Shock has the ability to obstruct our access to some of the deepest aspects of the Self - resulting in difficulties with intimacy, self-esteem, connection to one`s sense of purpose and meaning, and spirituality. Shock is stored in the body and reactivated by events in daily life until it is resolved. It is mediated by unconscious rather than conscious aspects of the personality.Shock vs.Trauma
Shock will have major impact on both the psychological and physiological
levels, including hormonal production such as adrenals and thyroid. Being
in the aforementioned state of "red alert", or hypervigilance, over an
extended period of time can have a devastating effect on the adrenals and
lead to a state which is now commonly referred to as chronic fatigue.
Dr. Emmerson has also broken down shock into classifications of commission
(event) or omission (need). There can be the single incident events such
as abortion attempt, an epidural, c-section, physical or sexual abuse,
sudden loss etc. or multiple incidents of not having basic needs met, i.e.
neglect, indifference, lack of touch or comfort. Damage of this sort will
often make it difficult for a person to take in love and compassion when
it is healthily available to them. A distrusting belief system can govern
a lifetime of unhealthy relationships and potentially self-sabotaging actions.
(Stephen P. King - 2003)