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When pulling up past stress or trauma into your working memory and then having someone distract you or give you another task to try to focus on, the process can be connected to the concept of memory reconsolidation. This technique is often used in therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and can help reduce the impact of traumatic memories. Here's a simplified explanation of how it works: 1. Memory Reconsolidation: Memory reconsolidation is a process by which existing memories are brought back into our conscious awareness and then re-stored in the brain with potential modifications. When a memory is recalled, it becomes temporarily malleable, which means it can be modified before being stored again. 2. Working Memory and Distraction/Disruption: When you pull up a past stressful or traumatic memory into your working memory, it becomes active and accessible to your conscious mind. At this moment, the memory is vulnerable to change. Introducing a distraction

  Tim Welch, LPCC Mental Health Counseling,  Newark, Ohio Licking County Online Therapy.  Virtual Counseling for Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, Anxiety, Depression & Mental Health Issues. twelch.com

  People with a history of struggle or trauma may be more impacted by traumatic events due to the interplay between their past experiences and the functioning of the polyvagal system. The polyvagal system is a complex network of nerves that regulates our physiological and emotional responses to stress and trauma. Understanding its role can shed light on why individuals with a history of struggle may have heightened reactions to traumatic events.     1.     Hypervigilance and Alarm : Individuals who have experienced past struggles or trauma may have a heightened state of hypervigilance, where they are constantly on high alert for potential threats. The polyvagal system, specifically the sympathetic branch, becomes more easily activated, resulting in an increased stress response to perceived danger. This heightened state of arousal can make them more susceptible to being impacted by new traumatic events.     2.     Difficulties with Regulation : The polyvagal system also plays a crucial