Sometimes I work with people who have been sexually abused or neglected and I always ask if they have suffered from migraines or depression. This is because extreme stress at an early age changes the brain, and in later life makes that person more vulnerable to pain syndromes, including depression and mood disorders. Research in this area has also indicated that irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia can also be a symptom. It appears that the trauma affects the brain functioning in the hippocampus and amygdala as it is developing and therefore becomes triggered by stress more easily. The approach that has found to be helpful is Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness to help the person create new cope skills that ultimately will lead to a neurological change. Never underestimate the effects of childhood experiences on health in later life, I am interested in readers experience.

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