This is so good! There are so many internet influencers out here selling CBD tinctures and somatic exercise programs claiming to heal trauma and it absolutely boils my blood. First of all, it’s unethical and second of all it’s dangerous. Then add in the idea that healing means adding more to an already full life, adding a laundry list of self care practices that actually increase stress and it makes for a really disgusting soup of bad advice.
I really appreciate this post! I have PCOS, and this was incredibly helpful for me to make sense of certain puzzle pieces that I haven’t had time to research fully.
I just wanted to reach out and express my appreciation for your recent post. I came across your Substack after reading "the commonplace." I've been following Tsh Oxenrider for some time, and her blend of homely wisdom and insightful writing never fails to impress.
Your article beautifully bridges the gap between the scientific depth of Huberman Labs and the accessible, engaging style that resonates with many of us in the Substack community. The way you integrate technical details with a narrative that is both spicy and vividly real made for a compelling read. It's refreshing to see complex topics like the HPA-axis and amygdala discussed with such a lively and approachable tone.
As a 20-year Army veteran dealing with PTSD and TBI, I find your discussions around neurological responses particularly relevant and well-presented. My stress responses blast off like Elon's and Jeff's rockets.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. I wish you all the best on your journey as a mom and writer, navigating the challenges and joys that come with PMMD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, whatever that is?).
Annelise, you’ve explained these systems so clearly! I knew about cortisol and the amygdala and PFC got work, but connecting those dots with the reproductive system was something that I only learned recently when working with a naturopath when I struggled to fall pregnant. I learned lots reading this!
I knew you were a talented essayist but, wow, you’ve got a gift for taking complex scientific information and summarising it without losing nuance.
So many good hearted, hardworking women and mommas are out there dealing with. I did and am still working to get healthier little by little (because it’s a lot of work sometimes to change habits and figure out what works for you and your season and yes, your budget!). It’s so important to spread the word that this is NOT all in our heads and is very, very common…it’s real and there are things you can do that can at a minimum help and at best make you feel like a new woman able to love and serve and enjoy your life more, and not just survive.🥹❤️
This is so interesting, and helpful! Also, I love the list of stress-reducing ideas. I’ve never seen a long list like this where literally everything on it seems doable. Thank you!
Wow, I’m gonna have to print this out to read it again more closely - especially to see if something in here can be some puzzle pieces of why I often get PMDD like symptoms… but before ovulation, not my period(!?)
Just got a hypothyroid and hashimotos diagnosis a few weeks ago. We immediately cut gluten and are now on a journey to figure out how to heal all the way through to the root. I feel pretty overwhelmed which leads (for me) to feeling pretty discouraged. Facts really help me in moments like this, so this was a helpful read. Thank you!
I'm going to dive into your footnote #8.. I'm curious about the blood pressure aspect. I had high BP as a teenager but don't now, despite being a higher weight (especially when pregnant!). When I think back on how LITTLE I ate back then, it blows my mind (I was also a competitive swimmer, practicing 3-4 hours a day). I have always wondered if not eating enough had anything to do with that.
This was such a good summary and that PDF! So many great ideas.
I’m curious about your comment that we can control our response to the past. Do you primarily have therapy/ therapeutic means in mind?
This is so good! There are so many internet influencers out here selling CBD tinctures and somatic exercise programs claiming to heal trauma and it absolutely boils my blood. First of all, it’s unethical and second of all it’s dangerous. Then add in the idea that healing means adding more to an already full life, adding a laundry list of self care practices that actually increase stress and it makes for a really disgusting soup of bad advice.
I really appreciate this post! I have PCOS, and this was incredibly helpful for me to make sense of certain puzzle pieces that I haven’t had time to research fully.
Annelise,
I just wanted to reach out and express my appreciation for your recent post. I came across your Substack after reading "the commonplace." I've been following Tsh Oxenrider for some time, and her blend of homely wisdom and insightful writing never fails to impress.
Your article beautifully bridges the gap between the scientific depth of Huberman Labs and the accessible, engaging style that resonates with many of us in the Substack community. The way you integrate technical details with a narrative that is both spicy and vividly real made for a compelling read. It's refreshing to see complex topics like the HPA-axis and amygdala discussed with such a lively and approachable tone.
As a 20-year Army veteran dealing with PTSD and TBI, I find your discussions around neurological responses particularly relevant and well-presented. My stress responses blast off like Elon's and Jeff's rockets.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. I wish you all the best on your journey as a mom and writer, navigating the challenges and joys that come with PMMD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, whatever that is?).
Looking forward to your next piece!
Warm regards,
Joshua Barrett Brooks
The Diverse Lens
Annelise, you’ve explained these systems so clearly! I knew about cortisol and the amygdala and PFC got work, but connecting those dots with the reproductive system was something that I only learned recently when working with a naturopath when I struggled to fall pregnant. I learned lots reading this!
I knew you were a talented essayist but, wow, you’ve got a gift for taking complex scientific information and summarising it without losing nuance.
So many good hearted, hardworking women and mommas are out there dealing with. I did and am still working to get healthier little by little (because it’s a lot of work sometimes to change habits and figure out what works for you and your season and yes, your budget!). It’s so important to spread the word that this is NOT all in our heads and is very, very common…it’s real and there are things you can do that can at a minimum help and at best make you feel like a new woman able to love and serve and enjoy your life more, and not just survive.🥹❤️
This is so interesting, and helpful! Also, I love the list of stress-reducing ideas. I’ve never seen a long list like this where literally everything on it seems doable. Thank you!
Wow, I’m gonna have to print this out to read it again more closely - especially to see if something in here can be some puzzle pieces of why I often get PMDD like symptoms… but before ovulation, not my period(!?)
Just got a hypothyroid and hashimotos diagnosis a few weeks ago. We immediately cut gluten and are now on a journey to figure out how to heal all the way through to the root. I feel pretty overwhelmed which leads (for me) to feeling pretty discouraged. Facts really help me in moments like this, so this was a helpful read. Thank you!
I'm going to dive into your footnote #8.. I'm curious about the blood pressure aspect. I had high BP as a teenager but don't now, despite being a higher weight (especially when pregnant!). When I think back on how LITTLE I ate back then, it blows my mind (I was also a competitive swimmer, practicing 3-4 hours a day). I have always wondered if not eating enough had anything to do with that.