Rewiring the Brain of Child Sexual Abuse Survivors
The after-effects of child sexual abuse linger long after the abuse stops. In fact, they last until the survivor decides to recover. Survivors are left with brains deeply affected by the abuse they suffered as children, as I know all too well.
Studies show that child sexual abuse changes the brain. One way that it changes the brain is by increasing the amygdala, which is the body’s smoke detector. The amygdala is responsible for fight-flight or freeze. One study found that those who suffered from early life stress had increased amygdala activity. And increased amygdala activity means that the survivor often experiences a sense of danger when they are safe.
There is good news. Rewiring the brain is possible. It is called neuroplasticity. There are two proven ways to rewire the brain of child sexual abuse survivors: meditation and tapping. Not only are they proven effective by studies but the author finds them helpful.
Meditation helps reduce depression and anxiety in child sexual abuse survivors
Taking time each day to meditate not only has emotional and spiritual benefits but it benefits your brain. Researchers looked at 27 adult survivors of child sexual abuse who participated in an eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program and daily home practice of mindfulness meditation. Researchers found after the eight-week program, a 65 percent reduction of depressive symptoms. Participants largely sustained improvements until 24 weeks after starting the program.
Another study looked at child sexual abuse survivors 2.5 years after they participated in an MBSR program. What researchers found is long-term improvements in depression, PTSD, and anxiety symptoms. They concluded that MBSR “may be an effective long-term treatment for adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.”
If you are interested in learning more about MBSR or using it to treat PTSD, depression, and anxiety, a free MBSR course exists.
Check out the following video of a type of mindfulness meditation.
Tapping treats PTSD and reduces anxiety
Tapping, also known as emotional freedom technique, combines acupressure with modern psychology. It consists of tapping on acupressure points while stating first a problem and then the truth. For example, if fear of needles is a problem, you would begin by stating how afraid you are of them. Then you would say statements such as, “I can handle needles,” or “Even though I am afraid of needles, I will get that shot.”
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among child sexual abuse survivors. One literature review of studies looked at the effectiveness of tapping in treating PTSD symptoms. What the review found is that tapping is an effective treatment for PTSD. Anxiety is also common among survivors. Another study found that tapping significantly decreased anxiety.
The easiest way to begin a tapping practice is through The Tapping Solution app. The app contains tapping sessions on a variety of topics, including anxiety and depression.
Check out the following video of a tapping session.
Do you want your brain rewired? Pray this simple prayer:
Oh Lord, You created my brain. I lift it up to You and I ask You to guide me as I rewire it. Empower me to do what will bring lasting changes.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay