Worn and Logy,
I don't want to see this thread disappear so quickly from the board...I think it has a lot to say about many things....
. Here is a quote from another study posted in the Wall Street Journal about the effect of Depression on Memory...
"Some scientists believe that depression weakens the brain by bathing it in damaging chemicals called glucocorticoids, produced during periods of stress. Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, may erode pathways between neurons (nerve cells in the brain that transmit messages). If this erosion occurs on top of some pre-existing brain abnormality, it may accelerate cognitive problems, according to experts."
Here is a quote from the article Worn posted
"New research using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that childhood stress such as abuse or emotional neglect, in particular when combined with genetic factors, can result in structural brain changes, rendering these people more vulnerable to developing depression. "
Put the two together and it makes me wonder whether therapies that spend too much time making us relive horrible and depressing periods in our lives are good for us. While it is important to acknowledge the harm done to us, dwelling on it may not be as helpful.
Perhaps the best cure for us is one that strengthens and discusses positive feelings, since the others come naturally to us and are already overdeveloped. In other words our brain may be totally geared for depression, fear and shame. Every incident makes those parts stronger. What we need to practice is positive emotional responses. I know, for instance, that years ago when I had a massage therapist I felt really comfortable with. My visits to her were extremely important to my feelings of well-being. It was the one hour per week when I felt completely safe and able to trust and feel good in my body. During that time my general emotional well-being increased.
I went through a sequence of responses to a situation yesterday that I have had problems with before. I felt really badly about something, not just intellectually and emotionally, but physically as well. I felt the emotion run through me like a jolt of fear. Do other people feel perceive these feelings like a lightening bolt that exists through their fingertips??? Why is my response so physical? I think it is because my brain has been trained to over-respond and is taking my body with it. It reminded me how all the talking I've done about that feeling has never changed it. What made the biggest dent was the positive physical therapies I once had on a weekly basis.