Trauma: How the Mind and Body are Connected
One might view mental health as its own subset of health, suggesting that the brain and body are disconnected when it comes to healing. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk was one of the first pieces of mainstream literature to illustrate just how connected the mind is to the body. The book studied the effects that trauma had on combat veterans during the Vietnam War, finding that trauma creates long-lasting nervous system dysfunction. Additionally, The ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study tells us that individuals who have experienced childhood trauma are more likely to face physical health issues, including- but not limited to:
- a weakened immune system
- delayed menstruation
- obesity
- stomach issues
- chronic illness
- and poor dental health
Understanding the physical effects of trauma is crucial for its overall healing.
What is trauma?
Put simply, trauma can be defined as an experience that the brain is unable to process in a healthy way. The brain often stores trauma in fragmented pieces, which affects long term memory. Trauma can be viewed on a spectrum with varying degrees of impact on the body and brain. Trauma can be acute, chronic, or complex. Traumatic experience examples can include:
- chronic illness
- parental neglect
- bullying
- sexual abuse
- physical abuse
- natural disasters
- and accidents
Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
Psychological experiences can influence physical sensations. For instance, the same areas of the brain activated during physical pain also respond to emotional pain. Have you ever heard the phrase “butterflies in my stomach?” This is commonly used to describe stomach issues when a person is feeling nervous. On a deeper level, traumatic experiences can exacerbate somatic ailments, making daily functioning difficult.
What happens when trauma occurs?
When trauma occurs, the brain’s alarm system activates, prompting the body to engage the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers a set of responses. There is flight (running away), fight (defending oneself), freeze (dissociation or feeling “out of body”), or fawn (engaging in people-pleasing behaviors to ensure safety-often experienced in sexual trauma). Ideally, once the threat subsides, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in to lower cortisol and adrenaline levels, facilitating emotional and physical regulation. Unfortunately, traumatic experiences can prolong activation of the sympathetic nervous system, making it challenging to achieve a state of calm even after the threat has passed.
How to Heal from Trauma
Trauma-informed holistic care can help address the root causes of physical symptoms, offering relief. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Model) is a well-researched form of trauma treatment. EMDR works to decrease traumatic symptoms by reducing the disturbance level associated with a traumatic memory using bilateral stimulation. Other effective treatments include medication, exercise, lifestyle changes, and nutrition.
If you are someone who is struggling with the physical and psychological effects of trauma, I want to encourage and empower you to take control of your health by seeking trauma informed care. Have questions? Contact Us.
