EXPLORE THE IMPACTS
Multiple Hospitalizations
Frequent hospitalizations, whether for physical illness or behavioral health needs, can create ongoing stress that impacts the brain, body, and behavior. The repeated transitions and uncertainty associated with hospital stays activate the nervous system, heightening emotional reactivity, physical tension, and fears around control and connection. Understanding these effects is essential for caregivers and professionals, as providing predictability, choice, and supportive connections can help individuals feel safe, reduce stress, and foster resilience in the face of repeated disruptions.
Brain
In addition to the stress caused by the physical need of the hospitalization, transitions in places to live (even short-lived ones like hospitalizations) are a stress on the limbic system.
Body
In addition to the physical stress caused by the illness or injury requiring the hospitalization, the stress chemicals released by the need for hospitalization and the ongoing fear created by the illness or injury also impact the body by the Vagus Nerve releasing stress hormones to every organ of the body. These stress hormones heighten emotional and behavioral reactivity, lower ones frustration tolerance and can cause physical symptoms related to digestion, blood pressure, muscle tension and other gastrointestinal issues as well.
Behavioral Patterns
Mood swings, “unusual” fears, an intense need for control, and limited ability or interest in safely connecting with others can all result from the upheaval of frequent hospitalizations. What feels like a never-ending fear of disruption to everyday life due to the hospitalizations is quite a stressor that is omnipresent.
Supports
Help the person know (as much as possible) when the hospitalizations may occur. Even if you map out previous ones on a calendar to get a sense of when the next one may occur. You can also help the person have a hospital bag packed with comforting items and clothing that help them feel safe.
It is crucial when working with someone experiencing this that you have Power With them instead of Power Over them.
Connect through invitation not challenge.
Please see the Multiple behavioral health hospitalizations Section for more information that may apply to both types of repeated hospitalizations.
Since we receive the most dopamine for helping others, volunteerism or even just noting what someone has done that helps another is a powerful intervention.
Since most of our early nurturance is related to our need as infants to be fed, cooking and eating with others is one of the best ways to address any and all of the challenges that arise from _all _forms of neglect.
Exercise and joining a team is another way to obtain dopamine, oxytocin (which intensifies the effects of dopamine), and endorphins. This is just part of the power of helping everyone we know from family, to friends, neighbors, co-workers, and those we serve & support have a valued social role.
We all need to know that we matter and how we contribute to something larger than ourselves. We can all be the source of that for one another.