Are you feeling stuck, lost, or overwhelmed in your life despite your best efforts to move forward? Perhaps you’ve tried to address certain health issues or chronic pain, but nothing seems to help. If this sounds familiar, you may be dealing with unresolved trauma.
Trauma can be defined as any experience that overwhelms our ability to cope and creates feelings of fear, helplessness, or horror. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for people to experience traumatic events and not fully process the emotions and memories associated with them. This can lead to a host of physical and mental health issues that can persist for years, even decades.
Today, we’ll be exploring five key signs that may indicate unresolved trauma is impacting your health. From chronic pain to anxiety and depression, these signs can manifest in a variety of ways and may be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. But by understanding these signs and taking steps to address your trauma, you can begin to heal and move forward in your life.
So, whether you’re dealing with a recent traumatic experience or have been struggling with the after-effects of trauma for years, keep reading to learn more about the impact of unresolved trauma on your health. Together, we’ll explore how trauma can manifest physically and mentally and what you can do to begin the healing process.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a mental and emotional reaction to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. It’s a response to an experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope and leaves them feeling powerless and vulnerable. While the effects of trauma can vary from person to person, it can have a profound impact on a person’s mental and emotional health, as well as their physical health. Trauma can lead to a range of psychological and emotional symptoms, including feelings of fear, helplessness, and guilt, as well as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares. People who experience trauma may also have difficulty controlling their emotions and may struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
It can be challenging to identify the indications of unresolved trauma. Individuals may seek therapy without realizing that their daily struggles are caused by unaddressed trauma. This is because trauma often involves a dissociative response, where the person “blocks out” all or parts of the event, making it difficult to accurately recognize the trauma. Nevertheless, there are common signs of unresolved trauma that can serve as a guide for identification.
Different Kinds of Trauma
Trauma can manifest in many different ways and can affect individuals in a variety of ways. Some people experience one traumatic event, while others may experience multiple events throughout their lives. Whatever the cause, the impact of trauma can be severe and long-lasting. Let’s dive into some different kinds of trauma that one may encounter:
Acute Trauma: This type of trauma occurs as a result of a single traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, a car accident, or a violent attack. Acute trauma can cause feelings of shock, disbelief, and helplessness. In some cases, individuals may experience acute stress disorder (ASD), which can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, dissociation, and intrusive thoughts. If left untreated, ASD can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Chronic Trauma: Chronic trauma refers to repeated exposure to traumatic events over an extended period, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or living in a war zone. Chronic trauma can lead to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The impact of chronic trauma can be particularly severe for children, as it can disrupt normal brain development and lead to long-term mental health problems.
Complex Trauma: This type of trauma occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to multiple traumatic events, such as childhood abuse or neglect. Complex trauma can cause a range of symptoms, including dissociation, emotional dysregulation, and a distorted sense of self. Individuals who have experienced complex trauma may also struggle with interpersonal relationships, as a result of difficulties with trust and attachment.
Vicarious Trauma: Also known as secondary trauma, this type of trauma occurs as a result of exposure to the traumatic experiences of others. It is commonly experienced by professionals who work with trauma survivors, such as therapists or first responders. Symptoms of vicarious trauma can include depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness.
Historical Trauma: Historical trauma refers to the intergenerational impact of traumatic events, such as colonization, slavery, or genocide. The effects of historical trauma can be passed down through generations and can lead to a range of mental and physical health problems, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and chronic illness.
Trauma can take on many different forms and can be triggered by a range of experiences that leave you feeling:
- Frightened
- Under threat
- Humiliated
- Rejected
- Abandoned
- Invalidated
- Unsafe
- Unsupported
- Trapped
- Ashamed
- Powerless
Trauma can occur through one-off events or ongoing experiences and can include being directly harmed, witnessing harm to someone else, living in a traumatic environment, or being affected by trauma within a family or community.
Healing from trauma can be a difficult and long process, but it’s important to remember that healing is possible.
Is Your “Stress” Actually Unresolved Trauma?
Yes, its possible.
Stress is a natural response to difficult or challenging situations, and it’s normal to experience stress from time to time. However, unresolved trauma can also manifest as stress and can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. Here are some signs that your stress may be a result of unresolved trauma:
Chronic Stress: If you find yourself feeling stressed regularly, even when there doesn’t seem to be an obvious trigger, it may be a sign that there is unresolved trauma at the root of your stress.
Triggers: If you experience intense feelings of stress in response to certain triggers, such as loud noises, crowded spaces, or reminders of a traumatic event, it may be a sign that you are experiencing unresolved trauma.
Physical Symptoms: Unresolved trauma can also cause a range of physical symptoms, including headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, and fatigue. If you’re experiencing these symptoms in conjunction with stress, it may be a sign that you need to address underlying trauma.
Avoidance: If you find yourself avoiding certain people, places, or activities that remind you of a traumatic event, it may be a sign that you are experiencing unresolved trauma. Avoidance can be a coping mechanism, but it can also prevent you from addressing the root cause of your stress.
Emotional Dysregulation: Unresolved trauma can lead to difficulty regulating emotions, including feeling easily overwhelmed, having intense mood swings, and experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression.
5 Key Signs of Unresolved Trauma
Chronic Physical Pain
One of the most common signs of unresolved trauma is chronic physical pain. Trauma can often lead to tension and tightness in the body, which can manifest as pain in various areas. This pain can be difficult to diagnose or treat as it often doesn’t have an obvious physical cause. If you’re experiencing chronic pain and traditional medical treatments aren’t helping, your pain may be related to unresolved trauma.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are also common signs of unresolved trauma. Trauma can cause a constant state of hyperarousal or anxiety, making it difficult to relax and feel calm. It can also lead to feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, which can contribute to depression. If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression that doesn’t seem to be related to any specific situation or event, your symptoms may be related to unresolved trauma.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is another common sign of unresolved trauma. People who have experienced trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their feelings and memories. Substance abuse can provide temporary relief, but it can also lead to a host of physical and mental health problems.
Insomnia
Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is another common sign of unresolved trauma. Trauma can cause hyperarousal, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia can contribute to a variety of physical and mental health issues, including fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
Chronic Illness
Finally, chronic illness can also be a sign of unresolved trauma. Trauma can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections and illnesses. It can also lead to chronic inflammation, which can contribute to a variety of health problems, including autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease.
The Impact of Unresolved Trauma
When we experience stress, our bodies respond by releasing hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline to help us prepare for danger. While these hormones are crucial for our survival, they aren’t meant to be present in our bloodstream for prolonged periods. Long-term stress can diminish our body’s ability to function optimally, which can lead to symptoms like burnout. Burnout can leave us feeling disinterested in work, forgetful, and tense, with difficulty concentrating. For people who have experienced trauma, their heightened response to perceived danger can cause wear and tear on the body, leading to more frequent and stronger surges of adrenaline.
Unfortunately, unresolved trauma can have many negative impacts on a person’s mental and physical health. People who have experienced trauma are at a higher risk for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They may also experience physical symptoms like high blood pressure, stroke, or heart attacks. Studies have even found a link between unresolved trauma and fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Additionally, unresolved trauma can increase the risk of a substance use disorder, as people may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their trauma.
It’s important to recognize the impact of unresolved trauma on our health and seek help if needed. Healing from trauma is a journey, but there are ways to successfully address, cope with, and heal from unresolved trauma.
In my previous blog on emotional labor, we explored the invisible energy required to manage emotions, particularly in professional and personal spaces. But what if this labor feels overwhelming, even in the most routine interactions?
Unresolved trauma can significantly amplify emotional labor. When past experiences remain unprocessed, they create an emotional undercurrent that demands constant regulation. Individuals may find themselves hyper-aware of their surroundings, filtering reactions to avoid conflict, or overcompensating to maintain a composed exterior. This heightened state of emotional vigilance isn’t just exhausting—it’s a form of labor that often goes unnoticed.
The Link Between Trauma and Emotional Labor
- Emotional Dysregulation: Sudden mood shifts or intense reactions require extra energy to manage in social settings.
- Hypervigilance: Constant scanning for potential threats increases mental strain.
- Avoidance Behaviors: Some may withdraw from social interactions or take on excessive work to distract themselves.
- People-Pleasing Tendencies: A fear of rejection can lead to overextending oneself emotionally.
- Impact on Work Performance: Difficulty managing emotions can reduce focus and collaboration.
Recognizing Trauma-Driven Emotional Labor
You might notice:
💭 Feeling drained after social interactions
💭 Taking on extra responsibilities to avoid confrontation
💭 Struggling to say “no” due to fear of disapproval
💭 Overanalyzing conversations, seeking reassurance
💭 Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches from stress
Understanding this connection is the first step toward healing. By addressing unresolved trauma, we can lessen the burden of emotional labor and reclaim our energy for more meaningful interactions.
How to Heal From Unresolved Trauma
Healing from unresolved trauma can be a long and challenging process, but it’s important to address it to live a healthier and happier life. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to begin the healing process:
Seek Professional Help:
The first step in healing from unresolved trauma is to seek support from a qualified mental health professional. A therapist can provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore your feelings and memories and help you develop coping strategies to manage symptoms.
That said, healing is not one-size-fits-all. While therapy is a powerful tool for many, some people may feel that traditional talk therapy wasn’t the right fit for them or may be looking for additional support to complement their healing journey. This is where working with a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach (CTNC) Mental Wellness Specialist can be a valuable alternative or addition.
As a CTNC Mental Wellness Specialist, I take a holistic approach to healing by addressing not only emotional well-being but also the physical and nutritional factors that play a critical role in trauma recovery. Unresolved trauma can affect the body just as much as the mind, influencing gut health, hormone balance, and stress regulation. By integrating science-based nutrition, lifestyle changes, and personalized emotional wellness strategies, we can work together to rebuild resilience, support your nervous system, and create sustainable healing practices.
If therapy hasn’t worked for you in the past or you’re looking for a different path to healing, a whole-person approach may be what you need. Whether you choose therapy, coaching, or a combination of both, know that you deserve support in a way that feels right for you.
Practice Self-Care: It’s important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally during the healing process. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise or other physical activities. It also involves setting boundaries and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress.
Connect with Supportive People: Healing from trauma can be a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s important to connect with supportive friends and family members who can offer encouragement and understanding as you navigate the healing process. Support groups can also help connect with others who have experienced similar traumas.
Educate Yourself: Learning about trauma and its effects can be empowering and validating. Educating yourself on the topic can help you understand your own experiences and provide insight into the healing process.
Explore Therapy Modalities: Different therapy modalities can be effective in healing from unresolved trauma, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic experiencing. Exploring different options can help you find a therapy approach that works best for you.
The bottom line is that recognizing the signs of unresolved trauma is crucial for improving your overall health and well-being. Chronic physical pain, anxiety and depression, substance abuse, insomnia, and chronic illness are all potential indicators that you may be dealing with unresolved trauma. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking professional help from a mental health provider is the first step toward healing.
Remember, healing from unresolved trauma takes time, but it’s important to prioritize your mental and physical health. You deserve to live a fulfilling life, and addressing unresolved trauma can help you achieve that.
Take care of yourself, connect with supportive people, and explore different therapy modalities to find what works best for you.
Remember, healing from unresolved trauma takes time, but it’s important to prioritize your mental and physical health. You deserve to live a fulfilling life, and addressing unresolved trauma can help you achieve that. Take care of yourself, connect with supportive people, and explore different therapy modalities to find what works best for you.
If you’re looking for additional support in your healing journey, I offer personalized coaching that integrates mental wellness and lifestyle strategies. As someone with an Exercise is Medicine credential, I believe in a whole-body approach to well-being, and I’m committed to making coaching accessible. That’s why I offer 30% off coaching services for those with a doctor’s referral. If you’d like to explore whether this approach is right for you, you can book a free 30-minute discovery call here. I hope this helps.
In Good Health,
Amber Stewart BS,
Holistic Nutritionist
Certified Master Life Coach
ACSM Exercise Physiologist
CTNC Mental Wellness Specialist
TBMM Corrective Exercise Specialist
Hi! My name is Amber and I’m a Body Goals Builder, Master Life Coach, Certified Health Coach, CTNC Mental Health Specialist, Stress Alchemist & Fear Conqueror
For 11 years, I worked as a personal trainer, helping people reach their fitness goals in the gym. But I kept noticing that many people weren’t reaching them simply because they were using exercise as an escape to “sweat out” their life problems instead of addressing them at their core. After realizing that I was doing the same thing in my life, I developed a simple 4 step Stress Alchemy framework to help me overcome roadblocks in all areas of my life and now I coach others on how to do the same. At the STEW Project, we are maximizing our living potential by Simply Taking an Emphasis on Wellness.
