Trauma is an emotional experience that can impact the physical body as well. When someone experiences trauma, the brain releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepares the body to respond to the situation by potentially fighting, fleeing or freezing.
However, if the brain perceives that the person is unable to fight back or flee, it resorts to the freeze response as a protective mechanism. During the freeze response, the body’s sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to a decrease in heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
Even though the freeze response can be helpful in the short term, it can become a long-term problem for the body when the trauma is chronic or prolonged. Over time, the body becomes accustomed to this freeze response and the release of stress hormones, leading to a buildup of tension in the muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders and back.
This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as tension headaches, chronic pain, digestive issues, and sleep disorders. Trauma can also impact the immune system, leading to a weakened immune response, leaving the person more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
Moreover, trauma can affect the brain in a way that makes it difficult for the person to manage their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. The person may become hyper-vigilant or anxious, leading to constant feelings of being on edge or the inability to relax.
So, when we talk about how trauma is stored in the body, it is important to understand that it can manifest itself in a variety of ways and impact various systems in the body. It can create physical, emotional and behavioral changes in the person, leading to a variety of symptoms that can be challenging to manage without proper care and support.
