When you trip and fall, you may end up with a bloody knee. After some time, the missing skin is replaced with a hardened scab. The healing process has started, but it’s not something that happens immediately.
Similar to a cut, a bruise forms and takes time before disappearing. If you receive a pinch from a person’s fingers or even a shot, a bruise may form where the pinch happened. Your skin will appear purple, black, green, or blue. It may even be a combination of those colors. Over time, that bruise will fade, and the skin in that area will return to its normal coloring.
Is it true that the body remembers trauma? Let’s find out!
Does the Body Remember Trauma?
Long story short: Yes, the body can absolutely remember trauma. The mind and body connection is a real and powerful connection. The body has the ability to hold onto memories in a similar way that the brain does. Typically, when someone goes through a traumatic event, the response with either be a flight, fight, freeze, or fawn response. These responses are your body and brain’s way of trying to protect itself from any potential harm or threats.
If the brain isn’t working to process the trauma, the trauma will find somewhere else to live. Unfortunately, that means that the body will hold onto those negative thoughts, feelings, memories, and associations instead. Now that we know that the body does, in fact, remember trauma, let’s dive into the signs and symptoms as well as the different parts of the body that may hold onto trauma.
The Signs and Symptoms
There are several common symptoms of trauma in the body. These are some of the most common emotional, physical, and psychological signs and symptoms.
Emotional and Psychological
- Anger
- Blaming oneself
- Compulsions
- Disconnected
- Guilt
- Irritability
- Isolation or withdrawing from others
- Mood swings
- Numb
- Obsessions
- Outbursts
- Panic attacks
- Shame
Physical
- Changes in eating habits
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Digestive issues
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Hyperactive
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches and pains
- Nausea
- On edge
- Shaking
- Tense
- Trembling
How to Heal
Despite how you may be feeling or what your trauma may be trying to convince you, healing is possible. No matter if you experience trauma recently or have been holding onto these negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions, it’s never too late to start the healing process or to reach out for help. There are even some things that you can do on your end to help with the healing process.
Take Care of Yourself
No matter what type of day you’re having, whether it’s a good or a bad day, it’s important to take care of yourself and your basic human wants and needs. Make sure you’re eating enough food during the day, drinking enough water, aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night, and moving your body on a daily basis.
Practice Mindfulness
Another great way to start the healing process is to practice mindfulness. A lot of anxiety and stress can come from worrying about past or future events. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment with the help of mindfulness. It can help you clear your head, prevent the stress or anxiety you may be experiencing, and reconnect with yourself in the present moment in time.
Seek Additional Support
When it comes to something as serious as trauma, seeking additional support through therapy is always recommended. It’s important to seek help sooner rather than later so you can begin the process of healing and living your life to the fullest again. We’re here for you when you’re ready. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for trauma therapy.