Adrenaline Rush - How Trauma Impacts Us & the Need for Speed

In the fast-paced journey we call life, trauma can be a relentless opponent, like racing a car at breakneck speed. For those of us who have had our asses kicked by trauma and PTSD, the need for adrenaline rushes has become one of the ways that we cope. It calms us, it clears our heads; it feeds us in a way unlike any other.  It's a way we reclaim control in a world that feels so completely out of our control.

Just like when we maneuver the car at high speeds, individuals dealing with trauma navigate the high speeds and twists and turns of our own minds. The echoes of past experiences can haunt us like the purr of an engine, always present and demanding attention. It's this very turbulence that often leads us to seek solace in the rush of adrenaline, a fleeting escape from the haunting memories.

In the world of high-speed racing and driving, the thrill is undeniable. We feel it pumping through our veins, it's an undeniable high that most people don’t understand. The sound of the motor and the speed are a declaration of strength and defiance against the power that trauma has. The raw power and speed feel exhilarating and freeing yet calming and bold. It’s unexplainable to someone who doesn’t get it.

And the very same feeling is what draws us to other activities that provide a similar surge of adrenaline – skydiving, extreme sports, or like me, wanting to swim with sharks. It's a way of reclaiming a sense of power, a feeling of extreme freedom yet strength; a momentary escape from the shadows of the past.

As a trauma therapist working with a lot of military and first responders, I've seen the impact of trauma on individuals who have faced the darkest corners of life. As someone who has also experienced significant darkness myself, turning adversity into strength is not just a mantra but a passion I have and want to share with others.

Recognizing the correlation between trauma and the pursuit of adrenaline is crucial in understanding the coping mechanisms individuals employ.

For a lot of us, the racetrack of life has thrown us into unexpected and overwhelming situations, leaving scars that run really freakin deep. The need for speed, the craving for that adrenaline rush, can be a way of drowning out the haunting memories and temporarily silencing the echoes of the past. It's an attempt to rewrite the narrative, to replace the traumatic scenes with the exhilaration of the present moment.

But, the pursuit of adrenaline, while they give us temporary and fun escapes, is not a sustainable solution. I am all for “in the moment” but I want you to have long-term healing.

So, here are five healthier (I know, boring lol) ways to navigate the twists and turns of trauma without relying solely on adrenaline. Just give them a try, then we’ll talk about long-term solutions.

• 1. Mindfulness and Meditation: In the stillness of the present moment, that’s when healing can begin. Mindfulness and meditation provide a grounded space to observe thoughts without judgment, creating a sense of inner peace and resilience. It almost creates a sense of strength and power.

• 2. Expressive Arts Therapy: If you’re a creative person, this can be a way to channel emotions through art or writing which can be a powerful means of processing trauma. The canvas becomes your racetrack of emotions, allowing you to express, explore, and ultimately release what has been pent up inside.

• 3. Physical Exercise: Exercise helps release pent-up tension and stress. Whether it's a brisk walk, run, yoga, or weightlifting, exercise can be extremely effective in managing the impact of trauma on the body.

• 4. Connecting with Nature: The serenity of nature has a healing quality. Spending time outside hiking in the mountains or sitting by a lake, can provide a therapeutic escape and offer a fresh perspective on life's challenges.

Now for the long-term solution, which you knew was coming. To achieve healing you have to work on what’s going on. All the coping skills in the world are merely Band-Aids. If you want to get rid of the need for Band-Aids, you have to do the healing, and that takes therapy. There’s no way to get around that and I’m not going to bullshit you. Just like a race car needs a skilled pit crew, people dealing with trauma benefit from professional therapy. Therapy provides a safe space to navigate the complexities of trauma.

As someone who thrives on turning adversity into strength, I challenge those grappling with trauma to take the first step toward healing. Therapy is not a sign of weakness but a declaration of resilience, a commitment to transform pain into power. It's time to face the shadows head-on and emerge stronger, just as a race car emerges from each challenging turn, ready for the next lap.

In the racing world, every driver knows the importance of pit stops for maintenance and recalibration. Similarly, seeking therapy is a courageous pit stop in the race of life, an opportunity to fine-tune emotional well-being and ensure a smoother journey ahead.

So, those of you who have felt the grip of trauma, I am looking at you. It's time to shift gears, not in a frantic pursuit of adrenaline, but in a deliberate and empowered choice toward resilience and strength. The racetrack of life may have its challenges, but with the right support and strategies, every individual has the capacity to navigate and conquer their unique course. I’m right here when you’re ready to pit, just look for the Camaro leading the way. Let’s go!