Today, we look at how trauma (and stress) affect the body, often negatively. Understanding this can assist with efforts to recover following an intensely stressful or traumatic event. Let’s define stress and trauma first. Dr. Brene Brown explains stress occurs “when we evaluate environmental demand as beyond our ability to cope successfully”. She further states stress “includes elements of unpredictability, uncontrollability, and feeling overloaded”. Stress, and chronic stress, are typically mediated by our belief that we can or cannot cope with the stressor. Trauma, however, results from exposure to an incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing or life-threatening that completely overwhelms the nervous system. With trauma, we go into a flight, fight, or freeze response in the moment that is involuntary. In addition, the experience of trauma can change the typical response of the nervous system so that a person constantly scans for danger in fear of another traumatic event occurring even when no threat exists.
Trauma’s impact on the body
As mentioned, the experience of trauma may have long-term adverse effects on functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being. Exposure to trauma, particularly repetitive or intense adverse events that occur in childhood, can be especially damaging. Each second the body receives an estimated 11 million bits of information from the environment. The brain processes approximately 40-50 bits of information in that same time frame. Yes, only 40-50 bits of 11 million bits. When there is an experience of a traumatic event – an accident, an assault, a natural disaster, an unexpected loss such as a loved one’s overdose or suicide, or even less singular traumatic incidents over time such as bullying, emotional abuse, or a lack of resources that leaves you feeling unsafe or uncared for – the body holds this experience. And it damages the body.
Can the body heal from the effects of trauma?
Yes! If you suffer from fatigue, moodiness, a constant sense of being on guard, have issues with sleep, or experience a sense of disconnection with self and others, I have methods to help you heal. And this week, I’m offering a live webinar via Zoom on May 24th at 7:00pm to show you how. In the webinar, we will focus on understanding the ways the body holds on to trauma and specifics about the damaging effects. We’ll explore mindfulness methods to move towards healing and end with a brief guided meditation for grounding. This is intended for those 18 years old and older only. You may register here. I hope to see you there!
I invite you to Return to Center with me. Join me for Mindfulness, Yoga, and Meditation here.
Love, Light, Prayers, and Peace!
Alyson Phelan, CYT-500, CMMT, TRCC
Certified Yoga Teacher 500 hour
Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher
Trauma Responsive Care Certified
