Trauma doesn’t just affect your mind—it can deeply impact your body in ways you may not realise. If you've experienced stressful or painful events, your body might still be carrying the effects, even if you're not consciously aware of them.

Here are some common ways trauma can show up in your body:

1. Muscle Tension and Chronic Pain

Trauma often keeps your body in a state of stress, leading to tight muscles, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back. You may also experience headaches, jaw clenching, or tightness in your chest.

2. Digestive Issues

Your gut is closely connected to your emotions. Trauma and chronic stress can lead to stomach discomfort, including bloating, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. The body's stress response can disrupt digestion and gut health.

3. Constant Fatigue

Unresolved trauma can drain your energy, making daily tasks feel exhausting. If you wake up tired even after a full night’s sleep, it could be due to an overactive nervous system keeping your body on high alert.

4. Sleep Disturbances

People with past trauma often struggle with sleep—whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, nightmares, or restless sleep. Your brain might have trouble relaxing, preventing deep and restful sleep.

5. Unexplained Aches and Pains

If you experience frequent pain without a clear medical reason, it could be your body holding onto trauma. Common symptoms include joint pain, headaches, and general body aches.

6. Chronic Inflammation and Autoimmune Issues

Long-term stress and trauma can lead to inflammation in the body, which is linked to autoimmune diseases like arthritis and thyroid conditions. A stressed immune system may begin attacking healthy cells.

7. Breathing Difficulties

Shallow breathing, frequent sighing, or feeling like you can’t take a deep breath can be signs of stored trauma. This often happens because of chronic tension in the diaphragm and chest.

8. Increased Sensitivity to Stress

If you find yourself overreacting to small stressors, your nervous system may be in a heightened state of alertness. Trauma can make you more sensitive to situations that others handle more easily.

9. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Many people with unresolved trauma turn to food, alcohol, drugs, or overworking to numb emotional pain. These behaviors may provide temporary relief but often lead to long-term health challenges.

10. Hormonal Imbalances

Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, thyroid issues, or adrenal fatigue. The body’s constant production of stress hormones like cortisol can throw off overall balance.

11. Feeling Disconnected or Numb

Some trauma survivors experience emotional or physical numbness. This can make it hard to connect with your emotions, feel pleasure, or even notice pain in your body.

Healing Trauma in the Body

Recognizing how trauma affects your body is the first step toward healing. Here are some ways to start the recovery process:

• Body-centered therapies like somatic experiencing, EMDR, or breathwork help release stored trauma.

• Movement and exercise such as yoga, tai chi, or dancing reconnect your body and mind.

• Mindfulness and meditation calm the nervous system and reduce stress.

• Journaling and self-reflection help process emotions and recognize patterns.

Therapy and professional support from a trauma-informed specialist can provide valuable guidance.

Your body has an amazing ability to heal. Listen to its signals and take proactive steps on your healing path.

© 2025 Heather Marie. All rights reserved.