How The Body Remembers Trauma

Chronic Pain and Tension

One of the most common ways trauma manifests physically is through chronic pain. You may experience unexplained aches, especially in the neck, back, and shoulders. These areas of tension may be seen as the body’s attempt to protect itself, holding onto stress as a way to ward off further emotional pain. Over time, this physical tightness can become chronic, making it harder to relax or release the stress.

Digestive Issues

Trauma can also affect the body’s digestive system. Many survivors of sexual abuse report issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic constipation, or diarrhoea. This connection isn’t purely psychological—there’s a link between the brain and gut, often referred to as the “gut-brain axis” which research has shown significantly affects mental health and emotional well-being.

Sleep Disturbances

Many people affected by childhood sexual abuse struggle with insomnia or nightmares. Sleep is crucial for emotional and physical healing, but trauma can interfere with the ability to rest. The body may remain in a constant state of alertness, even when the mind is trying to sleep. Nightmares or vivid flashbacks can also disrupt the natural sleep cycle, preventing restorative rest.

Sex and Sexuality

Childhood sexual abuse can deeply affect someone’s relationship to their own sexuality. Survivors may experience a range of issues, such as sexual dysfunction (ie pain or difficulty during intercourse), sexual promiscuity or a disconnection from their sexual identity altogether. These physical responses are often tied to deep emotional wounds and may be complicated by shame, fear or a lack of trust in your own body.

The Impact of Stress Hormones

Childhood trauma triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones are meant to help your body respond to danger but ongoing exposure to high levels of cortisol can have damaging effects. It can lead to a weakened immune system, weight fluctuations, and even heart problems. Essentially, the longer the trauma is left unresolved, the more stress the body accumulates, impacting its ability to function.

Dissociation: A Response to Overwhelming Pain or Fear

Dissociation is a common trauma response for people impacted by childhood sexual abuse. It’s the mind’s way of coping with overwhelming or unbearable experiences by disconnecting from the body and emotions. When pain or fear is too much to bear, dissociation allows you to “escape” the present moment. This can show up as feeling detached from your own body, experiencing memory gaps, or feeling like the world around you isn’t real.

Dissociation can also make it challenging for the body to fully process trauma. Since the mind and body are disconnected during these episodes the physical effects of the trauma might not be fully felt or released, making it more difficult to heal. Recognising dissociation as a trauma response is crucial for healing as it helps you reclaim a sense of grounding and reconnect with your body and emotions in a safe, manageable way.

Healing the Body and Mind

Healing from childhood sexual abuse is a deeply personal and complex journey and it’s crucial to recognise that the body is often a central part of that process. Trauma informed talking therapy along with body-based therapies like somatic experiencing, yoga, or grounding techniques can help you to reconnect with your body and release the tension that has built up over the years.

Ultimately, understanding how trauma from childhood sexual abuse manifests physically can help survivors approach healing in a holistic way. By addressing both the mind and the body you can begin to reclaim your strength and find peace.