Trauma can manifest in physical symptoms from "summary" of The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel A. Van der Kolk
Traumatized individuals often experience physical symptoms that are seemingly unrelated to any specific medical condition. These symptoms can manifest in a variety of ways, such as headaches, stomach issues, or chronic pain. While these physical manifestations may not have an obvious cause, they are deeply connected to the individual's past experiences of trauma.
The body has a unique way of internalizing and expressing the emotional pain that comes with trauma. When someone experiences a traumatic event, their body goes into survival mode, activating the fight, flight, or freeze response. This response is crucial for immediate survival, but when the trauma is ongoing or unresolved, it can lead to a dysregulation of the body's stress response system.
This dysregulation can manifest in physical symptoms that persist long after the traumatic event has ended. For example, someone who has experienced childhood abuse may develop chronic pain in adulthood as a result of their body's continual state of hyperarousal. Additionally, individuals who have experienced trauma may be more susceptible to developing conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, or autoimmune disorders.
It is important to recognize that these physical symptoms are not simply "in your head." They are real and valid expressions of the trauma that the individual has endured. By addressing these physical symptoms, we can begin to unravel the complex web of trauma that is woven into the body.
In order to effectively treat trauma-related physical symptoms, it is essential to take a holistic approach that addresses both the mind and the body. Traditional talk therapy may not be enough to fully address the physical manifestations of trauma. Instead, somatic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness practices, or EMDR can help individuals reconnect with their bodies and release the stored tension and emotions that are contributing to their physical symptoms.
By understanding the connection between trauma and physical symptoms, we can begin to heal the deep wounds that have been etched into the body. Through a combination of traditional therapy and somatic practices, individuals can reclaim their bodies and begin the journey towards recovery.
