The Courageous Survivor: The Rewired Journey
I’m Paula Walters — a woman who spent most of her life in survival mode after enduring child abuse, domestic violence, and a near-fatal strangulation that left me with a traumatic brain injury. For years, I was trapped in a cycle of pain, confusion, and endless medical appointments that offered no real answers.
But when I hit rock bottom, faith led me to one final option — a functional neurologist who helped me uncover how trauma had rewired my brain and body. That discovery changed everything. I began rebuilding my life from the inside out — learning how to heal my brain, regulate my body, and reconnect with my faith, truth, and purpose.
Now, through The Courageous Survivor Podcast, I’m sharing that journey. Each week, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my Rewired Journey — the real, raw process of healing decades of trauma, breaking unhealthy patterns, and building a life rooted in wholeness and hope.
Together, we’ll explore how faith, neuroscience, and courage come together to transform not just the mind — but the entire person.
If you’ve ever wondered whether healing is possible after deep pain — this podcast is living proof that it is.
Welcome to The Courageous Survivor Podcast.
Where survival ends, and rewiring begins.
Disclaimer:
The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.
Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.
The Courageous Survivor: The Rewired Journey
Understanding and Healing from Trauma's Impact on Stress Hormones
Description: In this episode of The Courageous Survivor, join me, Paula Walters, as I dive deep into the complex world of our body's stress hormones—adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. These hormones play a crucial role in how we respond to stress, but when impacted by trauma, they can become our greatest challenge. Today, I’ll be sharing my personal journey through over four decades of trauma and how these hormones nearly led to my demise. This episode is a continuation of our previous discussion on the "feel-good" hormones—dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins—and how balancing these is just as critical as managing our stress hormones.
Key Highlights:
- Understanding the Stress Hormones:
- The function of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol in the body.
- How these hormones prepare us for "fight or flight" and why they are essential for survival.
- Trauma's Impact on Stress Hormones:
- Short-term effects: Rapid heartbeat, heightened senses, and energy surges.
- Long-term effects: Chronic anxiety, insomnia, muscle tension, and weakened immune system.
- Being Stuck in "Fight or Flight":
- Symptoms of short-term and long-term exposure to elevated stress hormones.
- Personal anecdotes about how I lived in a state of chronic stress and how it affected my physical and mental health.
- Path to Healing:
- Natural ways to regulate adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol.
- The importance of regular physical activity, mindfulness, sleep, and a balanced diet.
- How these lifestyle changes not only benefit us but also improve the lives of those we love.
- My Personal Journey:
- How being stuck in the "medical mayhem" almost led me to take my own life.
- The turning point in 2019 was when I sought functional holistic treatment, which changed the trajectory of my life.
- The importance of taking control of your healing journey, even when the traditional medical system falls short.
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. I am a survivor sharing my experiences, research, and the knowledge I’ve gained from seeking functional holistic treatments. My goal is to help others avoid the pitfalls I encountered in the medical system and to offer hope and guidance to those struggling with the effects of trauma.
Call to Action: Join me as we unpack these stress hormones and learn how to take steps toward healing. Your well-being matters—not just for you, but for those who love and depend on you. Let’s work together to break free from the grip of trauma and reclaim our lives.
https://thecourageoussurvivor.com/
Disclaimer:
The content shared on this podcast and YouTube channel is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. I, Paula Walters, am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided should not be construed as medical advice. I am sharing my personal journey of healing—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—based on my own experiences and the research I have found to be beneficial for me.
Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or treatment options. What works for me may not work for you, and it is important to find a path that is right for your unique needs and circumstances.