Respond or React? - The Strongest Nervous System WINS! | Shari and Jann Simmons | TEDxMSUDenver

NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of trauma and the nervous system, which lacks sufficient scientific support. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...

Mother and daughter duo, Jann and Shari Simmons demonstrate the ways in which our world reacts, rather than responds because most of us are living in our survival brains. In this deeply touching talk, they share both personal and scientific data about how we can change the dynamics of our relationships by choosing a different way to emotionally regulate ourselves. How do we make a decision to be the strongest nervous system in the room? The answer is surprisingly simple. As a mother/daughter duo, Shari and Jann are authors and speakers who bring awareness to audiences across the country about the impact of trauma/stress. They have a podcast on the Mental Health New Radio Network that highlights inspiring stories and overcoming adversity.
As an LCSW, Shari is a therapist in private practice and has managed several mental health treatment centers and psychiatric facilities over the last 30 years. Her goal is to encourage participants to gain a deeper understanding of brain functionality when under stress (survival) rather than respond to behaviors punitively.
Jann is a survivor of extreme trauma, who suffers from complex PTSD. After raising a family, she became a successful bank executive and is now an advocate for victims of trauma.
Together they provide a dual perspective on what ‘really’ occurs when a person perceives threat and what it takes to create interactions that are respectful, insightful, and less destructive. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx