“Instead of being ashamed of what you have been through, be proud of what you have overcome”
When a person experiences trauma, their body’s stress response system, known as the fight-or-flight is activated. This involves the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline which prepare the body to respond to the threat. In cases of severe or prolonged trauma, this response can become dysregulated.
Trauma, both physical and emotional can be ‘trapped’ in the body, impacting an individual’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. It is a concept that has gained recognition in various therapeutic and psychological approaches, such as somatic experiencing, body-oriented psychotherapy and trauma-informed care. While it’s important to note that this idea isn’t universally accepted within the field of psychology, many practitioners and researchers believe that traumatic experiences can have a profound impact on the body.
The stress of trauma can also disrupt the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Specifically, it can lead to a state of hyperarousal (constant alertness) or hypo-arousal (shutdown or dissociation). These states can persist long after the traumatic event has ended, affecting overall well-being.
In response to trauma, the muscles often tense up as part of the body’s defence mechanism. This tension can become chronic, leading to conditions like muscle pain, tension headaches, and digestive problems. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux can be exacerbated or triggered by unresolved trauma. This in turn can lead to somatic symptoms which are physical complaints that don’t have a clear medical explanation. These symptoms can include chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, loss of libido and sexual dysfunction.
“Childhood trauma can lead to an adulthood spent in survival mode, afraid to plant roots, to trust, or to let joy in”
Research has shown that chronic trauma can lead to changes in brain structure and function, affecting memory and decision-making. These neurological changes can manifest as physical symptoms and cognitive difficulties.
Trauma can also disrupt a person’s ability to regulate their emotions. Some proponents of the idea that trauma is trapped in the body argue that traumatic memories can be stored in the body itself. The emotional pain associated with the traumatic experience can lead to chronic feelings of anxiety, depression, or even numbness. Trauma survivors may even engage in repetitive behaviours that serve as coping mechanisms as well as re-enacting elements of their traumatic experiences. These can include, inappropriate relationships, self-harm, substance abuse, or disordered eating, all of which take a toll on the body. These re-enactments can be seen as attempts to resolve or gain mastery over the unresolved trauma.
Some research suggests that trauma can be passed down through generations, impacting not only an individual’s body but also their descendants. This is sometimes referred to as transgenerational trauma.
Recognising and addressing trauma trapped in the body is a key component of trauma therapy. Somatic experiencing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), yoga, mindfulness, and other body-centred therapies can help individuals release stored trauma, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with their bodies in a healthier way. Establishing self-care techniques, Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are all ways to promote a sense of safety and overall healing.
“The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect”