How to Recognize the Effect of Trauma on Your Body
People experience a variety of different symptoms from a traumatic event. More often than not, we tend to think about how trauma impacts us mentally and emotionally.
But, trauma also has physical effects. If you’ve been through a traumatic event and you’re experiencing strange uncomfortable physical symptoms, it’s important to be able to connect the two.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways trauma impacts the body, and what you can do to find relief.
Physical Manifestations of Trauma
The mind is still a part of your body, and it usually takes on the brunt of the impact from a psychologically-traumatic event. But, the symptoms of trauma can also come through in different physical ways.
Some of the most common physical symptoms of trauma include:
Insomnia
Fatigue
Racing heart
High blood pressure
Hyper vigilance
Sometimes, it can be easy to confuse the symptoms of trauma with the symptoms of other mental health conditions such as anxiety. That’s why it’s so important to get an official diagnosis. When you do, you’ll be better able to work through these symptoms and get to the root of what is causing them.
Long-Term Health Effects Caused by Trauma
Trauma’s impact on the body can last a long time, and can actually lead to health complications further down the road. This is especially true for children who experienced trauma early in life through things like child abuse.
Some of the long-term health issues that can come up from past trauma include:
Cardiovascular issues (stroke, heart attack)
Obesity risk
Inflammation
Autoimmune diseases
In short, when you go through a traumatic event, the symptoms can last quite awhile. Things such as high blood pressure and tension can have a lasting impact on your body.
It’s like the wear and tear of driving a car thousands of miles. Eventually, if you keep putting stress on the car, it’s going to break down.
That’s what happens when the physical symptoms of trauma keep attacking your body. Eventually, it can’t keep fighting off the wear and tear, and you become more susceptible to more serious health concerns.
How to Fight the Physical Effects of Trauma
The best way to combat the physical impact of trauma on your body is to get professional help. No one should have to deal with the lasting impact of a traumatic experience on their own.
Professional Help
Unfortunately, many people who have experienced trauma don’t always seek out help right away. It’s easier to brush it under the rug, trying to avoid it altogether. If you’re worried that talking about your trauma will make it worse, that is rarely the case.
In fact, talking about your experience with a professional can help you to move past it. A therapist can help you to restructure the way you see the event. When you’re able to do that, you can work through it and take control of your life once again.
Support Groups
If you’re still struggling with the symptoms, the people in your life and/or support groups can also make a big difference. The most important thing to remember is you should never keep your experience locked up inside.
It’s possible that you’re avoiding painful memories or in denial about what you experienced. Yet, if you never seek help, the effects of your trauma could become worse over time.
If you’ve gone through a traumatic experience at any point in your life and you’re still struggling with physical symptoms, please contact one of our Clinical Trauma Therapists at Mind Body Wellness. You can find resolve and peace if you’re willing to open up and let our expert team walk on this journey with you either in individual psychotherapy or a Mind Body Wellness Skills Group. Click below to schedule your free consultation.
