| Copyright (c) 2008 Dr Jeanne King PhD | | | | Stemming back to our caveman ancestors, we |
| Migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, essential | | | | inherited a physiology that is built to protect us from |
| hypertension, chronic pain, insomnia, post traumatic | | | | the perceived threat of impending danger. And when |
| stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, | | | | present, sympathetic arousal occurs. |
| excessive fatigue are just a few of the ongoing | | | | For example, when the caveman saw a tiger, the |
| complaints of domestic violence survivors. And it's | | | | thought "tiger" registered, activating a limbic system |
| not surprising. | | | | response of FEAR...ultimately, resulting in an |
| These conditions are ALL mediated by the | | | | adrenergic response that prepares the body for |
| sympathetic nervous systemâa system | | | | "fight or flight." And with this, of course, mobilizing |
| perpetually "on" for individuals whose lives are | | | | the proper body systems to deal with the |
| entangled in domestic abuse. | | | | circumstances at hand. |