Post-traumatic stress affects the Mind and Body

Over the past several decades, research has shown the impact of post-traumatic stress on a person's sense of self, view of the world, behavior, and relationships. Uncovering and destigmatizing the mental and emotional impacts of trauma has afforded us the ability to uncover ways to heal trauma and the subsequent impact on a person. Now, no matter what kind of trauma a person has endured, there is hope for healing.

But one impact of post-traumatic stress has received less public attention, although it can be just as critical in the recovery from trauma. That is the lingering physical impact, which often persists long after the trauma itself is no longer present.

Let's explore how trauma specifically shows up in the body - namely in our nervous system. Before we can address the physical aspect of post-traumatic stress, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the two major elements of our nervous system.

Parasympathetic vs. Sympathetic Nervous Systems

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for what happens in a person’s body when at rest (e.g., digestion, metabolism and the body's capacity to relax). When you hear parasympathetic think “rest and digest.”. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for helping us respond to danger. Think “fight or flight”. Both systems are crucial for survival.

Both systems in action

Imagine you are being chased by a bear. Your sympathetic nervous system is going to take over and help you seek safety. You heart will start racing, your adrenaline will kick in, you’ll probably start sweating, and your pupils will dilate. When you’re being chased by a bear, your body isn’t concerned with digesting that cheeseburger you just ate (which is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system) it’s thinking about getting you to safety (the role of the sympathetic nervous system).

Ideally, when you reach a place of safety, your sympathetic nervous system gets “turned off” and the parasympathetic nervous system resumes primary control. But this doesn’t always happen after someone experiencing post-traumatic stress is triggered.

Imagine how exhausting it might be to chronically feel as though you are running from a bear.

This is what many people with post-traumatic stress experience. Therefore, a critical component of trauma treatment is bringing the parasympathetic nervous system back online and assisting the body in returning to a place of calm.

When your body is stuck in a sympathetic nervous system response, you will also have a difficult time making an accurate assessment of what is safe vs. unsafe. Again, I'll invite you to imagine being chased by a bear and out of the corner of your eye you catch a glimpse of a big brown Labrador retriever. Or was it another bear?

When your body is in the fight or flight mode, you likely won't stop to double check whether what you just saw was a bear or a dog. You also won't remember the beautiful waterfall you just passed or the fact that you cut your leg running through thorns. One of the goals of therapy is to calm to your nervous system.

Having your sympathetic nervous system stuck in the on position may result in:

1) Weakened immune system

2) Weight gain

3) Memory loss

4) Hair loss

5) Grinding your teeth

6) Constipation or abdominal pain

7) Muscle tension

8) Feeling on edge

9) Insomnia

10) Fatigue

11) Brain fog

The freeze response to post-traumatic stress

Another way trauma can show up in our bodies is a freeze response. If it suddenly dawns on you that you are powerless to escape the bear your body might go into a place of total shutdown. In other words, when you are exposed to trauma and do not have the resources to escape, you can shut down in a way that results in severe depression, dissociation, or suicidal ideation. This won't look like trying to fight or flee the bear, but a total resignation to the bear.

Healing the body from physical impacts of post-traumatic stress

So, how do we start this process of healing the nervous system? We first get an accurate picture of where your nervous system is and offer interventions that help your body come to a place of calm. Or in the case of total shutdown, how to resume a sense of embodiment and power.

For example, let’s say your body is stuck in fight or flight, we might offer interventions that help slow down your nervous system. These can include mindfulness, meditation, breathing, and other techniques that ground the body in the true safety of the present moment. Of course, we will also continue to address your emotional, mental, and relationship concerns.

If you think that you or a loved one shows these symptoms of post-traumatic stress, please reach out for help. Remember: no matter where your nervous system is today there is always opportunity for your body to heal from post-traumatic stress along with your mind, emotions, and relationships.

For more information on how trauma impacts the body, check out the following resources:

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolkata

• The Body Remembers by Babette Rothschild

• The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory by Stephen W. Pages