Letting go of the emotional trauma your body carries

At a basic level, trauma is an emotional and physical response to overwhelming stress. It can result from ongoing adverse experiences or a one-time event. 

When we experience trauma, our minds and bodies can respond in several ways. For some people, the effects of trauma resolve on their own. Others may develop a trauma-related condition, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When this happens, the impact of trauma will persist for a longer period of time.

The lingering effects of trauma can affect the way you think and feel. It can also take a toll on the body. Research shows that trauma can affect our physical well-being and may increase the risk of illness. People of all ages and walks of life can experience the symptoms of trauma. But these challenges may be more common among people living with substance use disorders or other mental health conditions. 

If you’re struggling in the aftermath of trauma, know that you’re not alone and help is available. Learning how to release emotional trauma from the body can be an important part of the healing process.

How your body stores emotional trauma

Unlike a sprained wrist or high cholesterol, emotional trauma isn’t something you can see in an X-ray or a blood test. But it can still have major effects on your physical health. When someone says trauma is “stored” in the body, they’re referring to how the body holds onto stress. This process is also known as maintaining somatic memories. 

Unconsciously, your body may respond to reminders of traumatic events as if you’re in danger again. This can create a biological stress response that can cause:

• Dizziness or vision problems
• Body aches and pains
• Fatigue
• Shakiness or jitteriness
• Appetite changes
• Headaches
• Sweating

In addition to these symptoms, unresolved trauma may also increase the risk of chronic health conditions. For example, research shows that trauma is linked to:

• High blood pressure
• Stomach ulcers
• Heart disease and other heart problems
• Gastritis
• Arthritis

If you’re noticing physical symptoms that may be related to trauma, it’s important to work with both a mental health professional and a medical doctor. They can help you explore possible trauma responses while also ruling out other underlying medical conditions.

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What you can do to release emotional trauma

If you’re experiencing the effects of emotional trauma, know that recovery is possible. There are things you can do on your own and with the help of a professional to release trauma, including:

1. Somatic therapy: You and your provider have several effective trauma-informed therapies to choose from. If you’re experiencing physical symptoms of trauma, somatic therapy can be especially helpful. This approach focuses on the mind-body connection. It can involve guided relaxation exercises to process traumatic events, activities to increase body awareness, and more.
2. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR was designed to treat PTSD. It uses back-and-forth eye movements to help people reprocess memories of traumatic events. This approach can reduce the physical and emotional effects of traumatic experiences.
3. Mindful movement: Some forms of movement can help you overcome emotional trauma. For example, trauma-informed yoga can help you feel grounded in your body and release tension. Just make sure your instructor is certified in trauma-informed or trauma-sensitive yoga.
4. Healing breathwork: Breathing exercises are a great way to reduce everyday stress. And they can also help you manage the effects of trauma. You can do a breathing exercise almost anytime, anywhere. Simply inhale to the count of six and pause. Hold your breath for six seconds, and slowly release. You can repeat this as many times as you need to. Notice how your body responds when you slow down and focus on your breath.

The benefits of releasing trapped emotions

When you take steps to release trapped emotions, you may experience a variety of sensations. This is sometimes called a trauma release. For some people, this can involve changes in temperature, a rapid heart rate, muscle twitches, or a tingling feeling. Others may notice their mood or energy levels shift.

The length of time it will take to release trapped emotions will depend on your unique situation. While this experience can create some temporary discomfort, the benefits can last a lifetime. Releasing the trauma you’ve been holding in your body can help you feel calmer, lighter, and more hopeful about the future.

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While it’s often associated with negative thoughts or emotions, trauma can also cause physical symptoms. Trauma stored in the body can lead to problems with sleep and appetite, aches and pains, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, with the right support, you can begin to heal. A trauma-informed therapist can help you manage stress, release tension, and overcome the effects of trauma on your mind and body.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

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