Knowledge Tool
UNDERSTANDING VULNERABILITY
Knowledge Tool: The Iceberg Model
People usually focus on what they can see: the breakup,
the exam result, the argument, the public humiliation.
But these events may only be the “tip of the iceberg.”
Beneath the surface are hidden vulnerabilities that
influence how the brain responds to stress. The visible
event may act as a trigger, but the response depends on
the condition of the underlying brain systems involved
in:
● Emotional regulation
● Stress response
● Reward and motivation
● Threat detection
Different brains have different levels of vulnerability.
UNDERSTANDING LOAD
Knowledge Tool: The Backpack Model
People often ask:
“Why would someone do this over something so
small?”
The answer is that the final event is often just the last
stone added to a backpack that has already become
unbearably heavy. Every stressor increases the load on
circuits responsible for:
● Emotion regulation
● Attention
● Decision-making
● Coping
● Impulse control
Over time, these systems may become overwhelmed.
RECOGNISING HIDDEN STRUGGLE
Knowledge Tool: Dashboard Warning Lights
Just as a car shows warning lights before a major
breakdown, the brain often shows signs before a crisis
occurs. The challenge is learning to notice them. Changes
in behaviour often reflect changes in the functioning of
brain networks involved in:
● Mood regulation
● Motivation
● Reward processing
● Stress regulation
● Emotional control
The signs are not attention-seeking. They are warning signals.
PREVENTION & EARLY ACTION
Knowledge Tool: The Circuit Breaker Model
When an electrical system draws too much current,
the circuit breaker trips to protect the system from
damage. Similarly, when emotional demands exceed
the brain’s ability to cope, support is needed, not
blame. Support can help restore healthy functioning in
networks involved in:
● Stress regulation
● Emotional control
● Hope and motivation
● Social connection
Just as damaged circuits can be repaired, emotional
functioning can improve with help.
