Psychological trauma through the lens of Space Mountain

When you're on Space Mountain, it's so dark inside that you can barely see anything. With very little visual information coming in, while your body is simultaneously experiencing centrifugal force and shaking, it becomes difficult for your brain to integrate the experience or predict the appearance of various threats (unpredictability of threat).

What causes trauma?
It happens when an event comes on too soon, too quickly, or is just too much. It’s like having a heavy object suddenly dropped on you without any warning; it’s easy for your whole system to collapse under the weight.

So, how can I help myself?
On a cognitive level, I tell myself that Space Mountain is perfectly safe. After all, kids get off the ride and are happy enough to get right back in line.

On a mind-body level, I try to regulate my nervous tension, relax my body, and go with the flow. I’m sure letting out a scream helps, too!