Whether you are aware of it or not, you may be reacting to trauma in a physical way. If you are currently living with trauma you may be well aware of the aches, pains, physical and emotional discomfort triggered by trauma.
Some indicators include:
- Disrupted sleep
- Irritable stomach
- Changes in eating
- Anxious thoughts
- and more
Even if you think you are coping well, you may not be.
Your Body is Talking to You
Much of what we feel in our bodies is feedback. Pain is an indicator that somethings wrong and needs to be addressed. It’s part of our bodies warning system helping us pay closer attention to what’s going on. Sometimes we are in tune with our bodies and sometimes we aren’t. When we take action, we generally find relief. If not, pain- both physical and emotional, can become chronic and we are none the wiser.
Here are some signs your body may be trying to deal with trauma and steps to take.
You’ve gained or lost weight quickly.
Our eating is often disrupted as a traumatic response. From eating too little or too much, we may be coping with trauma through our diet. Left unchecked this can lead to eating disorders including obesity, anorexia, binging and purging and more.
If you recognize that you are experiencing significant changes in your eating (or have a long history with disrupted eating) it’s a clue you may need support. Consult your physician and share your trauma history so they can help.
You sleep too much or not at all.
Our sleep/wake cycle is more important than most people realize. Our bodies use our rest time to heal, rejuvenate, and prepare for daily life. From healing our cells to storing our memories, our bodies are working in wonderful ways as we sleep. A typical trauma response presents itself as insomnia or hypersomnia, both of which have significant consequences to our health.
If you are sleeping too much (hypersomnia) you may be experiencing depression or having another reaction to trauma. Little to no sleep (insomnia) may also be triggered by anxiety, intrusive, thoughts, and more. Meditation apps, structured bedtime routines, and cutting caffeine prior to bed can help. Your physician will also have options available but needs to know about any trauma that could be influencing your sleep.
Listen to your body and pay close attention to what it’s sharing. Subtle or acute changes may be an indication you are reacting to trauma. From sleeplessness following an accident or acute illness to life-long food addictions, your body is offering clues that you may need help to cope and overcome trauma.
