Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
Oct 10, 2019
Nadine Burke Harris, the first Surgeon General of California and a passionate pediatrician, delves into the profound effects of childhood trauma on long-term health. She shares her personal experiences with adversity and emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care. The discussion covers innovative public health initiatives, the significance of supportive relationships, and the need for awareness to reduce stigma. With a focus on resilience, she provides insight into how early interventions can buffer the impact of adverse childhood experiences.
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Biology of Stress Response
- The fight, flight, or freeze response activates the amygdala and stress hormones, prioritizing survival over cognitive judgment.
- This biological response readies the body for immediate action but suppresses executive functioning.
Adversity Links to Autoimmune Risk
- Childhood adversity doubles risk for autoimmune diseases due to chronic inflammation from activated stress response.
- This connection reveals trauma’s long-term impact on physical health beyond mental health issues.
Tools to Heal Trauma Effects
- Use safe, stable, nurturing relationships to buffer children from trauma's effects.
- Implement good sleep, exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, and healthy relationships to regulate stress response.
