Tea Over Trauma
Hey there, dear friend! I know we’ve talked lightly about a few things together, but today I want to talk about a topic that’s close to my heart: trauma. Specifically how it can affect our relationship with our body. It’s like this invisible force that can turn our bodies into foreign territory, leaving us feeling lost and disconnected. So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and let’s explore this together.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma isn’t just a word; it’s an overwhelming experience that can shake us to our core. It could be a single event—a car accident, a sudden loss, or an assault—or it might be years of chronic stress and pain. Regardless of its form, trauma leaves its mark on us, both mentally and physically.
The Mind-Body Disconnect: Dissociation
Have you ever felt like you’re watching your life from a distance? Like you’re floating outside yourself, observing everything but not fully present? That’s dissociation. When trauma strikes, our body’s stress response can skip the usual fight-or-flight mode and land in the freeze state. During this freeze response, dissociation kicks in as a coping mechanism. It’s our mind’s way of protecting us from overwhelming emotions, sensations, or our physical surroundings.
Imagine trying to remember a traumatic event, but it feels hazy, like a dream slipping through your fingers. That’s dissociation at work. It’s like our mind puts up a protective barrier, shielding us from the full impact of what we’ve experienced.
This is something that can turn on/off within us all throughout our day. Sometimes, after life-altering trauma, we can unknowingly be living our lives mostly in this freeze state… as an observer, never capable of being fully present. And if that’s you right now, that’s okay. I’ll explain why as we go on.
The Impact of Trauma on Our Mind and Body
Hypersensitivity to Danger: Trauma cranks up our internal threat detectors. Suddenly, everything seems dangerous—even situations that aren’t. Our intuition gets clouded, and our bodies stay on high alert, ready to flee or fight. This prolonged stress can lead to mental health struggles and physical illnesses.
Brain Rewiring: Trauma doesn’t just mess with our emotions; it rewires our brains. The neural pathways responsible for processing memories, emotions, and even our sense of self get tangled up. It’s like our mental GPS goes haywire, and we lose our way. No wonder we feel like strangers in our own skin.
The Body Speaks: Our bodies hold trauma too. Muscle tension, chronic pain, and mysterious illnesses—they’re all physical manifestations of our preoccupation with trauma. Our nervous system goes haywire, and our immune system takes a hit. It’s as if our body is trying to tell us, “Hey, something’s not right here!”
Why the Mind-Body Connection Matters
Our brains are the nerve centers of our entire beings. They regulate our heart rate, breathing, digestion—basically everything. When our minds are stressed or anxious, our bodies respond. Hormonal levels shift, and we might struggle with weight gain, illness, or chronic pain. It’s a vicious cycle.
But here’s the thing: our intuition matters. Our brains and bodies work together to keep us safe. Even when we’re not consciously aware, our brains scan the environment for threats. When danger is perceived, our bodies react—heart rate spikes, adrenaline surges, and our breathing quickens. It’s a finely tuned orchestra, and our intuition is the conductor.
If you find you can relate to anything we’ve explored here… your body and mind have worked together beautifully in the best ways they knew how… to protect you. To keep you safe… keep you alive. It may not seem helpful now though, and you’re right, it’s probably not. The trauma and danger have passed, and your body and mind need help making sense of things again. That’s where you come in.
So, my friend, start by honoring that mind-body connection. Listen to your body’s whispers. These can help you understand where your mind and body need to be taught something different. Rest when you need to. Seek therapy or support. Reach out and find the sources of help around you.
If any of this resonates with you, and you need support in navigating the residual effects in your mind or body after recovering from a trauma… I am here for you. Seriously, 100% here for you.
Remember, healing from trauma isn’t a linear path. Be patient with yourself, seek support, and honor the resilience within you. You’re not alone; countless others have walked this journey and emerged stronger. You are no less resilient and courageous than those along the path ahead of you. Keep going. You are worth healing for… even if you can’t see it yet.
Let me tell you again. You are worth healing for.
Life life well, my friend.
- Coach Rebecca
