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The Body Doesn’t Forget: Understanding Physical Symptoms of Psychological Trauma
- Moe | Scarlet Plus
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
We often think of trauma as something that lives only in the mind—memories, flashbacks, or overwhelming emotions. But trauma doesn’t just live in your thoughts; it imprints itself onto the body. That’s why many survivors describe chronic pain, digestive issues, fatigue, or sudden physical symptoms with no clear medical explanation.
At Caritas Behavioral Health Services in Columbia, MD, we see how trauma often expresses itself physically as much as it does emotionally. The body “remembers” trauma in ways that may not be obvious, leading to what researchers call somatic symptoms.
These are physical manifestations of psychological distress, where the nervous system, immune system, and hormonal responses remain on high alert long after the trauma has ended.
This article will cover:
Why trauma affects the body, not just the mind
The science of the “body-memory connection”
Common physical symptoms linked to psychological trauma
How trauma can worsen chronic illnesses
Practical approaches to healing both mind and body
How Caritas Behavioral Health Services in Columbia, MD can help
On this page:
Why the Body Remembers Trauma
Trauma is not just an emotional wound—it is a whole-body experience. When someone goes through a frightening or life-threatening event, the body activates the stress response system.
The nervous system floods the body with adrenaline and cortisol.
The muscles tighten to prepare for fight or flight.
The heart races, blood pressure rises, and breathing quickens.
Digestion slows, because survival takes priority over comfort.
For many people, once the danger passes, the body resets. But for trauma survivors, the body often never fully shuts off that alarm system. Instead, the nervous system stays overactive, creating long-term physical consequences.
The Science of the “Body-Memory Connection”
Why doesn’t trauma simply fade like other memories? The answer lies in how the brain processes overwhelming experiences.
Amygdala: Hyper-alert and stores fear memories.
Hippocampus: May fail to “file” trauma memories properly, leaving them fragmented and sensory-based.
Nervous system: Becomes dysregulated, stuck between hyperarousal (fight/flight) and hypoarousal (freeze/shutdown).
This imbalance means that the body can be triggered by reminders of trauma, even years later. The body doesn’t distinguish between “past” and “present.” That’s why a sound, smell, or sensation can suddenly cause physical symptoms that mirror the original trauma response.
Common Physical Symptoms of Trauma
Patients at Caritas Behavioral Health Services often report a wide range of unexplained physical symptoms that stem from psychological trauma. These include:
Musculoskeletal pain: chronic back pain, headaches, jaw clenching, or fibromyalgia-like symptoms
Digestive issues: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, bloating, stomach pain
Cardiovascular symptoms: palpitations, chest tightness, high blood pressure
Respiratory symptoms: difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, asthma flare-ups
Neurological symptoms: dizziness, migraines, brain fog, numbness
Fatigue & sleep problems: insomnia, nightmares, restless legs, daytime exhaustion
Immune system issues: frequent colds, autoimmune flare-ups, chronic inflammation
Many trauma survivors say doctors tell them: “Your tests are normal.” But while tests may be clear, the symptoms are real—and often linked to trauma.
Trauma and Chronic Illness
Research shows that unresolved trauma doesn’t just cause symptoms—it increases the risk of developing chronic illnesses.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study found that individuals with high trauma exposure were significantly more likely to develop:
Heart disease
Diabetes
Chronic pain disorders
Autoimmune conditions
Depression and anxiety
This connection happens because chronic stress changes the body’s biology: it weakens the immune system, increases inflammation, and strains the cardiovascular system.
The Vicious Cycle: When Symptoms Reinforce Trauma
Another challenge is that physical symptoms can become triggers themselves. For example:
A racing heart can remind someone of past panic or abuse.
Chest tightness can mimic the fear of being trapped.
Chronic pain may lead to hopelessness, reinforcing emotional distress.
This creates a loop where trauma fuels symptoms, and symptoms fuel trauma. Breaking this cycle requires treating both the mind and the body together.
Healing the Body from Trauma
At Caritas Behavioral Health Services in Columbia, MD, we emphasize a holistic approach to trauma recovery. True healing must address the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of trauma.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Somatic Experiencing (SE): Focuses on releasing stored trauma from the nervous system.
Trauma-Focused CBT: Helps patients reframe intrusive memories while addressing physical stress responses.
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR): Reduces the intensity of trauma memories and body responses.
Mind-Body Therapies: Yoga, meditation, and breathwork to regulate the nervous system.
Lifestyle Approaches
Exercise: Gentle movement helps release tension and regulate cortisol.
Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory diets can support healing from stress-related illnesses.
Sleep hygiene: Establishing consistent routines to reset the body’s natural rhythms.
Grounding techniques: Practices like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or sensory grounding.
How Caritas Behavioral Health Services Supports Recovery
Our team in Columbia, MD takes an integrated, compassionate approach:
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations to assess trauma impact
Individual therapy that combines both cognitive and somatic strategies
Medication management when symptoms interfere with daily functioning
Group therapy for connection and support
Telehealth options for patients needing flexibility and privacy
We work closely with patients to ensure that their physical symptoms are validated and addressed—not dismissed. Trauma recovery is about more than emotional resilience; it’s about restoring the body’s balance and safety.
Conclusion
Trauma isn’t “all in your head.” The body holds on to painful experiences long after the events have passed, leading to physical symptoms that can interfere with daily life.
The good news is that healing is possible. By combining evidence-based psychiatric care, somatic therapies, and compassionate support, trauma survivors can retrain both their minds and bodies to live in safety again.
At Caritas Behavioral Health Services in Columbia, MD, we believe recovery isn’t just about reducing symptoms—it’s about restoring wholeness. The body may remember trauma, but with the right care, it can also learn how to heal.
References
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score.
American Psychological Association. “Trauma and Health.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.
National Institute of Mental Health. “Trauma and Physical Health.”
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