Features
Understanding the body’s response to psychological Trauma- Part 1
The human system operates on sequential, randomised and dynamic systemic programming. It takes quantum volumes of energy and time to thoroughly explain the brain in its entirety.
Today, I will explain certain parts of the human brain most relevant to its essential flexible performance capabilities-understanding of trauma: the Cortex –the thinking centre of the human brain and the Limbic system –the emotional, existential survival and the existential intelligence command centre of the brain).
The Cortex
Among other functions, the cortex is the location of conscious thought and awareness. Maintaining attention to our external environment -what we see, hear, as well as our internal environment -thoughts, body sensations and emotions require activity in the cortex.
Thinking, including the recall of facts, description of procedures, recognition of time, understanding, and so on. Though it varies from individual to individual, low levels of increased stress with the accompanying increase in adrenaline levels will actually improve awareness, clear thinking, and memory.
However, past a certain (individually determined) level, increased adrenaline will degrade, that is, have the opposite effect on those same processes. A recognisable example is seen on television quiz programmes.
More often than not, contestants eliminated by a wrong answer will assert that when watching the programme at home, they never missed an answer. Why then were they stumped when on TV?
Most likely, their stress levels rose beyond the helpful low-adrenaline kick and succumbed to overload that dampened their ability to access information that was easily available under calmer circumstances.
The same thing can happen with trauma. Though many survivors report a sharpening of perception and thought, those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) usually have a different experience.
In such cases, their brains became overloaded with adrenaline and they were no longer able to think clearly as they ran, fought, or—most likely—froze in response to the traumatic threat.
Understanding the interaction of the cortex with the limbic system during low and high stress will help to make this loss of cortex ability clearer.
The Limbic System
Located in the middle part of the brain between the brain stem and cortex, the limbic system is responsible for our survival. It protects us from danger in major part by recognising and utilising sensory information and then setting in motion the protective responses of flight, fight, and freeze.
The limbic system assesses the states of both internal and external environments via sensory input and transfers the data to other brain structures.
The amygdala is the limbic structure that assigns the sensory information, an emotional interpretation and instructs the body as to how to respond accordingly.
For instance, while waiting for your friend to arrive, you might already be smiling as your amygdala identifies her familiar posture and gait from a distance. In nervous system time, your smiling response appears long before you have consciously recognised her face as she approaches.
Robert Ekow-Grimmond Thompson
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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