Trauma is a catch all term that often brings images of death, destruction and violence. More accurately, trauma is inherent in everyday life – car accidents, the death of a loved one, illness, medical diagnosis/procedures, bullying, invalidating relationships, sexualized violence, falls, divorce, and family dysfunction are some. Current research underscores that trauma is not necessarily the event, but the perception of the event, that makes it traumatic. Further, research tells us that unresolved trauma and the support or lack of support following the trauma has significant influence on the development of trauma symptoms. This explains why some people develop Post Traumatic Symptoms and others do not.
Trauma affects the brain, body and psyche in significant ways creating internal disruptions in the nervous system that change the ways in which we interact with our environment and those in it. Essentially, the body impacted by trauma develops patterns of constriction in order to mitigate the internal chaos and maintain balance and function in the world. This often looks like depression, anxiety, or panic – in fact, many researchers are linking all mental health issues to trauma. Furthermore, many digestive and sleep disorders are highly linked to autonomic nervous system dysregulation caused by trauma.
Experience has shown me that trauma is not a life sentence and that working with a skilled somatic therapist can help resolve and renegotiate those past events which may have and continue to disrupt your life and body’s balance.
If this has piqued your interest, check back again for more writing about trauma and addictions.