Most people recognize the mental health impact trauma can have. But, your mind isn’t the only thing that remembers a traumatic experience. 

Trauma impacts both the mind and body and can create physical health issues even years later. If you frequently deal with headaches, body aches, stomach issues, or other health problems that seemingly have no cause, it could be trauma that’s been stored in your body and needs to be released. 

But, how does the body remember trauma, and why is it stored there?

The Problem With Unprocessed Trauma

Chances are, everyone will experience some kind of trauma in their lifetime. It could be severe, like abuse or neglect. Or, it could be the grief that comes from the unexpected loss of a loved one. Some people are able to process their trauma — even while it’s happening. That makes it easier to release the symptoms associated with it and move forward. 

Unfortunately, not all trauma is easy to process. Unprocessed trauma can impact your life for years to come, creating a rift in relationships, struggles with your career, and a variety of potential mental health conditions that make day-to-day living difficult. 

Unprocessed trauma can also be “stored” inside your body. There’s a strong connection between the mind and body, and after a traumatic event, your mind goes into fight or flight mode to protect itself. It tells your body to react accordingly. In a moment where you need protection, you might notice physical signs like tense muscles or trembling. But, when you’re dealing with trauma and your mind is still in constant fight or flight mode, your body doesn’t have a chance to find release. 

Where Does The Body Store Trauma? 

When your nervous system remains on high alert because you think there’s a threat, it puts your body in a constant state of stress. That stress creates a lot of extra energy within the body. It is often stored in your muscles and tissues, which can cause everything from headaches to aches and pains around your body. 

Stored trauma in the body can also lower your immune system, making it easier to get sick. Combined with the emotional impact that can contribute to a lack of sleep and changes in your eating habits, stored trauma takes a heavy toll on your overall well-being, and can greatly affect your physical health if you don’t process it effectively. 

Releasing Stored Trauma

Thankfully, you don’t have to live with stored trauma in the body forever. There are things you can do on your own to help release the impact of trauma, no matter how long ago it occurred. 

The first step is acknowledging your feelings. Trauma often gets “stuck” because we try to ignore it or push it down. If your trauma occurred as a child, you might have repressed it as a way to protect yourself, but your body remembers even when your mind tries to make you forget. 

By acknowledging your trauma and giving it a name, you can focus on it throughout the healing process. 

On your own, things like mindfulness, meditation, journaling, and even physical activity can help you release the trauma you’ve been holding onto. 

But, the best thing you can do is work with a mental health professional. A therapist can help you better understand the root of your trauma. In doing so, you can let go of some of the fear that might come from tackling it alone. Trauma therapy can also give you effective strategies to release trauma from both your mind and body. You’ll feel better emotionally and physically. 

Reach out to learn more about trauma therapy and find out how it can give you the confidence you need to fight back against your experience and the symptoms that come from it.