Trauma happens whenever we’re exposed to a disturbing or stressful event. Experiencing trauma is usually stressful enough the first time around, but unfortunately, trauma has a tendency to stay with us.
Even after the traumatic event occurs, trauma sticks around. Sometimes the trauma sticks around for months, years, or even decades after the event.
Depending on the person and the traumatic event, trauma can be stored within different places of the body. Let’s learn more about how your body holds onto traumatic memories.
Overactive Fight-or-Flight Response
When a traumatic event happens, the body and brain try to protect themselves by responding with a fight-or-flight response. After a traumatic event passes, the body and brain have a hard time returning to a state of normalcy again. This means the fight-and-flight will be triggered or overactive even in nonthreatening situations. The overactive fight-or-flight response can cause other issues due to the body and brain constantly performing at a heightened state.
Changes in the Brain
Trauma also has a way of affecting how the brain functions. After a traumatic event, someone may notice changes in their ability to make decisions, emotions, and memories. Depending on when the trauma happens, it can affect other areas in life like mood, ability to self-regulate or calm down, and even cause issues with sleep schedules and routines. These changes in the brain as a result of trauma can put someone at higher risk of substance use and abuse due to not being able to cope with their thoughts and feelings.
Flashbacks or Nightmares
Flashbacks and/or nightmares are common signs or symptoms that individuals can experience after a traumatic event. A lot of people don’t fully process a traumatic event after it takes place which means that certain parts of it can be stored within the body. The brain may remember the trauma in bits and pieces rather than the entire event. Therefore, certain smells, sights, and sounds can trigger memories of that traumatic event.
Physical Symptoms
A lot of physical symptoms can occur after a trauma, especially if the trauma is left untreated. When we aren’t able to properly deal with a traumatic event, the trauma is stored within the body and can present itself through physical symptoms. These are some of the most common physical symptoms of trauma:
- Chronic pain
- Digestive issues
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Muscle aches and pains
Social Symptoms
Trauma can impact the way you feel about yourself, your loved ones, and your safety and security. This can negatively affect the relationships that you have in your life. You may constantly be on edge or feel like you can’t trust anyone. This can cause you to push people away or withdraw and isolate from others, including loved ones. In turn, it can lead to being unable to regulate your emotions or connect with others.
How to Release Trauma From the Body
No matter when the trauma actually happened, there are ways that you can release that trauma from the body. It’s always recommended to seek proper treatment when dealing with something like trauma. However, there are certain things you can do to get started on the process. Here are a few of the ways you can begin to release trauma from the body:
- Be present
- Practice deep breathing
- Do the things you love
- Engage in mindfulness or relaxation techniques
- Start journaling
- Take time for self-care
Next Steps
If you’re still having a hard time processing trauma, help is available to you. Working with a mental health professional can help you work through the signs and symptoms you’re struggling with as well as get to the root cause of the trauma. We’ll work with you to release that trauma together. Reach out today to set up an initial consultation. Your path to healing starts now.