Trauma is a word that’s often used casually in everyday conversations, but its true meaning is profound and complex. To fully grasp what trauma is, we first need to understand stress and how our bodies and minds respond to it.
Stress is the body’s natural response to any demand or challenge (1). It triggers a series of physiological reactions that are designed to help you cope with perceived threats. When you encounter a stressor, your body responds by releasing hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol (2). These hormones prepare your body for a “fight or flight” response, increasing your heart rate, sharpening your senses, and providing a burst of energy.
In small doses, stress can be beneficial, helping you stay focused and alert. However, chronic or overwhelming stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to mental health issues and a weakened immune system.
When someone faces a disturbing or disruptive event, the stress response can become overwhelming, which can lead to trauma (3). According to the American Psychological Association, “Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more” (4). It’s not just the event itself that causes trauma, but also how the individual perceives and processes the experience. Traumatic stress is the intense stress response that occurs after experiencing a distressing event, which can evolve into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where the stress response is prolonged and significantly impacts daily functioning (5).
To understand why some stressful events lead to trauma, we can look at the appraisal theory. This psychological theory suggests that our emotional responses are determined by how we evaluate or appraise events (6). According to this theory, the same event can be perceived differently by different people, which can lead to varied emotional outcomes.
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Here’s a breakdown of how appraisal theory works:
When an event is appraised as highly threatening and beyond our ability to cope, the intense stress response can leave a lasting imprint on our nervous systems. This can manifest in various ways, including:
Understanding the appraisal process helps us recognize that trauma isn’t just about the event but also about how we interpret and respond to it. Healing from trauma often involves reappraising the traumatic event in a way that reduces its emotional impact. This can be achieved through various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns, or somatic experiencing (SE) (7), which focuses on releasing stored tension in the body.
By recognizing the role of stress and appraisal in trauma, we can approach healing with greater empathy and effectiveness, acknowledging that each person’s experience and response to trauma is unique.
Let’s explore the various ways to heal trauma and answer some common questions you may have.
Read more: Somatic Healing Exercises: Finding Inner Peace
Not everyone requires treatment after experiencing disturbing events, as most people recover in their own time. However, there are effective ways to cope with and treat the effects of trauma. One of them is therapy, which involves talking to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor. This approach can help process traumatic experiences. For example, somatic experiencing (SE) therapy focuses on the body’s response to trauma, helping to release stored tension and promote healing. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is also particularly effective (8).
Here are a few effective practices you can incorporate in addition to therapy:
Recognizing trauma is the first step toward healing. If you have feelings of distress and if this distress is interfering with your relationships, work, or daily functioning, you may have acute issues. In such situations, it’s recommended to consult a mental health professional. Initial reactions can include exhaustion, confusion, sadness, agitation, numbness, dissociation, physical arousal, and blunted affect (3). More severe responses may manifest as continuous distress without periods of calm, severe dissociation, and intense intrusive recollections despite being in a safe environment. Delayed responses can include persistent fatigue, sleep issues or nightmares, fear of recurrence, distress focused on flashbacks, and avoidance of emotions, sensations, or activities associated with the trauma. Common signs of trauma often involve:
If you’re experiencing these signs and they’re affecting your daily life, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for guidance.
Trauma can be stored in the body and manifest as chronic pain, tension, or discomfort. The term “psychosomatic” describes physical signs that arise from or are influenced by emotional and psychological factors rather than direct physical causes (13). For example, stress or worry can lead to headaches, stomach aches, or other physical ailments. When trauma is unresolved, this can translate into physical discomfort or pain in specific areas of the body, reflecting a psychosomatic response where emotional distress has tangible physical effects. For example, trauma that is stored in the hips may cause persistent stiffness or pain, while tension in the shoulders can result in chronic discomfort. The neck is another common area of tension and this may exhibit discomfort and stiffness related to emotional stress or unresolved trauma.
Somatic therapies and body-focused exercises play crucial roles in addressing these psychosomatic manifestations of trauma. By focusing on the connection between mind and body, these approaches help release physical tension and promote overall healing.
Healing from trauma involves several important steps:
Acknowledgment: The first step is recognizing that you’ve experienced a traumatic event and acknowledging its impact on your life. Understanding how the aftermath of this experience overwhelmed you is crucial for moving forward.
Seeking Help: Professional guidance from therapists or support groups can provide structured and effective healing. Mental health professionals can offer tools and strategies such as somatic experiencing (SE) therapy to help you process and work through the trauma.
Self-Care: Engaging in activities that nurture both your body and mind is essential. This includes maintaining proper nutrition, getting adequate sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques to support your overall well-being.
Building a Support System: Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide the necessary emotional backing to heal. Lean on loved ones by discussing your experiences and feelings if you feel ready. You may also ask them to help with household tasks or other obligations to reduce daily stress. Remember, support from others can be a powerful aid in your recovery.
Patience: Healing takes time and it’s normal to want to avoid thinking about the traumatic event. However, excessive avoidance, such as isolating yourself, sleeping excessively, or using substances to escape reminders, can hinder your progress. Gradually reintroduce yourself to normal routines and activities. Be patient with yourself, and use support from loved ones or a mental health professional to help you transition back into everyday life.
By following these steps, you can create a supportive framework for healing and start to address the effects of trauma on your life.
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Here are some exercises to help manage and alleviate trauma signs:
Read more: 10 Somatic Exercises to Release Stress in the Body
Shaking or Trembling: A natural response to release tension
Crying or Laughter: Emotional release is a sign of healing
Yawning or Deep Sighs: They indicate a shift toward relaxation
Changes in Breath Patterns: Moving from shallow to deeper, more relaxed breathing
Crying can be a powerful release mechanism that helps process and let go of pent-up emotions. Healing is a journey that varies for everyone. If you feel stuck, it may be beneficial to explore different therapeutic approaches or seek support from a mental health professional. Rocking can be soothing and help with self-regulation, particularly for those who find comfort in rhythmic movements. Patience is the key, but you can aid recovery by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking professional help, staying connected with supportive people, and practicing regular self-care. Managing trauma is a courageous journey that requires time, support, and self-compassion. By exploring different methods and being open to seeking help, you can move toward a life of renewed peace and wholeness.Frequently Asked Questions
Does crying heal trauma?
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