How Unresolved Trauma Affects Physical Health and How to Start Healing

Trauma isn’t just something that stays in our minds—it often manifests in our bodies. As someone who has personally experienced the long-lasting effects of both emotional and physical pain, I know firsthand how trauma can disrupt your body in ways you never imagined. Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, and more can all be linked to unresolved trauma, and the connection is becoming more evident as more research is conducted.

The truth is, trauma can have a huge impact on your physical health, and I’ve spent years learning how to navigate it. As a coach and someone with personal experience, I want to share the important ways trauma affects the body and offer some steps to start your own healing journey.

The Mind-Body Connection: Trauma’s Impact on Your Health

When we experience trauma, whether it’s emotional or physical, the body doesn’t simply forget. In fact, it often holds onto those memories and emotional responses long after the event is over. This can lead to physical manifestations of stress and anxiety, including conditions like fibromyalgia and autoimmune disorders.

Your nervous system can become overwhelmed by the constant fight-or-flight responses that result from unresolved trauma. Over time, this can cause the body to enter a state of chronic stress, leading to inflammation, pain, and even autoimmune conditions. For me, this has been a lifelong struggle, but it has also inspired my mission to help others heal.

How Trauma Shows Up in the Body

1. Chronic Pain: Trauma can create chronic pain that doesn’t seem to have a physical cause. Conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even tension headaches are often linked to trauma and stress. These conditions can be debilitating, as I’ve personally learned, making everyday life feel like an uphill battle.

2. Digestive Issues: Have you ever noticed that stress or anxiety can mess with your digestion? That’s because trauma can alter your gut health, leading to issues like IBS, bloating, or stomach cramps.

3. Immune System Disruption: Unresolved trauma can also interfere with your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. This is particularly true in autoimmune conditions where the body attacks itself, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Acknowledge and Validate Your Trauma

Before embarking on any healing journey, it’s essential to acknowledge and validate your trauma. Trauma is not something you simply “move on from” or ignore—it’s a part of your story that has shaped who you are. Recognising the emotional and physical toll of your trauma is the first step in reclaiming your power.

For many years, I dismissed my own emotional pain, thinking I should just move on and “get over it.” But healing only began when I gave myself permission to feel, to process, and to honor my trauma. By validating your pain, you allow yourself the space to heal and rebuild without guilt or shame. This isn’t about holding on to the past—it’s about recognising the impact it has had on your present and creating the space for transformation.

How to Begin Healing Your Body and Mind

Starting the healing journey from trauma doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s possible. These steps can help you begin to regulate your emotions and reconnect with your body in a healing way.

1. Practice Mindfulness: The first step in healing trauma is learning how to stay present. Mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation can help calm your nervous system and bring awareness to the present moment. This can significantly lower the stress your body is under.

2. Grounding Exercises: I’ve found that grounding exercises are incredibly effective in connecting with the body. Whether it’s walking barefoot on the grass or focusing on your senses in the moment, grounding can help alleviate emotional overwhelm and physical discomfort.

3. Self-Compassion: The healing journey is not always easy, but it’s important to show kindness to yourself. I’ve learned to embrace self-compassion, allowing myself the space to heal and grow at my own pace.

4. Seek Support: You don’t have to do this alone. Seeking help from a trauma-informed therapist, coach, or energy healer can make all the difference. I’ve seen how powerful it is to have the right guidance, and it’s something I offer to my clients to help them navigate their own healing journey.

Take the First Step Today

The road to healing may seem daunting, but taking small steps every day will bring you closer to the peace and freedom you deserve. If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or other health issues tied to unresolved trauma, know that you’re not alone. There is hope, and you can start healing today.

To help guide you on your healing journey, download my free All About Me Workbook. It’s a resource that’s helped many people begin their self-discovery and healing process, and I believe it can help you too.

Final Thoughts

Healing from trauma requires patience and compassion, but it’s entirely possible. Your body and mind are incredibly resilient, and by recognising the connection between emotional and physical health, you can begin to heal and thrive.

Download My Free Workbook

Start your healing journey today with the All About Me Workbook, a free resource designed to help you explore your self-identity, boost your confidence, and begin the process of healing. [Download Now]