The correlation between the scorpion sting and a PTSD reaction is amazing. It is probably the best example in nature. A simple description might be venom attaches to the nervous system then is relayed to the brain as pain, on its way it causes paralysis of the areas it comes in contact with. This is similar to a trigger. When we are triggered, there is an outside force that attaches to our system. On its way to warn us, we freeze. When our brain recognizes the possible danger, it can send us into the 5F’s and our bodies feel the pain of the past.
Nature has an excellent example of how to deal with these outside toxins. It weighs about 20-50 grams (1-2 oz.) and is generally around 120-190mm long (4-8 inch.). Natures best defense against the poison of a scorpion, is just a little tiny, adorable, grasshopper mouse. Nothing massive or intimidating. This little mouse does not overpower predators or gang up on other poisonous creatures. In fact, it will often take the hit of the poison. What happens next is remarkable and backed with science. When the venom enters a grasshopper mouse and starts its journey to the brain, the messaging system stops it. (There are links below.) Instead of allowing the poison to paralyze the mouses nervous system it binds with it. When the messaging system connects with the poison, it uses it as pain blocker instead. In short, their brain never gets the message that they should be hurt, instead they momentarily become stronger.
Others and I have described the initial reaction to a trigger as a pause. When we first hear the siren, catch the smell, or words are said, we tend to stop in our tracks for a moment. That is the entry of the venom. The grasshopper mouse likewise will get stunned for a moment. What happens next is where we can take control of our lives back. When we can recognize that we have just been poisoned, we need to pause, then block the messaging system to our brain and/or block the reactionary systems from coming out. It is how we can become immune to the toxins.
Grasshopper mice have a couple other features. They are rare in comparison to other mice. They are extremely agile and quick thinkers. When hunting poisonous bugs, they dodge attacks and even disable the mechanisms the toxins are distributed from. These adorable little mice also howl. I find that extremely entertaining.
During the diagnosis and hospitalization of my mother, my father’s cruelty was back in my life. He was lying to the hospital staff and telling them not to listen to my mother. Lying to my siblings about what the hospital said. He was also in my face about how horrible I was for defending my mother. He yelled and belittled me every opportunity given. After an incredibly aggressive temper tantrum from my father, I paused. When he was gone, I threw my arms up in the air and announced with confidence that my recovery was working! I have no doubt that previously I would have handled my father’s temper and attacks on me by getting drunk and staying that way for a while. I had a victory howl and have used the howl several times since.
I would like to add some caution. Grasshopper mice are also known to eat other mice. I have seen this with trauma survivors, too many times. It is often done in a ‘My trauma was worse than yours’. I have probably been guilty of this myself. Let us try, to not do that. For some of you my life may seem horrific but compared to others my life was easy. PTSD recovery is not about who had it worse; it is about recognizing, accepting, and making conscience choices about how to proceed forward. Some traumas may take longer to recover from, but all have a venomous effect.
To overcome PTSD you do not need to be invincible like Superman, although kryptonite will bring him down. You do not need to be a warrior like Achilles; he also had a heel problem. You do not need to be cold and detached like Data or Spock, both of which wanted to be more human. All you need is to be smart and agile enough to dodge or disable stings like a cute little, tiny mouse. When you can, take the hit and use it for strength. This is not easy and it takes a lot of practice. Afterwards have a victory howl 😊!
I do not remember everything my dad said and did in his attempts to make me cower and run from the conflict, but I do remember my howl! I had completely overcome a situation that in years past would have sent me spiraling. It may not have seemed like a victory to anyone else but to me it was huge. It was also a building block for future successes. When faced with other triggers I could think back of how proud I was of myself. This gave me strength to overcome more challenges. We were not born with all of the skills we have today. We overcame one obstacle, then another, and with each small success we grow stronger.
Taking time to howl after a success helps remind us of other things we did not think we could overcome. If you are so inclined maybe grab a pebble from the ground and add it to jar, over time see how many stones you have collected. You could likewise pick a wildflower and dry it in a book with a note of what victory you had when you picked the flower. Possibly even reward yourself with a dinner out or pedicure. Take a moment to accept, even gloat in your accomplishment. Give yourself positive feedback on how incredible you felt when you turned a paralyzing, poisonous, venom into strength. In the clip from Twister, I played, you can note that Helen Hunt and Bill ___ characters stayed calm and collected as the tornado whipped through. They have lived through others. They had the experience of knowing what to expect and how other people would react in the middle of terror. They were probably scared too, but they took the hit and used it for strength. You can too.
Grass Hopper Mice:
https://theweek.com/articles/457534/adorable-mouse-thats-immune-scorpion-stings