What is Unresolved Trauma?

In the grind of our lives, we experience moments both of joy and pain. There lies an often-hidden but pervasive influence of unresolved trauma. As a trauma-informed holistic health coach, I invite you to delve deeper into understanding the profound impact of unresolved trauma on our physical and mental well-being.

Trauma is not merely an event that happened in the past; it's an intricate web of experiences that shape our present reality. From childhood wounds to adult adversities, trauma manifests in various forms, leaving lasting imprints on our nervous system and subconscious mind. It's the silent force that lurks beneath the surface, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in ways we may not always recognize.

Unresolved trauma is like a shadow cast upon our lives, dimming the light of our true potential. It manifests in symptoms ranging from emotional numbness and dissociation to chronic health issues and relationship struggles. The effects of unresolved trauma ripple through every aspect of our existence, holding us back from fully embracing life's richness and vitality.

Trauma is any experience where your internal coping mechanisms gets overwhelmed, you perceive a threat to your life or well-being (consciously or unconsciously, big or little, overt or covert), you feel powerless tochange, defend against, or flee from the circumstances, and you often lack support, empathy, and validation.

Trauma is stressful energy that doesn't get discharged but lingers in your nervous systemand subconscious, hijacking your health and life. Stored in the nerves, it gets deeply rooted in the subconscious and keeps affecting a person's health and life in different ways over time.

From maladapted coping mechanisms to disrupted worldviews; from unexplained emotional triggers to depression; from anxiety to addictions, deeply rooted unresolved trauma keeps manifesting in our daily lives.

Trauma is not always about the size of the event but how it's perceived and processed by the individual.

Gabor Maté, world renowned Canadian physician and author has written extensively on trauma, addiction, and mental health. He defines Trauma as follows:

“Trauma is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you … It is not the blow on the head, but the emotional impact of the blow that matters.....Trauma is an invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we love and the way we make sense of the world. It is the root of our deepest wounds.”

In simpler words traumatic experience can also be described as:

Too much, for too long, Too much, too soon. Too little, for too long, Too much for too little. Too little with too much.

Examples of this might include things like…

Too much overwhelm for too long. Too much pushing beyond capacity for too long. Too much responsibility too soon. Too much trust given too soon.Too little sense of safety for too long. Too little empathy for too long. Too much hurt with too little time, space, and support to recover. Too much danger with too little protection. Too much trust is given with too little loyalty in return.

Trauma can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, natural disasters, accidents, generational or even ongoing stress and anxiety of any kind.

One of the biggest problems with trauma is that it often stays hidden from our conscious awareness. When we go through trauma, our nervous system can get overwhelmed, leading to symptoms like dissociation, numbness, or a feeling of being disconnected from our bodies. These symptoms can make it hard to recognize and deal with the underlying trauma, leaving us vulnerable to chronic health problems.

Unresolved trauma is a term that refers to the emotional and physical effects of a traumatic experience that has not been properly processed or healed. Unresolved trauma can cause various symptoms that interfere with your well-being and functioning. Some of the signs of unresolved trauma are:

-Feeling numb, detached, or dissociated from yourself or your surroundings

-Having low self-esteem, shame, or guilt

-Having trouble trusting or opening up to others

-Being hypervigilant, anxious, or easily startled

-Having difficulty regulating or expressing your emotions

-Having nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive memories of the trauma

-Having physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or sleep problems

-Having mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or post----Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

-Having learning difficulties, attention problems, or behavioural issues

-Having negative self-talk or self-harm tendencies

-Being overly sensitive to touch or sound

-Being clingy, needy, or over reactive

-Having trouble making friends or maintaining relationships

-Having sexual problems or intimacy issues

But here's the empowering truth- healing is possible. By acknowledging and addressing unresolved trauma, we can reclaim our power and rewrite our stories. As a trauma-informed holistic health coach, I offer a safe and supportive space for individuals to embark on their healing journey. Through a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit, we unravel the layers of trauma, fostering healing and transformation from within.

By shedding light on the shadows of unresolved trauma, we pave the way for profound healing and liberation. Remember, healing is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth and self-compassion. With courage and compassion, we can transcend the grip of unresolved trauma and step into a life of wholeness and vitality.