Trauma: The Missing Piece in Your Health and Wellbeing Journey
When you think of trauma, what comes to mind? Probably not a medical procedure that made you feel scared, emotionally neglectful parents, or bullying from peers at school. Typically, when we think about trauma, we think about acute trauma—big events such as a car accident or the sudden death of a loved one. And yes, these are traumatic experiences. However, what is often not spoken about is that trauma can also arise from seemingly smaller experiences that leave a lasting scar, impacting how we view the world.
Unfortunately, in the fast-paced world we live in, and with our culture's emphasis on resilience, we often don’t even acknowledge these experiences. However, our minds do, and they change our perspectives, behaviors, and decision-making based on these experiences. In a nutshell, unless we stop to unpack our past experiences and how they have shaped us, we will continue to live our lives based on our past traumas rather than making decisions based on what is actually best for us.
The Subtle Impact of Everyday Trauma
These seemingly minor traumatic experiences, also known as chronic trauma, can profoundly affect our mental and physical health. Living with unresolved trauma means our bodies stay in a heightened state of stress, which can lead to a range of health issues, including:
- Mental Health Disorders: Anxiety, depression, PTSD
- Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, headaches
- Behavioral Changes: Unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, overeating, or social withdrawal
- Emotional Symptoms: Constantly feeling scared, disconnected from our emotions, dysregulated
Why Trauma-Informed Care is Essential for Health and Wellbeing
Trauma-informed care is crucial because it allows us to understand the uniqueness of each individual's story and how it currently presents for them. It holds the wisdom that, yes, information is powerful, but without holding space for the individual to understand why they are currently operating the way they are, it is very unlikely they will be able to make lasting changes in their daily health habits. A trauma-informed practice understands that healing first requires the establishment of trust and safety.
A trauma-informed approach considers the whole person, acknowledging their past experiences and how these may influence their current health. With this unique lens, we can:
- Create a Safe and Supportive Environment: Ensure individuals feel safe and understood.
- Build Trust and Rapport: Establish strong, trusting relationships.
- Empower Individuals: Encourage active participation in their healing journey.
Healing from trauma is a gradual process, but with the right support, it is entirely possible. By understanding our own lived experiences and their impact on health, we can begin to make conscious, healthy decisions, not operating from our unconscious mind that is operating from our past hurts.
If you resonate with this message and are ready to start your journey towards healing and reclaiming your health, I invite you to explore our program, Reclamation. Together, we can navigate the path to a healthier, more empowered life.
