A Simplified Explanation of the Physiological Impact of Trauma

Trauma has become a hot button topic of sorts, and people are becoming more comfortable discussing and sharing their traumatic experiences. As someone who works closely with individuals who’ve experienced trauma, I’ve found that helping my clients understand what happens to their bodies when they encounter a traumatic situation plays a significant role in their healing journey. Here’s an overview of the physiological impact on the body after a traumatic encounter.

The Nervous System and Trauma

To begin, let's discuss the two branches of the nervous system – the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS involves the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS consists of the nerves that communicate with the CNS. The PNS is further divided into two systems – the autonomic and somatic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system is then composed of two divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which are responsible for controlling automatic processes such as breathing, blood pressure, and maintaining homeostasis. These divisions play a large role in understanding the impact of trauma.

The Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response

When encountering a frightening, or traumatic, event, the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the fight, flight, or freeze response, is activated. This response triggers the release of adrenaline, increase in heartbeat, and a shutdown of cognitive functions as your body prepares for survival.

During this activated state, your sole focus is on surviving the situation, which may cause you to miss details of your environment. This is why you may not remember specific details of a traumatic event. Your brain is busy prioritizing your survival.

Recovery and the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Once the threat has passed, your body needs time to relax and rest. This is when the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in to help calm your body. However, it may take several hours, days, weeks, or even months for your body to fully relax after experiencing a trauma.

To engage the parasympathetic nervous system and aid in the healing process, various calming strategies can be beneficial. These may include processing or talking about the traumatic event, deep breathing exercises, grounding activities, and soothing strategies. Seeking the support of a therapist or trusted loved one is highly recommended to help process the event, as unprocessed trauma can lead to disorders such as Acute Stress Disorder or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. 

Healing and Seeking Help

Encountering a frightening or traumatic situation puts the body under significant stress. Understanding the many ways your body aims to protect you during these events can help you approach your healing journey with self-compassion and grace. Remember to be kind to yourself and allow ample time for recovery following a traumatic event. If needed, please seek professional help from trained experts who specialize in trauma.

I hope this helps.

Until next time…

-Alana