My Dear Cousin - Your Sympathies

5^th May 2021

My Dear Cousin,

Your sympathies are much appreciated but unnecessary. I came to terms with my life some years ago, and my pain greets me like the voices of an old friend. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Well, if that were true I would be able to comfortably bear the weight of the world on my shoulders.

In the world of Psychology what these letters are is a form of systematic desensitization. That is a therapy for trauma that involves removing your reaction to painful stimuli.

You see, emotional pain is rooted in a part of the brain called the Amygdala. You have two of these almond shaped structures in the brain. These are the things that make you react without thinking. In a person that suffers from PTSD the Amygdala is often found to be swollen.

This structure inhibits the hippocampus which is responsible for long term memory. These two parts of the brain compete with each other to control our actions. They are very much like muscles. The one you use gets stronger.

With these letters I’m strengthening my hippocampus and managing the pain of the past. I’m healing in my own way. So don’t cry for me. Think of it rather as a testament to my strength that I have endured so much and I am still standing. Many doctors I have dealt with are rather impressed by my ability to function with this psychopathology.

Further, if you wish you could help know that you are helping. You’re listening, and my years working with the homeless have taught me that listening can be the best help you can give.

Best,

 

Richard Leland Neal