We have a deeply ingrained need to survive and we have a quick impulse which allows us to act in a second’s notice in order to protect our livelihood. Compulsions, however, are a bit different from our survival impulses. The difference between a compulsive behavior and an impulsive behavior is resistance and want. An impulsive behavior can be rationalized, either before or after the behavior takes place. A compulsive behavior, on the other hand, is completely irresistible, meaning someone feels as though they must act on that behavior and there is no resisting it. Moreover, the behavior is being done against one’s wants- they don’t want to be behaving compulsively, but they cannot help it.
Compulsive behavior is part of our nature as humans but can become problematic when unresolved trauma plays a part in the story. Consider the life of someone who feels compelled to act in sexual promiscuity, despite their desires for a more normalized, healthy sex life. Someone from the outside might judge such an individual as a pervert, a feind, or someone disturbed. Compulsive behaviors come from somewhere. Rarely would it be the case that someone just spontaneously develops a sexual compulsion without an origin source. For many men and women, the source of their compulsive sexual behaviors is trauma. Most often, sexual trauma inspires compulsive sexual behaviors. Other compulsive behaviors like addiction, alcoholism, gambling, shopping, exercising, eating, and many more, all can originate from trauma. Whatever pain the trauma left behind is exactly what the compulsive behavior is seeking to remedy with that irresistible urge. Problematically, compulsive behaviors can end up causing just as much pain than the trauma itself creating a painful cycle.
Trauma pierces the body’s nervous system network and sends out a ripple effect to every area of the brain which interacts with the nervous system. The brain’s ability to regulate fact, fiction, reason, and logic, are suppressed while the body becomes overly excited. A tingling, electric, chemical reaction to fulfill a physical need will override any kind of reasoning in the mind; vice versa, an obsessive, all-consuming thought in the mind may override any kind of objection brought on by the body. In order to regain control of one’s body and mind, one has to take the brave stop of volunteering themselves to walk through trauma, heal their pain, and create the changes necessary to live a different life.
Life doesn’t have to be lived within the imprisoning walls of compulsive behavior, or behind the scars of trauma. The answer to changing the troubling behaviors brought on by trauma lies in healing the trauma itself. Your chance at healing has arrived. Take the opportunity.
Trauma is most often the root cause of many emotional, behavioral, and mood disorders. Until you can heal your trauma, you will find great difficulty finding the healing you need to live a life of recovery, health, and wellness. At Khiron House, we provide effective residential treatment and cutting edge therapies which seek to transform mind, body, and spirit from the effects of trauma. Call us today for information. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours) USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).