Global High Intensity Activation (GHIA) is a concept within the realm of Somatic Experiencing®, where an individual experiences a constant state of heightened nervous system activity, lacking a sense of calm and safety. These sensations persist in the body continuously, irrespective of any identifiable triggers. In a way, one could argue that for someone in a prolonged GHIA condition, experiencing life is triggering.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for our “fight-or-flight” response. In individuals with GHIA, the urge to fight or flee remains active, constantly present, even if not consciously acknowledged. This sympathetic nervous system activation is then partnered with the individual’s freeze response. Individuals with Global High experience consistent moderate to high sympathetic activation alongside moderate to high freeze responses, leading to a continuous yet subdued distress. This overload results in an excessive amount of stress even before any current trigger occurs.
There is a significant link between GHIA and early developmental trauma, as early trauma prevents the nervous system from learning how to self-regulate and feel calm and secure from the start. There are, however, other factors that may play a role in GHIA being present. These include:
Physical Trauma: Experiencing physical abuse, neglect, or other forms of harm can significantly impact the developing nervous system.
Emotional Trauma: Witnessing or experiencing violence, abuse, or distressing events can also be a contributing factor to GHIA.
Early Separation from Caregivers: Inadequate and inconsistent care from primary caregivers can result in feelings of insecurity and attachment issues, heightening the state of activation.
Perinatal Trauma: Difficult childbirth or maternal stress can disrupt the developing nervous system of the unborn child, potentially leading to GHIA.
Chronic Stress: Continuous exposure to stress, even without explicit trauma, can influence GHIA.
Altered States of Consciousness: States induced by substances, alcohol, or meditation can temporarily disrupt the nervous system's normal functioning, increasing sensitivity to stimuli and hyperarousal.
War and Natural Disasters: The impact of war and natural disasters can trigger chronic hyperarousal, creating challenges in feeling safe and secure, with the ongoing threat of danger exacerbating these symptoms.
GHIA can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
Hyperarousal: Heightened alertness, anxiety, and irritability, leading to feeling on edge, being easily startled, or experiencing sleep disturbances.
Hypervigilance: Excessive focus on potential threats, resulting in constant scanning of surroundings, difficulty concentrating, and social withdrawal.
Emotional Dysregulation: Challenges in managing emotions, leading to intense emotional outbursts, emotional numbness, or difficulty expressing feelings.
Physical Symptoms: Various physical manifestations like headaches, migraines, stomach aches, fatigue, and muscle tension, which may worsen in response to stress or triggers.
Cognitive Difficulties: Impairments in concentration, memory, and decision-making, making it difficult to learn, work, and maintain relationships.
When engaging with Global High Intensity Activation, it's crucial to adopt a nuanced approach. Conventional methods for trauma might not be effective for individuals with GHIA. Opting for a bottom-up therapeutic strategy like Somatic Experiencing® can be advantageous in addressing GHIA. The therapist's role is pivotal, and they must be comfortable with confusion, suppression, fragmentation, inconsistency, emotional outbursts, intense expressions, and dissociation. Establishing a sense of safety and a supportive environment is crucial, requiring the therapist to be patient, empathetic, and non-judgmental, fostering a true sense of containment.
Treatment will concentrate on bodily sensations and regulating the nervous system. Somatic trauma work emphasizes that the body is key to healing trauma. Therefore, the therapist will assist the client in recognizing their bodily sensations and cultivating a feeling of embodiment. As the client becomes more connected to their body, the nervous system will begin to feel safe, aiding in transitioning from the sympathetic "fight-or-flight" response to the ventral parasympathetic "rest-and-digest" response.
Dealing with GHIA can be difficult, but there are strategies to aid in the healing process, and it is important to know that rewiring of our nervous system is possible. With proper support, individuals with GHIA can begin to regulate their nervous systems, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing their overall health. Seeking guidance from a therapist skilled in somatic trauma work can aid in comprehending the root causes of symptoms and crafting effective management techniques.
By Cheree McCallon, LCSW, LSCSW, CRAADC, CCTP-II, Somatic Practitioner in Training
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