Exploring Neurobiology: Stress, Trauma, and Coping Mechanisms with Dr. Rajita Sinha

Have you ever wondered how stress, alcohol, and trauma are interconnected within the complexities of our brain? What if we told you that there's a way to understand and cope with these issues? We promise, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of these complex interrelationships and provide strategies to manage them effectively. Sharing her immense expertise on this subject, we're joined by Dr. Rajita Sinha, a leading figure from Yale University School of Medicine, a renowned expert in psychiatry, neuroscience, and child study. Listen as we unravel her fascinating journey from a classical Indian dance background to becoming a significant figure in the field of neurobiology and psychology of stress, trauma, and coping mechanisms. Dive right into the heart of the matter as we explore the intricate relationship between stress, alcohol, and our behaviours. Dr. Sinha sheds light on how our protective stress systems can be suppressed by alcohol, the role stress plays in chronic diseases, and how a better understanding of these mechanisms can aid in developing effective treatments. Uncovering the complex biology behind our coping mechanisms, this episode examines how acute stress can trigger our brain's alarm system, leading to the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. We discuss ways to "surf the urge" and slow down to make conscious choices in stressful situations. Moreover, we reveal the effects of alcohol on our 'fight or flight' system and cortisol production, offering ways to reverse these effects. This is a conversation you don't want to miss! Join us for this insightful exploration into the inner workings of our brains and the challenges we navigate daily. Learn more about our guest Dr. Rajita Sinha and the work that she is doing here:  Yale Stress Center  Research Society on Alcohol Instagram: @drrajitastress & @yalepsych Facebook: Yale Stress Center Twitter: @drrajitastress Learn more about OYNB and how it could help change your relationship with alcohol - https://go.oneyearnobeer.com/complete-control-program/?el=podcast If you are ready to take a challenge and join our alcohol-free community, you can test it for 28, 90 or 365 days through one of our programmes: https://go.oneyearnobeer.com/challenges-uk/?el=podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices