Not long ago, trauma was a mysterious concept. It was not something discussed in casual conversation. For a wide variety of reasons, trauma is no longer taboo. We each understand more about the topic. From sexual assault to battlefield experiences and beyond — more people comprehend the reality of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Pop culture portrayals have helped remove some of the stigmas. But they still do not tell the full story. Certain symptoms are played up while others barely get a mention. In particular, physical symptoms are downplayed. This can be dangerous since trauma survivors need to know what to look for.
Familiar Signs of PTSD
Flashbacks: These may arrive, for example, in forms like intrusive thoughts, distressing memories, and nightmares
Avoidance and/or Memory Loss: Conversely, a trauma survivor may consciously or subconsciously choose to block out any reminder of the traumatic event. High levels of stress can severely impact the function of your brain.
Anger: PTSD keeps you right on the edge of fight-or-flight. You may find yourself lashing out at even the slightest provocation or inconvenience.
Withdrawal: Victims of trauma often self-isolate. They harbor negative thoughts about everything — themselves and the world. Even activities that once excited them may hold no interest anymore.
Physical Symptoms of Trauma You Might Not Know About
Digestion-Related
People with PTSD present with a lot of anxiety. Anxiety, in turn, is a common cause of digestive disturbances. For example, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is linked with PTSD — especially for African-Americans. In addition, trauma leads to excess amounts of chemicals like cortisol and corticotropin. Outcomes related to this trend include:
Retention of sodium can lead to high blood pressure
Acid reflux, bloating, gas, and heartburn
Inflammation of stomach lining
Improper absorption of nutrients
Weight gain — particularly in the stomach area
Also, because roughly 60 percent of your immune system is located within the digestive system, all of the above can lead to the development of new allergies and/or the aggravation of old allergies.
Sexual Dysfunction
Anxiety causes constant arousal. This interferes with intimacy by leaving the person too detached and anxious to enjoy any kind of physical pleasure.
Edginess and Hypervigilance
Your body is always on high alert and always on guard. This is not only exhausting but it exaggerates your startle response. Even the tiniest noise can make you jump.
Diabetes
Trauma survivors are more likely to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. They may self-medicate through choices like junk food or smoking. Such behaviors dramatically increase one’s chances of developing diabetes.
Other Unexpected Physical Signs of Trauma:
Scarring more easily
Yawning more often
Back pain
Skin issues and sensitivities
Cold hands and feet
Ringing in your ears
Unexplained aches and pains
In addition, people with PTSD frequently engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse. These choices very temporarily feel like they may dull the intensity of stress and anxiety. However, they mostly serve to put more strain on your body. The chances of physical ailments increase but are not often connected to trauma.
Getting the Help You Need
Of course, any of the above physical issues may require their own treatment. But the most crucial aspect of recovery involves identifying and addressing the root cause. It might be trauma and such trauma cannot be self-treated. This heightens the need for diagnosis as quickly as possible. Being aware of the physical manifestations of PTSD is essential. If any of the above sounds even remotely familiar, let’s talk. Let’s set up a free and confidential consultation and dig a little deeper. You absolutely can heal and recover but it requires you to take the big first step.
If you want to learn more about Trauma and PTSD Treatment, click on this link.