By: Wandou Ya Date: 15 June, 2023
My 81-year-old mother was diagnosed with diabetes over a decade ago. As our family grew and the dynamics within the household changed, the stress and pressures began to affect my mother, leading to changes in her personality and the emergence of symptoms associated with dementia. In recent years, I have witnessed the deteriorating state of my mother's cognitive health, while other elderly family members lived long lives without experiencing dementia. This discrepancy prompted me to delve into medical literature and research to understand the underlying reasons.
The Role of Emotional Trauma:
Through my research, I discovered that emotional trauma can inflict damage on the brain and contribute to the development of dementia. Sometimes, invisible wounds can have a more severe impact than physical injuries. Reflecting on my memories of my mother, there were instances where she reacted excessively, as if driven to madness. One such incident occurred when my younger brother failed to attend his tutoring session more than 30 years ago. The teacher called our home, and my father, in a moment of anxiety, said something distressing to my mother, causing her deep concern and leading her to rush to the tutoring center. This incident not only resulted in a breach of trust between parents and children but also brought about a significant change in my mother's personality.
The Importance of Emotional Management and Expression:
Approximately three decades ago, after my sister became a teacher, my parents took great pride in her accomplishments. However, one day, the school called to inform us that my sister had not shown up for class. Once again, my father's knack for frightening people and the unknown words he spoke to my mother created a sense of intense worry, prompting her to frantically search for my sister. The following day, she fell ill and remained bedridden for several days.
These traumatic experiences, unresolved over the years, coupled with subsequent losses of close family members and the unfulfilled love and dependence my mother placed on her sons, compounded her mental state. Recent events, such as the departure and return of family members, have further exacerbated her condition.
Understanding the Psychological Impact:
While emotional management and control can be learned to prevent self-harm, my mother lacks the ability to acquire these skills. It is with this narrative that I aim to share a story of the importance of emotional management and expression, using real-life examples. I want to remind everyone that invisible traumas are not necessarily less significant than visible physical injuries; in some cases, they can be even more severe. Therefore, it is crucial for each individual to learn how to appropriately express their emotions to avoid unintentionally hurting others or themselves.
The Impact of Emotional Trauma on the Brain:
Studies have shown that prolonged psychological stress and traumatic events can have detrimental effects on the brain, leading to cognitive decline and the onset of dementia. Chronic stress-induced hormone secretion and inflammatory responses can damage brain structure and function, contributing to the development of dementia.
The Significance of Invisible Trauma:
Invisible trauma refers to the psychological or emotional harm experienced, such as verbal abuse, intimidation, or mistreatment. Research indicates that invisible trauma can have long-lasting and profound effects on an individual's mental well-being. These traumatic events can disrupt interpersonal relationships, diminish self-esteem and self-confidence, and increase the risk of psychological disorders and cognitive issues.
The Importance of Emotional Management and Expression:
Emotional management involves understanding, accepting, and effectively dealing with one's emotions. It encompasses appropriately expressing emotions, coping with stress, and building healthy relationships. Effective emotional management promotes psychological well-being, reduces stress and anxiety, enhances self-confidence, and facilitates better communication and trust-building with others.