Did you know when the brain experiences trauma, it uses organs to store emotions it can’t process from shock? Think of organs like closets for the brain. In a crisis, they keep traumatic emotions the brain can’t process. These same emotions are energy-draining to the organs. When used to hold traumatic emotions, organs lose their ability to function fully. Long-term stress is how illness results.
A proven scientific fact happens in the trauma cascade of events: cellular dysfunction results from impaired vitality caused by stored trauma. The reason for dysfunction can have multiple causes. This blog post focuses on low frequency emotions;
shame
guilt
pride
anger
etc.
Studies suggest trauma makes us vulnerable to physical and mental health problems. Trauma affects the body and the mind, which has a long-term impact on physical, emotional, and mental health.
DEFINING EMOTIONAL TRAUMA
Trauma is different for each of us because our worldview processes events differently. What one person views as traumatic, another may find to be problematic. The point is that trauma is unique to the individual.
That said, there are situations most agree are causes which include:
Verbal abuse
Loss of a loved one
Bullying
Living in high-stress areas
Neglect
Separation
Abandonment
Sexual abuse
Violence
Hunger
Whatever the cause of emotional trauma, unresolved and unhealed trauma leads to long-term health consequences.
THE AFTERMATH OF TRAUMA
Suppose you’ve been through something traumatic and can’t process it properly. You find yourself dealing with one or all of the following issues:
ANXIETY
Many people report high levels of anxiety after a traumatic event. Different than worry, fear traps us in a flight-or-fight sympathetic nervous state. That’s a real health danger long-term.
FLASHBACKS
Even if trauma is well in the past, experiencing flashbacks triggered by specific reminders can be like re-experiencing the trauma again. Flashbacks are far more than unpleasant memories; they live in the moment with the same emotions felt during the trauma. They also create ongoing nightmares.
BEHAVIORAL CHANGES
In an attempt to forget the past and to control emotions, many people turn to substances, drugs, or alcohol, which leads to substance use disorders if left unchecked. Others turn to food to cope with unresolved issues. While others turn to risky behaviors, preferring the moment’s thrill rather than dealing with their emotions and memories.
HEALTH ISSUES
Experiencing high levels of anxiety causes, over time, widespread inflammation, leading to serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, cancer, or autoimmune disease.
COGNITIVE FUNCTION
A trauma-affected brain is a hijacked brain. This cascade leads to cognitive issues and problems with memory and focus (concentration). In extreme cases, people cannot function at school or work because they cannot focus for long periods.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Now that you better understand trauma’s impact on the brain, this is a great time to start working on trauma wounds. If you need help, we have great resources to empower you no matter your budget inside Preventer Membership and our Living Prevention Health Coaching for members.
