How Trauma Impacts the Body Long-Term
Trauma doesn’t just live in the past—it can leave an imprint on the body that lasts for years. Even long after a traumatic event is over, the nervous system may continue to send signals of danger, keeping the body in a state of stress. At Body and Mind Collective, we help clients understand how trauma shows up physically, and how addressing both mind and body is key to long-term healing.
The Body Remembers Trauma
As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk wrote in The Body Keeps the Score, trauma is not only about what happened but about how the body holds on to the experience.
When trauma occurs, the brain activates the stress response system. Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline surge, preparing the body to fight, flee, freeze, or fawn. If the danger is not resolved or the trauma is repeated, the body can stay in survival mode—leading to lasting effects on health.
Physical Symptoms of Long-Term Trauma
Trauma can manifest in the body in many ways. Common long-term effects include:
Chronic tension or pain (especially in the neck, shoulders, back, and jaw)
Headaches or migraines
Digestive issues such as IBS or stomach pain
Sleep disturbances including insomnia or nightmares
Immune system changes (frequent illness, autoimmune conditions)
Cardiovascular strain (high blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease)
Fatigue or exhaustion even without clear medical causes
These symptoms aren’t “all in your head.” They are the body’s survival responses playing out over time.
The Connection Between Trauma and the Nervous System
The nervous system is central to how trauma impacts the body. A hyperactive amygdala (alarm system), an overworked stress hormone cycle, and an underactive prefrontal cortex can all keep the body from finding calm.
This dysregulation means that the body responds as though the trauma is still happening—even years later. Healing requires helping the nervous system relearn safety.
Healing the Body from Trauma’s Long-Term Effects
Talk therapy can help process memories, but healing long-term trauma also requires body-based approaches. At Body and Mind Collective, we use integrative methods to support both mind and body, including:
Somatic therapy to reconnect with the body and release stored tension
EMDR to reprocess traumatic memories that keep the stress response activated
IFS (Internal Family Systems) to support inner parts of the self
Yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness to regulate the nervous system and restore balance
These approaches give the body new experiences of safety and help reduce long-term physical symptoms.
Moving Forward in Healing
The effects of trauma on the body can feel overwhelming, but they are not permanent. With the right support, the nervous system can re-regulate, physical symptoms can ease, and the body can begin to feel safe again.
At Body and Mind Collective, we believe healing is possible. By addressing trauma through both mind and body, you can move from living in survival mode to experiencing lasting resilience and wholeness.
