How do our bodies react to trauma?

When our bodies experience trauma, whether physical or emotional, they react in various ways to help us cope with the stress.

What are the physical symptoms of emotional trauma?

Trauma can manifest physically, often causing chronic pain such as headaches or back pain. A person may also suffer from gastrointestinal issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Insomnia or hypersomnia, which is too much sleep, can also result.

A person could experience fight or flight

When exposed to trauma, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system, releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. A person may also experience physical sensations such as an increased heart rate and rapid breathing. The muscles may tense, and digestion could slow down to focus the energy on survival.

The dissociation and freeze response

In some cases, people may experience dissociation. A feeling of being detached from reality or their own body is a way of escaping overwhelming emotions. The freeze response occurs when neither fight nor flight is possible.

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Chronic stress can occur

If the trauma is prolonged or unresolved, the body may stay in a state of high alert. This leads to chronic stress, which can have a major impact on a person’s everyday life. Over time, this can affect cortisol regulation, impairing the person’s immune system and increasing the risk of conditions such as heart disease and chronic fatigue.

Is it possible to heal from trauma?

Recovery from trauma involves calming the nervous system, typically through therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy. Lifestyle changes such as mindfulness, plenty of physical activity, and healthy relationships can restore a sense of safety.

Trauma affects everyone differently, but understanding these reactions is a crucial step toward healing.