Is your emotional trauma affecting your physical health? Here's what you need to know
Do you ever find yourself struggling with physical symptoms that just won’t go away, even after visiting your primary care physician or specialist? Sometimes modern medicine can’t provide the answers we’re looking for, and that’s where emotions and trauma come into play.
According to research conducted in Europe, a significant percentage of people have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. In fact, a study found that approximately 70% of adults in Europe have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Furthermore, it's been found that approximately 20% of individuals who experience trauma go on to develop symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
It's worth noting that trauma can impact individuals in different ways, and not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Additionally, emotional distress can lead to physical symptoms, regardless of the severity of the trauma experienced.
Unpacking the link between emotional state and physical health: Factors you need to know
The truth is, our bodies experience and remember life events through physical sensations, smell, hearing, and visual images. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, while feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins are released when we’re happy. These chemicals can produce physical and emotional reactions, leading events to be recorded and stored in our physical, emotional, and intellectual memory.
So, how can your emotional state affect your physical health? Many factors come into play, including the age at which the events occurred, the intensity and duration, frequency, learned coping skills, co-existing conditions, availability of support systems, therapy, and the reaction of family and others when the experience is shared (or not shared at all).
Trauma can be stored in the body in both subtle and extreme ways, leading to physical symptoms such as tightness in muscles, addictive tendencies, gut issues, headaches, changes in heart rate or blood pressure, skin conditions or sensitivity, insomnia, low libido, and more.
But here’s the good news: We can heal from this. It’s important to reflect on what was happening in your life when the symptoms first started, even events that may not have seemed stressful at the time. Learning how to connect with your intuition and body can provide guidance, self-love, and the confidence needed to heal.
So the next time you’re experiencing physical symptoms that modern medicine can’t explain, consider the role that emotions and trauma may be playing in your health. By acknowledging and addressing these factors, you may be able to find relief and embark on a journey towards healing.
