Long-Term Trauma And Its Affects On The Body and Mind
“There is no timestamp on trauma. There isn’t a formula that you can insert yourself into to get from horror to healed. Be patient. Take up space. Let your journey be the balm.” -Dawn Serra
Experiencing a traumatic event can significantly alter the course of your life. When left unresolved or untreated, trauma can affect both mental and physical well-being in profound ways. As someone who has personally faced long-term trauma, I have learned valuable lessons and techniques that have supported my healing process. However, it is essential to remember that what works for me may not work for everyone, as trauma manifests differently in each individual. In this post, I will share insights into trauma’s effects and offer some practical healing methods that have helped me.
Understanding Trauma
Before diving into the effects and healing techniques, it’s important to first understand what trauma is. The American Psychological Association defines trauma as the emotional response to a severe life event—such as an accident, assault, abuse, or natural disaster. What’s crucial to remember is that trauma is unique to each person, even if they’ve experienced the same event. Comparing our traumas with others can be harmful; what matters is acknowledging our own emotional responses and validating them. Suppressing emotions related to trauma can lead to unresolved issues, which can have serious long-term consequences.
The Impact of Long-Term Trauma
It is well-established that long-term, unresolved trauma has a detrimental effect on mental health. When the nervous system is repeatedly activated by traumatic memories, it can lead to symptoms such as:
- Memory loss
- Heightened sensitivity to stress
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nightmares and intrusive thoughts
- Depression and dissociation
Moreover, unresolved trauma increases the risk of addiction and engaging in risky behaviors, which can impact careers and relationships. But the effects of trauma extend beyond the mind—new research reveals the link between trauma and physical health problems.
How Trauma Affects Our Physical Health
Trauma doesn’t just affect our mental health—it can also take a toll on our bodies. Stress and trauma can lower our tolerance to stress, resulting in physical symptoms such as:
- Sleep disturbances
- Muscle tension
- Chronic pain
- Headaches
In fact, long-term trauma has been associated with an increased risk of serious health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer. A 2020 study revealed that people diagnosed with PTSD were more likely to develop autoimmune diseases compared to those without PTSD.
My Personal Healing Journey
As someone diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), I have struggled with migraines, chronic joint pain, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid). Understanding the connection between trauma and physical health has been a crucial part of my healing journey. By educating myself and adopting a range of healing techniques, I have significantly reduced the frequency of my migraines and joint pain. Although medication helps me manage Hashimoto’s, I will need to continue it long-term.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone’s healing journey will look the same. But there are a variety of techniques that could help others find their own path to healing.
Techniques for Healing from Trauma
- Therapy: Working with a therapist has been a cornerstone of my healing process. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helped me identify the root causes of my trauma, and uncovering my triggers has allowed me to take control of my reactions. Techniques like Exposure Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Experiencing are also known to be effective for trauma recovery.
- Self-Care Practices: In addition to therapy, I’ve found that practices like journaling, breathwork, and cultivating self-love have been essential in managing my emotional responses. These practices help me process emotions and identify the needs I must address to feel whole again.
- Mind-Body Connection: Movement practices, such as yoga or tai chi, can help release stored trauma in the body, providing both emotional and physical relief. The connection between body and mind is critical in healing trauma.
Healing Takes Time
Healing from unresolved, long-term trauma is not a quick fix. It requires time, patience, and dedication. The journey toward recovery involves learning how to process and release emotions, managing triggers, and integrating healthy coping mechanisms. It’s about giving yourself permission to heal at your own pace.
In my next post, I will dive deeper into the concept of emotional triggers and share strategies for managing our reactions. If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma and seeking support, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me via my appointment page. Remember, you are not alone, and together, we can heal and grow stronger from our experiences.
Conclusion
Healing from trauma is an ongoing journey that requires courage, vulnerability, and self-compassion. Whether through therapy, self-care, or holistic practices, there are ways to address the impact trauma has on both the mind and body.
Remember, we can all rise from the ashes of our past and soar.
References:
Youn, S. J., & Halford, R. (2019, October 30). How to cope with traumatic stress. American Psychological Association. Link
Kraybill, O. G. (2020, February 28). PTSD may be a risk factor for autoimmune disease. Psychology Today. Link
Lebow, H. I. (2023, January 21). How does your body remember trauma? plus 5 ways to heal. Psych Central. Link
McFarlane, A. C. (2010, February). The long-term costs of traumatic stress: Intertwined physical and psychological consequences. World Psychiatry. Link
Sachs, J. (2021, March 14). Trauma, autoimmune disease, PTSD and me. Counselling Directory. Link
Trauma and violence. SAMHSA. (2022, September 27). Link