We all carry our own invisible backpacks, weighed down with the not-so-fun souvenirs of our past experiences and negative events that have a tremendous impact on our lives, even though we don’t consciously recognize there is a problem.
These traumatic experiences can leave their mark on our bodies, causing us to feel stuck, drained, and unable to move forward in life.
As we navigate through life, our body has its own way of dealing with and releasing these traumas. Sometimes, the signs are subtle and easily missed while other times they are loud and clear.
Let’s dive right into it and find signs trauma is stored in your body as well as signs your body is releasing trauma.
Definition of Trauma
Trauma, in the context of psychology, is an emotional response to a distressing event or experience. It is not just about the event itself, but how it is processed and stored in the mind and body.
Trauma can stem from a variety of situations—maybe it’s a catastrophic event like a natural disaster or a personal crisis like an abusive relationship or the sudden loss of a loved one. It can be a one-time occurrence, a recurring event, or even a series of them.
Bullying is a common example of a traumatic experience, especially during childhood. Whether it’s physical, verbal, or cyber, it leaves lasting emotional scars that can linger into adulthood. Just picture a young child, going to school every day, dealing with constant belittlement, social exclusion, or even physical harm from their peers.
This unhealthy, fear-inducing environment can disrupt the child’s sense of safety and belonging, leading to feelings of helplessness, low self-esteem, and isolation.
The stress of going through such mistreatment can really mess with a person, getting stuck in their body and subconscious mind. And that can lead to all sorts of health problems down the road, both physical and emotional.
As already indicated trauma is stored in your body, to prevent yourself from getting in the same threatening situation repeatedly. The mechanisms in your body that protect you are activated, and your stress hormones run wild. But what happens when the danger has long passed? When the bullying is over, but you still feel anxious and fearful?
What Does It Mean ‘Trauma Is Stored in The Body’?
When trauma is stored in the body, it essentially means that the distressing experiences have been stored as body memories.
In its attempt to protect you from harm, the brain encapsulates the traumatic event as a mental memory and a physical sensation. So, instead of only recalling the event, you might feel it in your body as if it’s happening all over again.
The emotional and physical sensations you experienced during the traumatic event are etched in your body’s memory—that’s why your mind and body may still react to reminders or triggers.
For example, someone who has been in a car accident may experience crippling anxiety every time they hear a loud noise, even if it’s just a car backfiring. Or someone who has suffered emotional trauma may have physical reactions like stomach pain or headaches when faced with certain triggers.
Stored trauma can manifest as unexplained aches or pains, a feeling of heaviness or tension in certain body parts, or even panic attacks. This is the brain’s way of saying, “Hey, remember that terrible thing that happened? Let’s avoid it at all costs in the future.”
It’s a survival mechanism—though it can feel more like a curse when you’re just trying to move on with your life.
20 Signs That Trauma Is Stored in The Body
Physical Signs
- Chronic pain or tension in the body, especially in areas such as the neck, shoulders, and lower back
- Headaches or migraines that seem to have no apparent cause.
- Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts or nightmares.
- Fatigue and exhaustion despite getting enough rest.
- Digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, or stomach pain.
- Respiratory problems like asthma or shortness of breath.
- Changes in appetite and eating patterns, leading to either significant weight gain or loss.
Emotional Signs
- Intense emotional reactions such as frequent anger outbursts, excessive crying, or panic attacks.
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from the people around you.
- Difficulty managing emotions and regulating moods.
- Constant feelings of anxiety, fear, or worry.
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing on tasks.
- Avoidance of situations or triggers that remind you of the traumatic event.
- Self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse, reckless driving, or self-harm.
Behavioral Signs
- Social isolation and withdrawal from friends and family.
- Difficulties in relationships due to trust issues or communication problems.
- Hypervigilance and constantly being on edge, expecting danger at any moment.
- Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event.
- Difficulty maintaining a regular routine or fulfilling responsibilities.
- Engaging in compulsive or impulsive behaviors, such as excessive shopping or gambling.
6 Helpful Steps to Release Trauma from The Body
Releasing trauma from your body is a journey that requires compassion, patience, and consistency. Here’s how you can embark on this healing process:
Seek Professional Help
Reach out to a mental health professional who specializes in trauma therapy. Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) can be extremely beneficial.
Body-Based Therapies
Methods like Somatic Experiencing or dance and movement therapies have shown promise in releasing stored trauma by helping individuals reconnect with their bodies.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Techniques such as mindfulness, gratitude practice, yoga, and meditation can help to calm the mind, improve focus, and bring awareness to bodily sensations, all while reducing stress and anxiety.
Regular Exercise
Physical activities like jogging, swimming, or even a brisk walk can help to reduce symptoms of trauma by increasing endorphin levels and reducing stress hormones.
Healthy Eating Habits
Maintaining a balanced diet can help ensure your body and brain are getting the nutrients they need to cope with stress effectively.
Self-Care Practices
Engaging in activities that make you happy, relaxed, and fulfilled can foster positive emotions and help reduce symptoms of trauma.
10 Signs Your Body is Releasing Trauma
You’ve embarked on your trauma-release journey. Good for you, brave soul! Now, how do you know it’s working?
Just like there are signs to recognize when your body is holding onto trauma, there are also signs your body is releasing trauma and you’re making progress on your journey of emotional healing.
Decreased Tension
When we’re feeling anxious or afraid, our body enters a state known as “fight or flight”, a survival mechanism that prepares us to either confront or flee from a perceived threat.
During this reaction, our adrenal glands release hormones such as adrenaline, which prompts the muscles to tighten, priming us for immediate action.
You may notice that your body feels less tight or tense, especially in areas where you typically carry stress, such as your neck, shoulders, or lower back. This is a sign your body is releasing trauma and stress.
Reduced Physical Pain
Chronic pain or discomfort, often associated with trauma, may begin to lessen or even disappear.
For instance, you might have struggled with recurring headaches that always seemed to flare up when you were dealing with stressful situations. As you begin releasing trauma, you might find these headaches becoming less frequent, less intense, or possibly even disappearing altogether.
This reduction in physical pain is a tangible sign that your body is starting to heal from the trauma it’s been holding onto.
Improved Sleep
When we’re under stress or experiencing anxiety, our bodies produce an excess of cortisol – the “stress hormone”. This sneaky little hormone can interfere with our ability to fall asleep and stay asleep by keeping our bodies in a hyper-aroused state of alertness.
It’s like having a persistent alarm clock that won’t let you snooze!
When you start releasing trauma, you might notice that you’re sleeping better – falling asleep more easily, waking up less during the night, or even just feeling more rested when you wake up in the morning. This sign of improved sleep is a delightful hint that your body is releasing and healing from past traumas.
Increased Energy Levels
Stress can be quite an energy thief. When faced with stress, our bodies instinctively shift into survival mode, setting off a chain reaction of physical responses. These include an accelerated heart rate, heightened breath, and tense muscles.
Our bodies use up a lot of energy to maintain this heightened state, leaving us feeling drained and worn out over time. Even after the stressor is removed, our bodies may still feel the residual effects, like an overworked engine trying to cool down.
A sense of renewed vigor or energy can clearly indicate that your body is letting go of its traumatic burden. Trauma can be emotionally and physically draining. So when your body starts to release it, you may feel more energized and motivated.
Embrace this newfound energy and use it to pursue activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Strengthened Immune System
Trauma, whether psychological or physical, can take a heavy toll on our immune system. When we’re stressed or traumatized, our body releases a barrage of stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline.
Although these hormones provide benefits in acute, short-term situations, prolonged exposure can have a detrimental impact on our immune system. Constant high levels of cortisol can suppress immune response, leaving us more susceptible to infections and diseases. Further, it can also disrupt regular body functions and increase inflammation.
Therefore, when we begin to heal from trauma, one of the clear signs is a strengthened immune system, as our body returns to its natural state of balance and well-being. Pay attention to any changes in your overall health and well-being, as this can be a strong indicator that your body is gradually releasing trauma.
Stability in Digestive Health
Trauma can significantly impact our digestive health, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. This can lead to issues like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and even stomach ulcers.
It’s crucial to pay attention to these changes, as they can indicate your body’s response to trauma. As you begin to heal and release trauma, you might observe improvements in your digestive health, with fewer disturbances and a better appetite.
Relaxed Breathing
If you’ve often found yourself holding your breath or breathing more shallowly because of stress or fear, you may notice that your breathing becomes more relaxed and deep. This is a positive sign that your body is releasing trauma.
Our breath is crucial for bodily functions. It’s the primary vehicle for oxygen to enter our bodies, fueling every cell to produce energy efficiently. The rhythm of our breath is linked to our nervous system, influencing mood and stress levels.
Deep, slow breaths stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and easing anxiety. Shallow, rapid breaths trigger the sympathetic nervous system, preparing for ‘fight or flight’.
Improved Mood and Mental Health
Releasing trauma from the body can also have a positive impact on mental health. You may feel less anxious, more resilient, and have an overall improved mood. This also affects your self-esteem and how you present yourself to the world.
You may also find it easier to focus and have more mental clarity once your body has released trauma. It’s common for people who have experienced trauma to have difficulty concentrating or feel foggy-headed. As your body releases the stored energy of trauma, it can free up space for clearer thinking and improved cognitive abilities.
Heightened Sensory Awareness
When trauma occurs, our bodies often initiate protective mechanisms to help us cope with the distressing event. One such mechanism is the dulling of sensory awareness.
In moments of extreme stress or danger, our brain prioritizes survival over sensory perception. It’s like our brain flips a switch, diverting resources away from processing sensory information to focusing on immediate survival strategies, such as ‘fight or flight’.
This reduction in sensory awareness can make us feel disconnected from our surroundings or ourselves, which, while potentially disturbing, is a natural response to traumatic events.
As the body begins to release trauma, you may notice a heightened sensory awareness as your nervous system regains its balance and starts processing sensory inputs more normally. This is just another clear sign your body is releasing trauma.
Feeling More Grounded
Trauma can have a disorienting effect, making us feel disconnected from our bodies and the present moment. Another great sign that your body is releasing trauma is when you may find yourself feeling more grounded, anchored in the here and now.
This can have a significant impact on our overall well-being, as being present and connected to our bodies can help us better manage stress and negative emotions. It also allows us to fully experience moments of joy and happiness, rather than being stuck in past traumatic experiences.
Final Words If Your Body Is Releasing Trauma
Remember, releasing trauma is a process and can look different for everyone. So don’t worry if you don’t experience all of these signs or if your journey looks different from others.
The most important thing is to trust your body and give yourself the time and space you need to heal. And if you feel overwhelmed at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.
With patience and self-care, you can support your body in releasing trauma and move towards a more peaceful and balanced state of being. Trust the process and be gentle with yourself – you deserve it. So keep an eye out for these signs that your body is releasing trauma, and take comfort in knowing that healing is on its way.
FAQ About Trauma Release and Healing
How do you heal emotional trauma?
Healing from emotional trauma is a complex and individual process, as everyone’s experiences and reactions to trauma are unique.
However, there are some common techniques that can be helpful in healing emotional trauma, such as therapy (including cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), self-care practices like mindfulness and relaxation techniques, support groups, and medication if needed.
It’s important to find what works best for you and to seek professional help if needed.
How do you get out of a trauma response?
Getting out of a trauma response can be challenging, but there are some techniques that can help. Deep breathing exercises, grounding techniques (such as focusing on your senses and surroundings), and journaling can all be helpful in managing a trauma response.
Seeking support from loved ones or a therapist can also aid in processing and coping with the effects of trauma. It’s important to remember that everyone’s healing journey is unique and to be patient and gentle with yourself as you navigate through a trauma response.
How long does it take to heal from trauma?
The healing process from trauma varies for each person and can be affected by several factors, such as the type of trauma, personal resilience, support system, and treatment approaches.
It’s important to be patient with yourself and seek professional help if needed. Healing is not linear and it’s essential to take the time and care needed for your own individual journey of healing and personal growth.
Does trauma ever go away?
The effects of trauma can be long-lasting, but with time and proper support, it is possible to work through and manage the impact of traumatic experiences.
Healing from trauma does not necessarily mean that the memories or emotions associated with the trauma will disappear completely, but it is possible to develop coping mechanisms and tools to live a fulfilling life despite these challenges. It’s important to recognize that healing is not a linear process and to be patient and kind to yourself as you continue on your journey.