Description: In this episode of The Courageous Survivor, join me, Paula Walters, as I dive deep into the complex world of our body's stress hormones—adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. These hormones play a crucial role in how we respond to stress, but when impacted by trauma, they can become our greatest challenge. Today, I’ll be sharing my personal journey through over four decades of trauma and how these hormones nearly led to my demise. This episode is a continuation of our previous discussion on the "feel-good" hormones—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins—and how balancing these is just as critical as managing our stress hormones.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding the Stress Hormones:
  • The function of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol in the body.
  • How these hormones prepare us for "fight or flight" and why they are essential for survival.
• Trauma's Impact on Stress Hormones:
  • Short-term effects: Rapid heartbeat, heightened senses, and energy surges.
  • Long-term effects: Chronic anxiety, insomnia, muscle tension, and weakened immune system.
• Being Stuck in "Fight or Flight":
  • Symptoms of short-term and long-term exposure to elevated stress hormones.
  • Personal anecdotes about how I lived in a state of chronic stress and how it affected my physical and mental health.
• Path to Healing:
  • Natural ways to regulate adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol.
  • The importance of regular physical activity, mindfulness, sleep, and a balanced diet.
  • How these lifestyle changes not only benefit us but also improve the lives of those we love.
• My Personal Journey:
  • How being stuck in the "medical mayhem" almost led me to take my own life.
  • The turning point in 2019 was when I sought functional holistic treatment, which changed the trajectory of my life.
  • The importance of taking control of your healing journey, even when the traditional medical system falls short.

Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. I am a survivor sharing my experiences, research, and the knowledge I’ve gained from seeking functional holistic treatments. My goal is to help others avoid the pitfalls I encountered in the medical system and to offer hope and guidance to those struggling with the effects of trauma.

Call to Action: Join me as we unpack these stress hormones and learn how to take steps toward healing. Your well-being matters—not just for you, but for those who love and depend on you. Let’s work together to break free from the grip of trauma and reclaim our lives.

🎙 Episode 1: Healing Through Faith and Self-Reflection 🎙

Welcome to the very first episode of Courageous Conversations. In this inaugural episode, I invite you into my world—a place where I openly share the private thoughts, journal entries, and moments of accountability that have shaped my healing journey from over four decades of trauma.

Today’s episode is especially personal, as I dive into the pivotal role that growing in my faith and deepening my relationship with God has played in my journey. I discuss how I came to understand the profound impact that pain, anger, and resentment had not only on me but also on those around me. This episode is about looking inward, taking responsibility for how my own wounds have caused me to hurt others, and embracing the humbling process of change.

Through God’s guidance, I’ve learned that true healing isn’t just about addressing the wounds inflicted upon us—it’s also about forgiving those who hurt us and seeking forgiveness for the ways we’ve allowed our pain to impact others. Join me as I reflect on this transformation, share a powerful devotion that resonated deeply with me, and explore the importance of moving from a place of anger to one of love and compassion.

This episode is just a glimpse into the kind of raw and honest content you can expect as Courageous Conversations transitions to a subscription-based platform in October. For now, I’m sharing these vulnerable parts of my journey with you freely, so you can see firsthand what this journey of healing, faith, and self-reflection looks like.

Thank you for joining me on this path toward healing and growth. May you find peace, strength, and hope in your own journey as well.

Podcast Episode: Breaking the Chain—Rewiring Your Brain Chemistry After Trauma

Welcome to The Courageous Survivor: Breaking the Chain. In this powerful episode, Paula Walters takes you on an enlightening journey into the science behind our "happy hormones"—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. With nearly five decades of personal experience overcoming chronic trauma, addiction, and the medical system's failures, Paula shares how understanding and naturally boosting these key brain chemicals has transformed her life.

Discover how trauma disrupts these hormones, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and a lack of motivation. Paula provides practical, holistic strategies she's implemented to restore balance in her life—strategies you can start using today to begin your own journey toward healing and well-being.

From morning routines and dietary changes to building meaningful connections and practicing gratitude, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Paula also previews the next episode, where she'll dive into the impact of cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline on trauma survivors.

Tune in, take notes, and start breaking the chain of trauma in your life. Don't forget to check out Paula's blog and social media for more resources and in-depth discussions on boosting your feel-good hormones naturally.

Disclaimer:

The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.

Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.