Mindfulness Meditation for Trauma (PTSD): Does It Really Work?

I recently watched a moving video of US veteran and meditation teacher Erik Younger who spoke about suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and how meditation and mindfulness had saved his life.

But I’ve been doing a lot of research and there are mixed arguments on whether meditations for healing trauma actually work.

Mindfulness Meditation for Trauma: Does It Really Work?

Research studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can help individuals with trauma develop greater emotional regulation, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve their overall quality of life. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be appropriate for everyone. A new school of thought is growing to say that ‘trauma sensitive mindfulness’ is better suited to trauma survivors.

What is trauma?

Trauma can be defined as an emotional or psychological response to an event or experience that is overwhelming, frightening, or life-threatening.

It can result from a traumatic event, such as:

• physical or sexual assault
• serious accidents
• natural disasters
• or the death of a loved one.

Trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual’s mental health and well-being, often leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms can interfere with a person’s ability to function in daily life, impacting their relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

Everyone experiences trauma differently, and what may be traumatic for one person may not be traumatic for another.

It is also important to seek professional help if you are experiencing symptoms of trauma or if you have experienced a traumatic event. A qualified therapist can help you work through your feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage your symptoms.

How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body

Mental health professionals have found that trauma affects the brain and body of trauma survivors in many ways. When an individual experiences trauma, the body’s natural fight-or-flight response is activated, leading to an increase in adrenaline and cortisol levels.

In a prolonged state of stress, these hormones can cause physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and shaking.

Traumatic experiences can also lead to changes in the brain structure, including alterations in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.

• The amygdala: The amygdala is a small almond-shaped structure in the brain that is responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression. It plays a key role in the body’s fight or flight response, triggering the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones.
• The hippocampus: The hippocampus, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for the formation and retrieval of long-term memories, particularly those related to personal experiences and events. It is also involved in spatial navigation and the processing of contextual information.
• The prefrontal cortex: The prefrontal cortex, located in the front part of the brain, is responsible for a range of higher cognitive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. It plays a key role in executive functions such as planning, attention, and working memory, and is also involved in social behavior and personality development.

What is Mindfulness Meditation?

Mindfulness meditation is a technique that involves paying attention to the present moment, without judgment, and with a curious and accepting attitude.

The practice of mindfulness meditation has been shown to have benefits, including reducing stress, improving mental health, and enhancing overall well-being.

Mindfulness Meditation and Trauma

There is evidence that meditation and mindfulness can be beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma. But in some cases for trauma survivors, mindfulness practices have the potential of causing more harm than good.

But there is a growing school of thought that “trauma-informed mindfulness” is the right approach to addressing trauma.

What is trauma-informed mindfulness?

Trauma-informed mindfulness is a modified form of mindfulness-based programs that are tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals who have experienced trauma.

Traditional mindfulness practices assume that anyone can participate in and benefit from any mindfulness activity. However, a trauma-informed approach recognizes that certain aspects of mindfulness may trigger trauma survivors.

The objective of trauma-informed mindfulness is to assist people in developing a friendly relationship with their physical sensations, improving their emotional self-regulation, reducing their experiences of trauma, and cultivating a mindfulness practice.

Trauma-informed work involves understanding what a person requires in their meditation to get the most benefit from it.

A trauma-informed mindfulness teacher will work to facilitate healing in a secure and supportive setting, while also taking into account specific triggers.

For example, focusing on the breath is frequently the starting point for meditation, as it helps to calm the mind. However, the breath may not be the best starting point for trauma survivors.

The respiratory system is connected to the sympathetic nervous system, which is often imbalanced in individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed mindfulness may involve selecting a different focal point for attention, such as the sensations of the feet on the ground or sound.

The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health

Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health. Individuals who have experienced trauma may develop symptoms such as:

• anxiety
• depression
• PTSD.

These symptoms can be debilitating and affect an individual’s ability to function in their daily lives.

It is important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop mental health problems. However, individuals who have experienced trauma may benefit from seeking professional help to manage their symptoms.

The Effectiveness of Meditation for Trauma

Research has shown that mindfulness can be an effective technique for managing the symptoms of trauma.

Studies and Experiments Supporting the Effectiveness of Meditation

There have been several studies and experiments that support the effectiveness of meditation for trauma. A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) was associated with a reduction in PTSD symptoms among individuals.

How meditation and mindfulness practices work

Meditation and mindfulness work by engaging specific mechanisms in the brain. These mechanisms include:

• Activation of the prefrontal cortex: When activated, the prefrontal cortex, is responsible for regulating emotions, reducing anxiety, and enhancing attention.
• Reduction of amygdala activity: People that practice mindfulness can reduce activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions and triggering the fight-or-flight response.
• Enhancing self-awareness: Meditation can enhance conscious awareness, which can help individuals regulate their emotions and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Potential benefits for trauma

There are several potential benefits of meditation for trauma survivors including:

• Reduction of symptoms associated with trauma such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
• Improved ability to cope with distressing situations and emotions.
• Enhanced sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance.
• Improved emotional regulation.
• Increased resilience and overall well-being.

Limitations and challenges of Using Meditation for Trauma

While meditation can be effective for managing the symptoms of trauma, it is important to note that there are some limitations and challenges to using this technique, including:

• Individuals with severe post-traumatic stress may require other forms of treatment, such as medication or psychotherapy.
• Meditation may not be appropriate for individuals with certain mental health conditions.
• Finding a trained professional to guide individuals through the meditation process can be challenging.

Comparison of the effectiveness of meditation with other forms of treatment

While meditation can be effective for managing the symptoms of trauma, it is important to compare its effectiveness with other forms of treatment, such as medication and psychotherapy.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that mindfulness-based cognitive behavior therapy (MBCT) was as effective as traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of anxiety.

The different types of meditation for traumatic stress

Meditation can take many forms, each with its own unique benefits. Here are some of the most common types:

Body Scan Meditation

Body scan meditation involves systematically focusing on different parts of the body, from head to toe, and bringing your attention to physical sensations in each area.

This type of meditation can help individuals with trauma become more aware of bodily sensations and identify areas of tension or discomfort that may be related to trauma.

By bringing attention to these areas and learning to release tension, individuals may be able to reduce the physical symptoms of trauma.

To perform a body scan meditation, follow these steps:

1. Find a quiet place where you can lie down comfortably.
2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
3. Bring your attention to the top of your head and slowly scan down through your body, paying attention to any physical sensations you may be feeling.
4. If you notice any areas of tension or discomfort, try to breathe into them and release the tension as you exhale.
5. Continue scanning down through your body until you reach your feet.

Loving-Kindness Meditation

People with trauma tend to feel disconnected from their bodies and themselves. Loving-kindness meditation, also known as metta meditation, involves cultivating feelings of love and kindness towards oneself and others.

This type of meditation can help individuals with trauma develop a sense of compassion for themselves and others, which may be helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

To perform a loving-kindness meditation, follow these steps:

1. Find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably.
2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
3. Repeat the following phrases to yourself, focusing on one person or group at a time: “May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you be safe. May you live with ease.”
4. Start with yourself, then move on to a loved one, a neutral person, and finally, someone with whom you have difficulty.
5. When you’re finished, take a moment to notice how you feel.

Mindful Movement Meditation

Mindful movement meditation involves bringing awareness to the body and its movements, such as walking or stretching. Yoga, Tai Chi, and mindful running are all types of mindful movement.

This type of meditation can help individuals with trauma become more attuned to their body and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

To perform a mindful movement meditation, follow these steps:

1. Choose a simple movement, such as walking or stretching.
2. Focus on the sensation of the movement and the physical sensations in your body.
3. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to the movement.
4. Continue for a few minutes, gradually increasing the length of time you meditate.

Choosing the Right Type of Meditation

When choosing a type of meditation, it’s important to find one that works best for you. Here are some tips to help you choose the right type of meditation:

• Experiment with different types of meditation to find what works best for you.
• Consider working with a trained professional who can guide you through the meditation process.
• Be patient with yourself and remember that meditation is a practice that takes time and consistency to develop.
• If certain types of meditation trigger difficult emotions or memories, consider trying a different type or adjusting your approach.
• Incorporate mindfulness into your daily life by taking moments to pause and connect with your breath or surroundings.

Tips for Beginners

Here are some tips to help you start your meditation practice:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to meditate: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit or lie down comfortably. This could be a dedicated room, a quiet corner of your home, or even outside in nature.
2. Start with short sessions: Begin with short sessions, such as 5-10 minutes. As you become more comfortable with the practice, you can gradually increase the length of your sessions.
3. Focus on physical sensations: During your meditation practice, focus on your body’s sensations. This can help you stay grounded in the present and reduce the impact of intrusive thoughts or memories.
4. Maintain a consistent meditation practice: Consistency is key when it comes to meditation. Try to practice at the same time each day and make it a regular part of your routine.
5. Start small and gradually increase time: Start with shorter meditation sessions and gradually increase the length of your practice as you become more comfortable with the process.
6. Find an accountability partner: Find an accountability partner, such as a friend or family member, who can support you in your mindfulness meditation practice. This could involve checking in with each other regularly and providing encouragement and motivation.
7. Use guided meditation apps or recordings: Guided meditation apps or recordings can be helpful tools for beginners. These resources provide step-by-step instructions and can help you stay focused during your practice.
8. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily Routine: In addition to your formal meditation practice, try to incorporate mindfulness into your day. This could involve practicing informal mindfulness during routine activities like showering, walking, or eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mindfulness meditation and other forms of meditation?

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment, observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment, and developing a non-reactive awareness. Other forms of meditation, such as Transcendental Meditation or mantra meditation, may involve repeating a word or phrase to achieve a state of deep relaxation or altered consciousness.

Can meditation be harmful to individuals with trauma and what are the side effects?

Meditation is generally considered safe for most individuals, but it is important to work with a trained professional when dealing with trauma. For individuals with complex trauma or dissociation, mindfulness meditation may be challenging and trigger emotional reactions. Possible side effects may include emotional discomfort, feelings of sadness or anger, or physical sensations such as muscle tension or headaches.

Can meditation replace traditional forms of treatment for trauma?

Meditation can be a useful complementary treatment for trauma, but it is not a substitute for traditional forms of therapy. It is important to work with a mental health professional to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

How long does it take for meditation to start producing results?

The amount of time it takes to see benefits from meditation can vary depending on the individual and their level of trauma. Some people may notice improvements in their symptoms after a few weeks, while others may take several months.

Can mindfulness meditation benefit individuals without trauma?

Yes, mindfulness meditation can benefit anyone looking to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve mental health.

How does mindfulness meditation differ from other forms of relaxation or stress reduction techniques?

Mindfulness meditation involves actively observing one’s thoughts and emotions without judgment, whereas relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation aim to reduce physical tension and promote relaxation.

How can mindfulness meditation help individuals with trauma build resilience and post-traumatic growth?

Mindfulness meditation can help individuals with trauma build resilience and post-traumatic growth by promoting self-awareness, reducing stress and anxiety, and developing coping strategies. By learning to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, individuals can begin to change their relationship with their trauma and develop a greater sense of control over their lives.

The takeaway

In conclusion, mindfulness meditation for trauma can be an effective complementary treatment for trauma, but the focus should be on external focal points such as colors or sounds.

It is important to work with a trained professional, especially for individuals with complex trauma or dissociation. While meditation has many benefits, it is not a substitute for traditional forms of therapy. With consistent practice and guidance, mindfulness meditation can help individuals with trauma build resilience and improve their mental health.