Brainwaves and the Clock in Your Head

Mette (2023) tells us that studies using EEG have measured brainwave activity during time estimation tasks in adults with ADHD, and here are the results:

1. They showed different patterns compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, one study found that adults with ADHD had lower levels of theta waves during time estimation. Theta waves are essential for functions like learning, memory, and attention.
2. This suggests a potential link between altered brainwave activity and time perception struggles in ADHD.

Gamma Waves and a Boost from Medication

A different type of brain scan, MEG, looked at brain activity related to gamma waves during time estimation tasks. Gamma waves are associated with higher-level thinking, like attention and processing information, and here is what Mette (2023) found:

1. Adults with ADHD had reduced gamma activity in specific brain regions crucial for time perception.
2. 
   Medication seemed to improve gamma activity and performance in the time estimation task.
3. This suggests that medication might play a role in regulating brain activity and aiding time perception in ADHD.
   

References

1. Mette, Christian. (2023). Time Perception in Adult ADHD: Findings from a Decade—A Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20. 3098. 10.3390/ijerph20043098. 

Come Undone: The Psychology of Falling Apart (and Putting Yourself Back Together

Duran Duran's pulsating anthem "Come Undone" isn't just catchy; it's a potent exploration of losing control and the desperate desire to rebuild ourselves.  As a psychology blogger, I find
this song resonates with the core of human experience: the cyclical nature of breakdown and breakthrough.

The Unraveling: When We Come Undone

The lyrics vividly depict emotional disintegration: "Spun around, ca
n't find my ground / Pressure's on, can't make a sound."  This intense imagery captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, or trauma.  Psychologically, this state can manifest as emotional dysregulation, where we struggle to manage our feelings healthily. We might experience panic attacks, withdrawal, or even self-destructive behaviors.

The Underlying Issues: What Tears Us Apart?

The song doesn't delve into the reasons for coming undone, but psychology offers some insights.  Life throws us curveballs – job loss, relationship breakups, grief – and these events can trigger a breakdown, especially if we haven't developed healthy coping mechanisms.  Unresolved childhood trauma can also play a role, making us more susceptible to emotional triggers.

Picking Up the Pieces: Rebuilding After We Come Undone

The song doesn't end on a note of despair.  The lyrics shift to a yearning to piece ourselves back together: "Gotta find a way, gotta find a way / Gotta mend the pieces, gotta see another day."   This reflects the resilience of the human spirit.  Psychologically, this rebuilding process involves seeking support, developing coping mechanisms, and potentially even therapy to address underlying issues.

The Importance of the Community: We Don't Have to Come Undone Alone

The song doesn't mention reaching out for help, but psychology emphasizes the importance of social connection during challenging times. Talking to trusted friends, family, or a therapist can provide a safe space to process emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. Support groups can also be invaluable, offering a sense of belonging and shared experience.

Coming Undone as a Catalyst for Change

While a breakdown can be a harrowing experience, it can also be a catalyst for growth.  Sometimes, we must hit rock bottom to re-evaluate our priorities and make positive life changes.   Therapy can help us identify unhealthy patterns and develop new ways of managing stress and difficult emotions.

The Takeaway: We All Come Undone Sometimes

"Come Undone" reminds us that emotional breakdowns are a part of the human experience.  Coming undone doesn't define us; it's a sign that we need help and support.  By acknowledging our struggles and reaching out for help, we can rebuild ourselves stronger and more resilient.  The next time you feel yourself coming undone, remember this: you are not alone, and there is a path forward.