The Trauma Mind-Body Connection: Unlocking the Pain to Heal from Within
Have you ever experienced a traumatic event?
Most people will experience significant events in their childhood or even later during their life which can impact them negatively and leave them scarred for life.
Trauma is a complex and deeply rooted issue and a significant factor in various mental and physical health challenges. It can encompass a wide range of experiences and is not limited to extreme events like accidents or violence. Childhood experiences, especially those involving neglect, emotional abuse, or a lack of nurturing, can have profound and lasting effects on a person’s well-being, creating deep-rooted insecurities and unhealthy and disempowering beliefs. However, simply experiencing an event will not necessarily lead to a trauma response. It is the meaning that a person will derive from the event or attach to it, which will cause them to continue to suffer from trauma, long after the event is over and their conditions have changed. The duration of their suffering will be based on how long they take to comprehend and assimilate the experience and decide to move on from it.
“Trauma is not what happened to you, but your response to what happened to you. It is embedded in the brain and your nervous system in the form of sub-verbal emotional memory. It is also embedded in the body. The body keeps the score.” — Dr. Gabor Maté*
In order to numb or block out the pain, caused by the response to the experience, trauma can lead to various coping mechanisms like dissociation, creating an alternate persona to deal with the event and addiction. These mechanisms are associated with survival and protection during an event or prolonged situation of extreme unpleasantness, discomfort and danger. Once the moment or situation passes, the response may remain unless the person consciously intervenes to remove it.
People may use substances as an escape or engage in harmful behaviours with small-term benefits to numb the emotional pain caused by unresolved trauma.
It is important to approach and understand trauma from a holistic point of view, considering its impact on both the mind and body. It is necessary to address the root causes of trauma to promote healing and well-being and utilise compassionate self-awareness, and mindfulness.
The Trauma Spectrum: Trauma exists on a spectrum, ranging from major traumatic events like physical abuse, rape, bullying or accidents to more subtle, chronic forms of trauma such as emotional neglect, family dysfunction, and even critical societal factors like poverty and discrimination. Childhood development and childhood experiences have a considerable impact on adult health. Early adverse experiences, particularly during the formative years, can disrupt healthy emotional development and lead to long-term physical and psychological issues.
This perspective also aligns with the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) research, which links childhood trauma to a wide range of health problems in adulthood. It is essential to recognize how these experiences can shape an individual’s life and health.
Addiction is a Coping Mechanism: Addiction, whether it’s substance abuse or other compulsive behaviours, often stems from attempts to cope with unresolved trauma and emotional pain. Understanding addiction as a response to suffering rather than a moral failing or a lack of will is crucial for effective treatment and support. Blaming the person or asking them to let go of the addiction, without addressing the root cause is like placing a band-aid on a wound that requires surgery.
Mind-Body Connection: We humans exist with a mind-body connection and it is evident in cases of trauma. Unprocessed emotional pain can manifest as physical ailments, chronic diseases, and mental health disorders of various severity. It is necessary to take an approach that integrates both psychological and physical aspects of healing like a holistic approach. Practices like mindfulness, self-compassion, and therapies that address the root causes of trauma need to be initiated, rather than just managing symptoms. Individuals should be encouraged to explore their early life experiences and comprehend how they have influenced their present behaviours and health.
This introspection and exploration is good practice whether there is a visible trauma response or not. Often, painful memories are suppressed by our brains in an attempt to protect us but linger in our memory bank and subconscious layers, driving our thought patterns and subconscious behaviours. Airing them out and working through them can lighten loads we are not even aware exist and lead to living happier and more fulfilled lives.
Here is a real-life example: John’s Journey from Childhood Bullying to Healing
John was a sensitive and introverted boy from a relatively impoverished family who grew up in a neighbourhood where he was frequently bullied by a group of older kids. They taunted him, called him hurtful names, and sometimes even physically assaulted him. These experiences left deep emotional scars, and John developed a strong sense of insecurity and fear in social situations.
As an adult, John found himself struggling with relationships, self-esteem, and anxiety. He often avoided social gatherings and had difficulty trusting others. After continually facing setbacks and finding himself alone and paralysed by his fears, he decided it was time to confront his past and sought the help of a practitioner who specialized in trauma and emotional healing. He began to explore his childhood memories and the emotions attached to them and with expert guidance, he gradually uncovered the pain and fear that had been buried deep within him for years.
John’s counsellor introduced him to mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage his anxiety. They also worked on reframing his self-perception, helping him build self-compassion and self-confidence. John also joined a support group for individuals who had experienced bullying, which provided a safe space to share his story and connect with others who had similar experiences. He realised that not only was he not alone, but there were many people who had very similar issues and fears related to their childhood experiences, that were blocking them from living well.
Over time, John began to feel more comfortable in social situations and developed healthier relationships. By addressing his past and working through the traumatic response, he gradually let go of the fear and insecurity that had held him back for so long. He started to let go of the traumatic response, noticed many positive changes in his life and also discovered a passion for helping others who had experienced bullying and trauma. He became an advocate for anti-bullying initiatives and started volunteering at organizations that supported survivors of childhood trauma thus finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment in helping others on their paths to recovery.
With the right support and a commitment to healing, it is possible not only to confront the ghosts of childhood trauma but also to help others and move toward a brighter and more fulfilling life.
- Dr. Gabor Maté is known for his work in the field of addiction, trauma, and mind-body health and has developed a therapeutic approach known as “Compassionate Inquiry,” which involves gently exploring and understanding the emotional and psychological patterns that result from trauma and aims to promote self-awareness, healing, and personal transformation.
As a mindfulness practitioner and life-design consultant, I help clients explore themselves, focus on well-being and personal growth and make life choices that prioritize their mental and emotional health in alignment with their core values. This leads to personal freedom and independence allowing the person to blossom and manifest the life they deserve. Reach out if you require help and guidance.