ness, and general anxiety. If untreated, this stress
on our systems can lead to deep exhaustion,
isolation and despair.
manifest in our bodies in a variety of ways includ-
ing chronically restricted tissue, the shrinking or
bracing of the overall structure, a tight diaphragm
and shallow breathing, cold hands and feet (the
body summons energy from the extremities to
the central nervous system and core), and strong
tension at the base of the skull and at the bottom
of the spine.
physical signs as resulting from the body becom-
ing a "too-tight package." The individual who
of alarm and self-protection, with the lower brain
stem still on alert."
in part because of the body's inability to complete
the circuit and let go of the initial threat.
over the long term. Psychologically, these include
PTSD, acute stress disorder, depression, anxiety
disorders like panic attacks and obsessive-com-
pulsive patterns, addictions, eating disorders, as
well as borderline personalities and dissociative
disorders. Physically, trauma can manifest itself in
the form of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, irritable
bowel syndrome, chemical sensitivities, myofas-
cial pain, problems with the temporomandibular
joint of the jaw (TMJ), chronic lower back pain,
and chronic headaches or migraines.
that result from sexual assault, child abuse, and
intimate partner violence, survivors often find
sharing the details of their experience or dealing
with the experience on a conscious level too
overwhelming or too painful. Also, social stigmas
put violence and abuse in an entirely different
category from other injuries, like car accidents or
combat trauma, placing further roadblocks in the
path of the survivor.
from it. Levine notes that when the body experi-
ences trauma, "both mind and body mobilize vast
amounts of energy in preparation" to deal with
the threat. Without an opportunity to discharge
that stored energy, "the body holds onto that high-
energy, rampedup state."
his story and begin the healing process. During
that time, the body remains in its ramped up
state, with potentially devastating effects on the
survivor's health. That is why healing from trauma
must address all the parts of a person that trauma
invades and disrupts: the mind, the body, as well
as the spirit that holds our vision of a future that
can be safe and happy again.
repeated exposure to trauma is to practice struc-
tured self-care and incorporate it into everyday
life. Practices include:
deepen their impact. Dr. Judith Herman offers an
explanation in her book Trauma and Recovery:
have survived learn that their sense of self, of
worth, of humanity, depends upon a feeling of
connection to others... Trauma isolates; the group
re-creates a sense of belonging. Trauma shames
and stigmatizes; the group bears witness and
affirms. Trauma degrades a victim; the group ex-
alts her... Repeatedly in the testimony of survivors
there comes a moment when a sense of connec-
tion is restored by another person's unaffected
display of generosity. Something in herself that the
victim believes to be irretrievably destroyed--faith,
decency, courage--is reawakened. Mirrored in
the actions of others, the survivor recognizes and
reclaims a lost part of herself."
effects is the understanding that it takes root in
our minds, bodies and spirits. Since trauma can