Psychological trauma can have profound effects on both mental and physical health. The mind and body are interconnected, and traumatic experiences can trigger a range of physiological responses. Clinical evidence consistently suggests a strong link between psychological trauma and poor physical health and scientific studies have demonstrated the impact of trauma on various physiological systems, contributing to a range of health problems. It's important to note that the impact of trauma on physical health is complex, and individual responses can vary. Here are some ways in which psychological trauma can impact the body:
Stress Response
Probably the most well understood impact is the stress response. Trauma activates the body's stress reaction, leading to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of these hormones can contribute to various health problems, including cardiovascular issues and immune system suppression.
Changes in Brain Structure and Function
Trauma can alter the structure and function of the brain, particularly in areas related to stress regulation, emotion processing, and memory. The amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are key regions affected. These changes may contribute to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders and physical health issues.
Immune System
Prolonged stress from trauma may suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Research has shown a link between chronic stress and impaired immune function.
Inflammation
Trauma has been associated with increased inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Cardiovascular Effects
Trauma-induced stress can contribute to cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension and an increased risk of heart disease. The constant activation of the stress response can put a strain on the cardiovascular system over time.
Digestive Issues
Psychological trauma can impact the digestive system, leading to issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal problems. The gut-brain connection is increasingly recognized in understanding the effects of trauma on digestion.
Sleep Disturbances
Trauma survivors often experience disruptions in sleep patterns. This can lead to insomnia, nightmares, and other sleep-related issues. Sleep disturbances, in turn, can exacerbate other physical and mental health problems.
Pain Perception
Trauma can alter pain perception, making individuals more sensitive to pain. This may contribute to the development or exacerbation of chronic pain conditions.
Increased Health-Risk Behaviours
Trauma survivors may be more prone to engaging in health-risk behaviours as coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, smoking, and poor dietary habits. These behaviours can further contribute to poor physical health outcomes.
Shortened Lifespan
Some studies suggest that individuals who have experienced trauma may have a shortened lifespan. The cumulative effects of trauma on physical health, combined with associated risk factors, may contribute to a reduced life expectancy.
Why does Psychological Trauma impact the Body?
Psychological trauma impacts the body through a complex interplay of neurobiological, hormonal, and physiological responses. When an individual experiences trauma, whether it's a single event or chronic exposure, the body's stress response is activated. This stress response is an evolutionary adaptation designed to help the body respond to immediate threats by preparing it for "fight or flight." However, when this response is activated persistently or excessively due to trauma, it can lead to a range of physiological changes.
Trauma can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary bodily functions. The ANS has two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), responsible for the "fight or flight" response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which promotes relaxation and recovery. Trauma can lead to a prolonged activation of the SNS, contributing to physiological symptoms such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and heightened arousal.
Trauma may lead to epigenetic changes, which are alterations in gene expression without changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can influence an individual's vulnerability to mental health disorders and affect the body's stress response. Psychological trauma often results in altered perceptions, coping mechanisms, and behaviours. These changes can influence lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and substance use, which in turn can impact physical health.
Treating Trauma held in the body.
Treating the somatic (bodily) aspects of psychological trauma is an important component of trauma-focused therapy. Somatic therapies aim to address the ways in which trauma is held in the body, often leading to physical symptoms and discomfort.
A trauma-informed approach is foundational to many therapeutic modalities. It involves creating a safe and supportive environment that recognises the impact of trauma on the individual. As a therapist I work collaboratively with clients to explore their experiences and develop coping strategies.
Mindfulness practices, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), can help individuals become more aware of bodily sensations and regulate their responses to stress. Mindfulness encourages non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, which can be beneficial for managing trauma-related bodily sensations.
Techniques that focus on breath regulation, such as diaphragmatic breathing and breath awareness, can help individuals modulate their autonomic nervous system responses. Breathwork is often integrated into trauma therapy to promote relaxation and reduce physiological arousal. Grounding exercises involve techniques to help individuals connect with the present moment and their physical surroundings. These exercises can be helpful in managing dissociation and bringing attention back to the body.
EMDR incorporates the somatic impact of trauma within the psychological processing, often reaching trauma in the body in a way that other talking therapies do not. The choice of therapy depends on the individual's preferences, cultural background, and the nature of their trauma. A holistic and individualised approach that integrates both psychological and somatic aspects of trauma is often most effective. Get in touch with our team to discuss the options in more detail.