Trauma is a hot topic in the health world, and for good reason. We are uncovering more ways that trauma is affecting health – from mental health conditions to chronic conditions such as endometriosis. But more people than ever are struggling to process the trauma they have undergone.

Why is it so important for us to consider trauma?

We know that mental health affects physical health, and vice versa. But as more information around trauma emerges, the more we understand just how much mental health matters for long-term wellbeing.

Trauma can have a significant impact on both your mental and physical well-being. When you experience trauma, your body responds in various ways, and these physical manifestations can vary from person to person. Here are some common physical effects of trauma:

1. Increased Stress Response: Trauma triggers the body's stress response system, leading to an increase in stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This heightened stress response can result in physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, tense muscles, and shallow breathing, and not only when first traumatised. This can happen at seemingly every day events. 

2. Chronic Pain and Tension: Trauma can contribute to chronic pain and tension in the body. This can manifest as headaches, migraines, muscle aches, back pain, and digestive issues. The body may hold onto tension as a protective response to the trauma, leading to ongoing physical discomfort.

3. Sleep Disturbances: Trauma can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Insomnia, nightmares, and night sweats are common physical manifestations of trauma-related sleep disturbances.

4. Weakened Immune System: Prolonged exposure to trauma can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses and infections. The stress response triggered by trauma can suppress immune function, leaving the body vulnerable to various health issues. It can also cause auto-immune disease and allergies. 

5. Gastrointestinal Problems: Trauma can impact the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach-aches, nausea, and changes in appetite. The gut-brain connection plays a significant role in how trauma affects the digestive system.

6. Cardiovascular Issues: The heightened stress response associated with trauma can have long-term effects on cardiovascular health. It can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular issues.

7. Impact on the Nervous System: Trauma can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. This dysregulation can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, light-headedness, numbness or tingling sensations, and an increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli.

8. Hormonal Imbalances: Trauma can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal fluctuations, and reproductive health issues (such as endometriosis, PCOS, PMDD, miscarriage and infertility). It can also impact the endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. This can have an impact on weight-related conditions including obesity and metabolic syndrome

9 . Mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders and eating disorders, along with self-harming behaviours, addictions and substance abuse.

10. Cancer

Trauma is not an event or action that happens to someone. It is the perception of the event and how their body responds to it. Therefore, it’s essential to note that trauma isn’t reserved for those who have fought in wars or experienced abuse.

Research has found that people can experience trauma related to the pandemic for example, including fear of unemployment, ongoing isolation, and uncertainty about the future. Any significant stress reaction could be traumatic for someone who is vulnerable at the time.

So if we look at it from that point of view… the rate of trauma is probably far higher than the 1-12% of people with PTSD.

It's important to note that the physical effects of trauma can vary from person to person, and individuals may experience a combination of these symptoms or others not mentioned here. 

The support available for trauma is simply not enough

As a natural health practitioner, I believe that mental health support should be available to everyone. But unfortunately, that is not the case.

And the pandemic has only made this problem far greater. More people are needing to seek mental health support, but there are fewer psychologists available. This is supported by research; in 2022, 88% of psychologists reported an increase in demand. But 1 in 3 were unable to see new clients – before the pandemic, this was only 1 in 100! There is a clear gap between what is needed for mental wellbeing and what is accessible.

This is where I’ve found utilising Emotion Release Technique (ERT), has been a game-changer for my clients with trauma.

It’s a modality that allows me to support my client’s processing of trauma without them needing to discuss it. This last point is essential, as talk therapy can be triggering for many people with unprocessed trauma.

Now of course, ERT is not designed to replace the many psychological modalities. But given the lack of access to psychological support in Australia right now, it could make a huge difference to your mental and physical wellbeing.

Emotional release is a vital component of the healing journey for people who have experienced trauma. By providing a safe and supportive environment to express and process suppressed emotions, I empower you to reclaim your emotional well-being, restore balance, and move towards healing and recovery. Emotion Release Technique offers a path to release trauma's grip and foster a renewed sense of hope, resilience, and inner peace.

If you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of trauma, consider exploring the benefits of Emotion Release Technique. Schedule a 1:1 ERT Session to begin your journey towards healing and recovery.

Together, we can work to restore your emotional well-being and help you achieve a renewed sense of inner peace and resilience.