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 your life. When someone has unresolved or long-term trauma, it can affect both their mental and physical well-being. As someone who has personally faced long-term trauma, I have had to discover effective techniques for my healing process. However, it’s important to note that what works for me might not work for everyone else, as trauma manifests differently in each individual. Before delving into the effects of trauma and potential healing methods, let’s first define what trauma is.

According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is the emotional response to a severe life event, such as an accident, assault, abuse, or a natural disaster. Trauma varies from person to person, even if they have experienced the same event. Comparing our traumas with others is not beneficial, as it is important to allow ourselves to acknowledge the emotions arising from events beyond our control. Suppressing these emotions can lead to unresolved trauma, which has similar consequences as long-term trauma. Both of these types of trauma can have negative impacts on both our mental and physical health.

It is widely recognized that long-term, unresolved trauma has a detrimental effect on our mental health. It affects our nervous system, resulting in memory loss, heightened sensitivity, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and dissociation. Additionally, it increases the risk of addiction and risky behaviors, which can negatively affect one’s career and relationships. As researchers gain a deeper understanding of trauma, they are uncovering its impact on our physical health as well

Trauma can diminish our stress tolerance and take a toll on our physical well-being. Sleep disturbances, muscle tension, chronic pain, and headaches are some physical manifestations of stress and trauma. Long-term trauma has also been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. A study published in January 2020 demonstrated that individuals diagnosed with PTSD were more likely to develop autoimmune diseases compared to those without a history of PTSD. Despite the extensive list of effects resulting from long-term, unresolved trauma, there are methods for healing and leading a better life.

As someone diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), I have also experienced migraines, chronic joint pain, and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid). By educating myself about the impact of trauma on the mind and body, I have discovered techniques that have aided in my healing journey. Implementing these techniques has allowed me to reduce the frequency of migraines and the intensity of joint pain. While medication has helped manage the symptoms of Hashimoto’s, I will need to continue taking it indefinitely. It is important to note that not every individual with trauma will respond to the same methods in their healing journey as I have. However, there are several techniques that may prove valuable.

Exposure therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, talk therapy, movement practices, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are some approaches to healing from trauma. Working with a therapist employing CBT has helped me uncover the root causes of my traumas and identify my triggers. CBT has also taught me that just because someone’s trauma seems worse, doesn’t mean my trauma doesn’t still hurt. It is valid for me to acknowledge and process my emotions. Other techniques that have proven effective for me include journaling, breathwork, and cultivating self-love. These practices have allowed me to identify and sit with my emotions, enabling better communication of my needs and releasing what no longer serves me.

Healing unresolved, long-term trauma is a complex process with no quick fixes. Understanding the long-term effects on both mental and physical health has motivated me to focus on my mental well-being. It takes time, patience, and hard work to learn how to let go of what no longer serves us in our journey toward personal growth. Recognizing and managing my triggers has been another significant step in my healing process. In my next discussion, I will explore triggers and share strategies for developing control over our reactions. If you or a loved one requires support in achieving personal growth goals, please schedule a free consultation with me via my appointment page. Always remember, we all can rise from our ashes and soar. 

References:

Kraybill, O. G. (2020, February 28). PTSD may be a risk factor for autoimmune disease. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/expressive-trauma-integration/202002/ptsd-may-be-risk-factor-autoimmune-disease

Lebow, H. I. (2023, January 21). How does your body remember trauma? plus 5 ways to heal. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/how-your-body-remembers-trauma#how-to-heal-trauma

McFarlane, A. C. (2010, February). The long-term costs of traumatic stress: Intertwined physical and psychological consequences. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816923/

Sachs, J. (2021, March 14). Trauma, autoimmune disease, PTSD and me. Counselling Directory. https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/trauma-autoimmune-disease-ptsd-and-me

Trauma and violence. SAMHSA. (2022, September 27). https://www.samhsa.gov/trauma-violence#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20traumatic,been%20linked%20with%20traumatic%20experiences.Youn, S. J., & Halford, R. (2019, October 30). How to cope with traumatic stress. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/stress