Pay Attention to Your Body: 5 Signs You May be Reacting to Past Trauma
Trauma is a stressful and overwhelming experience that can have physical and emotional impacts on our bodies. Even if we think we are coping well, our bodies may be reacting to past trauma in a physical way. In this article, we explore five common signs that your body may be reacting to past trauma and steps you can take to help overcome it.
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1. Disrupted Sleep
Sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being. It’s when our bodies rest, repair, and recover from daily activities. Trauma can disrupt our sleep in different ways, including insomnia or hypersomnia.
Insomnia is the inability to fall or stay asleep, while hypersomnia is excessive sleepiness or prolonged sleep. Both can have significant consequences on our health, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other health problems. To improve your sleep, try meditation, structured bedtime routines, cutting caffeine before bed, and consulting your physician.
2. Irritable Stomach
It is common for trauma to affect our digestive system. Often it can lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and more.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician to rule out any underlying medical condition. They may recommend changes to your diet, stress management techniques, and other treatments to alleviate your symptoms.
3. Changes in Eating (Weight Loss or Weight Gain)
Trauma can also impact our relationship with food, leading to changes in our eating patterns.
Some people may eat too much, while others may eat too little, leading to eating disorders such as obesity, anorexia, bulimia, and more. If you notice significant changes in your eating habits or have a long history of disrupted eating, it’s a clue you may need support. Consult your physician and share your trauma history so they can help.
4. Anxious Thoughts – Anxiety, Panic Attacks and Trauma
Anxiety is a common reaction to trauma, and it can manifest in different ways, including intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, phobias, and more. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your physician to determine the best treatment options, including therapy, medication, and other coping strategies.
5. Chronic Pain May be a Sign of Trauma from the Past
Chronic pain is a common physical symptom of trauma, including headaches, back pain, neck pain, and more. Trauma can affect our nervous system, leading to changes in our pain perception and sensitivity. If you experience chronic pain, consult your physician to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.
Concluding 5 Common Signs of Past Trauma – Your Body May be Reacting
Whether the trauma is current and past it can take a physical and emotional toll on your body. So if you are struggling with issues pay attention to the above signs and take action to address them.
In addition to the above tips if you recognize any of these signs, consult with your physician and talk about any past trauma history and get the help you need. A health practitioner may recommend a variety of treatments, that include: cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), medication, stress management techniques, and you can seek out natural therapies that are free from medication (which may have potential side effects for some people).
Remember, your body is talking to you, and it’s up to you to listen and take action to cope and overcome trauma.