Trauma does not just have an impact on your mental health. The emotional effects of surviving trauma are well-known, but many people do not realize just how deeply trauma can affect your physical well-being. This is because the body holds on to trauma long after the event itself is passed. Seeking treatment and processing your traumatic experiences can help you find relief from these physical symptoms.

Why do you still feel the effects of trauma in your body well after the experience is over? And what does it really mean for your body to “hold on to” trauma? Here’s how trauma can lead to physical symptoms, and how your body responds to trauma.

Overreactive Amygdala

After going through a traumatic experience, your amygdala will be hyperactive. This part of your brain activates your fight, flight, or freeze reaction. Basically, your amygdala sends signals to your body that are intended to help you survive or escape from threatening situations. This is a protective mechanism that serves an important evolutionary purpose.

But even when a traumatic event is over, your amygdala may continue sending such signals, despite the fact that you’re physically safe. This keeps your cortisol levels elevated, making it practically impossible for you to fully relax. You may feel like you’re “on edge” at all times.

Hinders Executive Functioning

When your amygdala is overactive, it can hinder you from engaging in other crucial cognitive processes. For instance, unprocessed trauma can actually limit your executive functioning, which is facilitated by your frontal lobe.

When your brain thinks that it has to dedicate more energy to survival, you might struggle to concentrate on tasks, have trouble making decisions, or stay present in your day-to-day life. Basically, trauma preoccupies you and holds you back from committing to other tasks or areas of focus.

Survival Response Triggered

As previously noted, experiencing trauma kicks off a survival response from your brain and body. This response can lead to the development of triggers. Encountering a trigger that reminds you of your trauma sets off that survival response all over again.

A trigger could be practically anything. This term can apply to people, places, situations, sounds, smells, sights, objects, or even emotional states.

Reduced Stress Tolerance

The effects of trauma can reduce your overall stress tolerance. Previously, you may have been able to cope with stressful situations in a healthy way. But now, even minor stressors can set you off. In fact, you might find it hard to manage even basic, day-to-day responsibilities.

You may find yourself choosing to stay in rather than go out and see friends, simply because you don’t want to encounter triggers. It can be hard to keep up with your usual hobbies because trauma is sapping your energy. You might notice your performance suffering at work because you simply can’t handle the same workload anymore.

Physical Symptoms

Because trauma is stored in the body, you can end up suffering from physical symptoms. This can dramatically affect your quality of life. You might even wonder if you’re dealing with an illness, but the effects of trauma can be so significant that they do mimic chronic conditions.

For instance, insomnia might keep you up at night, leaving you exhausted throughout the day. You may experience muscle tension that gives you lasting aches or chest pains that make you concerned about your cardiac health. You could also end up dealing with serious headaches or migraines.

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Do you suspect that past trauma is affecting your physical health? Working with a therapist can help you heal. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session for trauma therapy.