Many in Newtown with PTSD have had a hard time since the shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde. Brain science has given exciting new insights into how to help. The core issue in PTSD appears to be the "hyperarousal" of the nervous system. This over-activation of the "fight or flight" system then energizes traumatic memories and emotions. These, in turn, alter our perceptions to look for threats. This leads to being in a constant state of perceiving threat (perhaps when there is none), responding to innocent acts of others as if they are threats and over-reacting with fear or anger. Intrusive memories of the trauma can be fanned into preoccupying ruminations that won't let go. Exhaustion sets in as sleep is disturbed by nightmares and our nervous system, geared to protect us from threats, just won't shut off to allow us to relax enough to sleep soundly.
Fortunately, a series of scientific studies have shown that this core problem of PTSD, the hyperarousal of the nervous system, can be dramatically calmed down with TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) offering hope where medications have failed.
