If you’re a victim of trauma, you may have noticed that one of the things you experience from time to time is the inability to speak. This probably happens whenever you come across something that triggers a flashback. Your body responds by eliciting a type of panic response and you immediately experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, higher than normal blood pressure and even sweating or shaking. You also might feel as though you don’t have the words to completely describe what you’re experiencing. This is completely normal, and research has shown that there’s an excellent explanation for why this occurs.
Your Trauma Story
Before we get into what happens within your brain that causes speechlessness as a trauma victim, it’s important to note that what we’re talking about in this article is very different from your trauma story. As we’ve discussed in previous posts, many people who have undergone a traumatic event will become more animated and lively when they have the opportunity to discuss the event. This is because the way they experience reality has changed, and every time they tell their trauma story, they are, in a sense, reliving the trauma. There may be an addictive nature to their storytelling because of the euphoric feelings that can result, but they often don’t always tell the entire story. That might be because they don’t remember certain parts of it, or it could be because they have come up with a version of the story that’s much less painful. When you experience a trigger, you relive the trauma all over again too, but in a very different way that often renders you speechless.
The Brain’s Response
In the left frontal lob of the cortex of your brain, lies the Broca’s area. This area is largely responsible for your speech. Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk has done extensive research on why trauma victims react the way they do when they’re presented with certain triggers, and he discovered that during flashbacks, a white spot would form in this area of the brain. This is the same area that is affected for stroke victims when they suffer from a stroke. As a result, they cannot speak, and the same is true for those who have undergone a traumatic event.
While the body is exhibiting “fight or flight” impulses, the person is unable to talk about how he or she feels. In fact, these feelings are almost impossible to put into words, which is what drives many trauma victims to suffer in silence or turn to unhealthy ways to cope. Unfortunately, when it’s not possible to articulate these feelings, it’s not uncommon for them to resurface as even more severe flashbacks or even nightmares.
In a way, a traumatic event can set off a chain reaction of a vicious cycle of events that can feel like a trap. Perhaps that’s exactly how you feel. You’re trapped, and you’re desperately seeking a way out or a way to heal.
I can help you. Trauma counselling can give you the tools you need to bring the healing you desire more than anything. Please contact me for an appointment.
