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The Body Keeps The Score

summary ofThe Body Keeps The ScoreBook by Bessel Van Der Kolk

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You’ll learn

  • What is trauma, and how it affects us
  • How the compulsion to repeat makes us relive the hurt
  • The link between body and mind
  • The benefits of practicing mindfulness

first KEY POINT

Trauma is a potentially fatal menace, one to which society needs to pay attention

Trauma has the power to disrupt and destroy one’s life, and therefore, we need to know more about it. Traumatic experiences come from events that cause deep pain, sorrow, and sadness. If a person is traumatized, they suffer the risk of depression and even death.Dealing with trauma requires a lot of things, many of which you’ll find detailed in this summary. Trauma is widespread across the world, and it's worrying. What's worse is we pay little attention to it, making it hard for people to seek help.

Trauma is not limited to war veterans who have experienced terrible things, it’s prevalent among many people in society.

Trauma doesn't necessarily require a horrific thing to occur, it can happen to anyone, and that's why we should pay it more attention. It can be due to an experience or something that has caused you frustration, stress, or deep pain, leaving you totally helpless. It can also occur due to a mistake or adversity that has plagued your life.To fully understand how to overcome depression and painful experiences, continue through the chapters of this easy-to-follow summary.

second KEY POINT

Numbness causes a lack of emotional attachment, especially among war victims

For war veterans and victims of war, numbness might set in. Many find it hard to love their family or friends; the only thing that interests them is the adrenaline rush of the war they've experienced. Numbness occurs when a person is emotionally uninterested in things that are supposed to matter to them. Some traumatic events like rape, assault, and child abuse are terrible events that leave a lifelong stain on the memory of victims. As traumatic as these events are, they are unfortunately widespread in society. In 2014, an estimated 11 million women in the United States alone were victims of rape and sexual abuse. In an even more worrisome revelation, more than 50% of these victims were abused when they were 15 years or younger, not taking into account the more than three million child abuse cases reported annually.

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first KEY POINT

Trauma causes post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition its victims think to be peculiar to themselves

second KEY POINT

Distressed people can be addicted to pain, and recollection of pseudo-trauma can trigger mass hysteria in people living with PTSD

third KEY POINT

Traumatic experiences can be a very tough process for an adult, but it is nothing compared to facing trauma in childhood

fourth KEY POINT

Details of traumatic events stick in the brain longer than that of an ordinary event

fifth KEY POINT

Your mind and body are closely connected, and they work together to give you a healthy life

sixth KEY POINT

Mindfulness is an effective approach to healing trauma

seventh KEY POINT

Everything that happens in your brain depends on electrical signals and connections

eighth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. is a psychiatrist, best-selling author, researcher, and educator. His research focuses on post-traumatic stress.

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind and Body In The Healing of Trauma about?

The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind and Body In The Healing of Trauma, authored by Bessel van der Kolk, delves into how trauma affects both the mind and body. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and healing from trauma through a variety of therapeutic techniques.

What are the key takeaways from The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind and Body In The Healing of Trauma?

Key takeaways from The Body Keeps The Score include the notion that trauma can manifest physically and understanding the role of the body in healing. The book also highlights effective treatments like EMDR and mindfulness, which help individuals regain control over their lives.

Is The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind and Body In The Healing of Trauma worth reading?

Absolutely, The Body Keeps The Score is highly regarded among mental health professionals and offers profound insights into trauma recovery. Readers often find it invaluable for understanding their experiences and exploring paths to healing.

How many pages is The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind and Body In The Healing of Trauma and when was it published?

The Body Keeps The Score has approximately 400 pages and was published on September 8, 2014. This comprehensive work combines research and personal stories to shed light on the complexities of trauma.

How does The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind and Body In The Healing of Trauma address healing methods?

The book illustrates various healing methods by integrating neuroscience and psychology, offering readers a thorough understanding of how trauma impacts the brain and body. It provides practical strategies such as yoga, somatic therapy, and more to facilitate the healing journey.