There’s no denying that trauma wreaks havoc on a person’s mental health. The impact of a traumatic experience can affect your life for years. It can even lead to other mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
But, trauma can also store itself in the body. Even if you suppress a traumatic experience, the body tends to hold onto it, and you might deal with symptoms without realizing what’s causing them.
Let’s take a closer look at the physical impact of trauma and how it lives in the body.
Why the Body Holds On
When you’re going through a traumatic event, it’s nearly impossible for your brain and body to process what’s going on. Your mind triggers your fight-or-flight response, and you do what’s necessary to survive.
However, if you don’t take the time to process the trauma shortly after it occurs, your body can hang onto it. Almost immediately, your brain will release cortisol (a stress hormone) into the body. When that stress becomes excessive, it also becomes toxic.
Where Does the Body Store Trauma?
Again, when you go through a traumatic event, it triggers your fight-or-flight response. When you hold onto trauma without processing it, that trigger really never turns off. So, your nervous system is constantly in a state of high alert, or assuming there’s always a threat.
While you might not constantly experience the physical effects of trauma, it’s likely things in your everyday life will trigger them. Alternatively, you might experience regular flashbacks or nightmares associated with the traumatic event that can trigger your physical symptoms.
Some of the common signs associated with the physical impact of trauma include difficulty concentrating, sleep issues, muscle tension, and forgetfulness.
If you already have a chronic condition, including fatigue or pain, the effects of trauma can make it worse. You might experience more frequent or intense flare-ups, especially when something triggers you.
Even if you don’t necessarily remember your trauma, assume that your body does. It can’t “block out” memories the way your brain does in an effort to protect you. If you start to experience any of these physical symptoms, consider what could be triggering them and how it might be associated with a traumatic event. It’s not always easy to try to remember your trauma, but it’s often the first step toward healing.
How Can You Release Trauma Stored in the Body?
When you’re dealing with unprocessed trauma, it creates chronic stress that directly impacts your mind and body. One of the best ways to start processing trauma, no matter how long ago it occurred, is through therapy.
Because almost everyone will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives, there are different types of trauma therapy that can be effective, depending on your needs. Traditional talk therapy is often a great way to understand the root of your trauma and work through it openly, in a safe space.
But, if you’ve tried to block out your trauma or you’re simply not comfortable with a lot of talking, you might want to consider eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. This short-term therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help you reprocess your traumatic memories. It doesn’t erase them, but it gives you a new perspective and a sense of control over them.
EMDR therapists also do body scans. This allows them to pinpoint exactly where trauma remains stored in your body so they can work on reprocessing it effectively throughout each session.
If you’re tired of carrying around the physical symptoms of trauma, it’s never too late to get the help you deserve. Feel free to contact me for more information on trauma therapy. Or, call to set up an appointment soon.