How Does Trauma Manifest in the Body?

As you’ve probably heard me say before, trauma is embodied. It lives in our bodies, our very tissues.

Arguably, just about every mental health diagnosis can be a result of unresolved trauma. Yet, what many people don't realize is physical health symptoms can also, and often do, result from unresolved psychological trauma. 

Symptoms that may be a sign of unresolved trauma are:

• Digestive issues, including IBS

• Sexual disfunction, including vaginismus

• Low libido

• Chronic pain conditions

• Insomnia 

• Migraines 

• High blood pressure

• Autoimmune disorders

• Hormone imbalances

Trauma trapped in the body creates chronic stress in the body. 

High levels of stress over a long period of time does a number on the body. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris (2015) explains in her TED Talk that unresolved childhood trauma can eventually lead to more serious conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

Learning about the damage that unresolved trauma can do may feel scary. Yet, there’s a lot of hope in this too, because what it means is that you do have control over your health, at least to some degree. 

Prioritizing your mental health and tending to emotional wounds is an important way to address physical health conditions. Processing trauma and reducing stress is probably the best thing you can do for your health. 

I’m not saying that our somatic symptoms are always rooted in unresolved trauma or unprocessed emotions. There are lots of sources of stress and emotional trauma is just one of them, but this source is often overlooked and underestimated.

I’m also not saying there isn't a place for medication and symptom management and other medical interventions. There definitely is, and those things can be incredibly beneficial. 

And, I believe that our bodies are capable of so much on their own, as long as we know how to create environments in which they can thrive.

What might your somatic symptoms be telling you about your mental health?