How To Spot Trauma Stored In The Body & Mind

Hannah Frye is a Beauty & Health Editor at mindbodygreen, where she reports on the latest beauty trends and innovations, women’s health research, brain health news, and more. She has a background in journalism and women’s, gender, and queer studies.

What Is Trauma Stored In The Body & Mind?

Trauma is a complex and deeply personal experience that can have a profound impact on our physical and emotional well-being. When we experience trauma, our bodies respond by releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to physical symptoms like tense muscles, racing heartbeats, and difficulty sleeping. At the same time, our minds struggle to process the traumatic event, leading to emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, and flashbacks.

How Trauma Is Stored In The Body

When we experience trauma, our bodies store the memory of that event in our cells, tissues, and organs. This can lead to physical symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and digestive issues. For example, if you were physically harmed during a traumatic event, your body may store the memory of that pain in your muscles and joints, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.

Research has shown that trauma can be stored in the body in the form of “tension patterns,” which are patterns of muscle tension that develop in response to stress and trauma. These patterns can lead to physical symptoms like migraines, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

How Trauma Is Stored In The Mind

In addition to being stored in the body, trauma is also stored in our minds. When we experience trauma, our brains create a “fear response” that can lead to emotional symptoms like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This fear response is triggered by certain sights, sounds, or smells that remind us of the traumatic event.

Research has shown that trauma can be stored in the mind in the form of “implicit memory,” which is a type of memory that is outside of our conscious awareness. Implicit memory can lead to emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression, and can even affect our ability to form healthy relationships and make decisions.

Signs Of Trauma Stored In The Body & Mind

So, how can you tell if trauma is stored in your body and mind? Here are some common signs:

• Chronic pain or tension
• Mood swings or emotional instability
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding places or people that remind you of the traumatic event
• Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
• Dissociation or feeling disconnected from your body or emotions

How To Spot Trauma Stored In The Body & Mind

Spotting trauma stored in the body and mind requires a combination of self-awareness, mindfulness, and professional guidance. Here are some steps you can take:

Step 1: Self-Awareness

The first step in spotting trauma stored in the body and mind is to develop self-awareness. This means paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment. Take time each day to meditate, journal, or engage in other mindfulness practices that help you tune in to your body and mind.

Step 2: Body Scan

A body scan is a mindfulness practice that involves paying attention to each part of your body, starting from your toes and moving up to the top of your head. As you scan your body, notice any areas of tension or discomfort. This can help you identify areas where trauma may be stored.

Step 3: Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness practices like yoga, tai chi, or qigong can help you develop greater body awareness and release tension patterns stored in your body. These practices can also help you cultivate greater emotional awareness and resilience.

Step 4: Professional Guidance

If you suspect that trauma is stored in your body and mind, it’s important to seek professional guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor. A mental health professional can help you develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you heal from trauma.

Conclusion

Spotting trauma stored in the body and mind requires a combination of self-awareness, mindfulness, and professional guidance. By taking these steps, you can begin to identify areas where trauma may be stored and develop strategies for healing and recovery. Remember that healing from trauma is a journey that takes time, patience, and compassion. Be gentle with yourself and prioritize your well-being as you work to heal and recover.

FAQs

Q: What are the signs of trauma stored in the body and mind?

A: Common signs of trauma stored in the body and mind include chronic pain or tension, mood swings or emotional instability, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response, and dissociation or feeling disconnected from your body or emotions.

Q: How can I spot trauma stored in my body and mind?

A: To spot trauma stored in your body and mind, start by developing self-awareness through mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling. Then, try a body scan to identify areas of tension or discomfort. Consider seeking professional guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Q: How can I heal from trauma stored in my body and mind?

A: Healing from trauma stored in your body and mind requires a combination of self-care, mindfulness practices, and professional guidance. Start by prioritizing your physical and emotional well-being, and seek support from loved ones or a therapist. Consider trying mindfulness practices like yoga, tai chi, or qigong to help release tension patterns stored in your body. With time, patience, and compassion, you can heal and recover from trauma.