Licensed counselor Daryush Parvinbenam recently discussed spiritual practices that can help reduce trauma.
Columbus, Ohio / Spirituality has been positively influencing the lives of individuals for centuries. Recent research has shown that spirituality can be used to help treat certain mental health issues, including trauma. Daryush Parvinbenam is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC-S) and a therapist at Renew Wellness Center.
Some of the spiritually based mindfulness practices Parvinbenam uses can reduce anxiety, and depression related to past traumas. He recently discussed how this can occur.
"Meditation has been proven to help active-duty military service members dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder," Daryush Parvinbenam said. "This research shows that spiritual practices, such as meditation, can improve the lives of anyone battling trauma, not just active duty service members."
Daryush Parvinbeanam explained that transcendental meditation has been able to eliminate the use of psychotropic medications among many service members. It has also made it easier for them to control symptoms of PTSD.
"Traumatic stress has major effects on the brain," Daryush Parvinbenam said. "A report from Harvard Medical School stated that roughly 60 percent of Americans have experienced some kind of traumatic event."
Parvinbenam stated that with so many people battling traumas, spiritual practices, such as mindfulness and meditation should be recommended before taking further action, such as administering medications.
Meditation and other spiritual practices can alter the function and structure of the amygdala, DMN, hippocampus, and more. These are parts of the brain that affect decision-making skills and impulses. Regularly practicing meditation, mindfulness training, and even prayer can help reduce the chance of hyperarousal and debilitating side effects associated with PTSD and other traumas.
"Spirituality involves a person's belief system," Daryush Parvinbenam, said. "A major trauma can harm this spirituality, reducing a person's faith in a higher power or other beliefs. Spirituality practices help restore a person's belief system and provide a 'relaxation response' that is often accessed through meditation or prayer."
Parvinbenam finished by explaining that spiritual practices can also connect a person with a much larger community. This community can provide social support and ways of coping that can't be found elsewhere. This sense of community can reduce feelings associated with loss, grief, depression, and loneliness. Individuals who perform spiritual practices may have a lower chance of behavioral risks.
"Spiritual practices support superior mental and physical health," Parvinbenam concluded. "The benefits of spiritual practices are infinite for those dealing with traumas of all origins. I hope more experts will begin prescribing meditation and mindfulness before resorting to prescription medications."
