What Happens When Trauma Is Stored In The Body?

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have a lasting impact on an individual’s physical, emotional, and mental health. When trauma occurs, the brain and body go into survival mode, releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can lead to a number of physical and emotional changes, including:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Dilated pupils
• Muscle tension
• Sweating
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Cold sweats
• Shaking
• Feeling disconnected from reality
• Feeling out of control
• Fear and anxiety
• Guilt and shame
• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty making decisions
• Relationship problems
• Work problems

In some cases, trauma can lead to long-term physical and emotional problems, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• PTSD
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance abuse
• Eating disorders

Trauma can also affect a person’s personality and behavior. For example, people who have experienced trauma may become more withdrawn, avoidant, or aggressive. They may also have difficulty trusting others or forming close relationships.

How Trauma Is Stored in the Body

Trauma is stored in the body in a number of ways. One way is through the nervous system. When a person experiences trauma, the nervous system goes into “fight or flight” mode. This causes the body to release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to a number of physical and emotional changes.

Another way that trauma is stored in the body is through the muscles. When a person experiences trauma, the muscles can tense up and become sore. This can lead to chronic pain and other physical problems.

Trauma can also be stored in the mind. When a person experiences trauma, the brain may create memories of the event. These memories can be triggered by certain sights, sounds, smells, or other stimuli. When these memories are triggered, the person may experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

How to Heal from Trauma

Healing from trauma is a process that takes time and effort. There is no one right way to heal, but there are a number of things that can help. These include:

• Talking to a therapist or counselor
• Joining a support group
• Reading books or articles about trauma
• Writing about your experiences
• Exercise
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Massage
• Acupuncture
• Energy healing

It is important to be patient with yourself as you heal from trauma. It takes time to process the experience and to learn how to cope with the symptoms. There will be setbacks along the way, but it is important to keep moving forward. With time and effort, you can heal from trauma and live a full and happy life.

Questions and Answers

Q: What are some of the physical symptoms of trauma?

A: Some of the physical symptoms of trauma include increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, muscle tension, sweating, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, cold sweats, shaking, feeling disconnected from reality, feeling out of control, and pain.

Q: What are some of the emotional symptoms of trauma?

A: Some of the emotional symptoms of trauma include fear and anxiety, guilt and shame, depression, difficulty sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions, and relationship problems.

Q: How can I heal from trauma?

A: There is no one right way to heal from trauma, but there are a number of things that can help. These include talking to a therapist or counselor, joining a support group, reading books or articles about trauma, writing about your experiences, exercise, meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture, and energy healing.

Q: What is the best way to support someone who has experienced trauma?

A: The best way to support someone who has experienced trauma is to be patient, understanding, and supportive. Let them know that you are there for them and that you care about them. Encourage them to talk about their experiences and to seek professional help if needed.

Q: What are some of the resources available for people who have experienced trauma?

A: There are a number of resources available for people who have experienced trauma. These include therapists, counselors, support groups, books, articles, websites, and hotlines.