Watch the video for an explanation of what a stress cycle is and how it impacts our health. This will offer a verbal explanation of the image provided below.
Our bodies inherently know how to deal with trauma (our bodies have biological built-in responses). For example, when we encounter stress, a trigger, or perceive a dangerous event, a natural response would be to cry, scream, shake, or even laugh, to discharge the tension from the body as a result of the stress so the energy doesn’t stay stuck. It is a process that must take its course in order to reach repair, regulation, and safety. This is called the stress cycle.
When we allow our bodies to go through the stress cycle, we alleviate a lot of what gets stuck (think toxins/ exploding energy), which is the unprocessed trauma from the body. However socially, we have been conditioned and restricted to change our behaviors to be accepted, and therefore we can learn at a young age to restrict, suppress or change our response in order to be socially accepted and loved by those around us.
Please note that this is not a complete list of symptoms for each physical or emotional category, only a snapshot. If you experience any of these symptoms consistently or often, then it is likely your body has been chronically stuck in survival mode, and it just means it may take more time and effort to repair and heal. This is more common in people than we realize. This also does not address the symptoms of chronic trauma, especially emotional trauma, which can often lead to chronic illnesses, disorders, autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s or diabetes, cancers, and more severe physical illnesses— when these smaller symptoms are not addressed.
Why is this important? Because to build healthy relationships we have to start perceiving other people’s actions (and our actions) with compassion and care. The other side of compassion and care is judgment, criticism, assumptions, and to ourselves, shame. Unfortunately, the other side of compassion only hurts people we care about, and encourages disconnection, and generational cycles of trauma. Take a moment to truly reflect on these symptoms and ask yourself, where do I see these symptoms in myself or others? What might be causing them to be stuck in survival mode? How can I offer a safe and compassionate space for them to complete this cycle of stress so they can move on or heal? Symptoms of trauma are not something to “get rid of” or “make go away”, but rather, understanding that this is our body’s way of processing so we can adapt, a very important and necessary part of the neurobiology of resilience. Instead, use these symptoms as feedback and accept that while we may not like it or understand it sometimes, it’s there to protect us and might just be a signal that we need to slow down and reevaluate our priorities.
*Keep in mind just because you may exhibit a symptom on this list, does not necessarily mean you have stored trauma. For example, if you are feeling exhaustion or fatigue however you are not getting your basic needs in (8+ hours of sleep, nutrient and protein-dense foods, vitamin D, etc.) it is important to consider an rule those out first. It is typically more of an indicator of unprocessed trauma if these symptoms are prolonged or have been lifelong, These symptoms may occur for a short period if you experience a stressful situation, but should not be occurring long-term. Please reach out to Annie at annie@behaviorroots.com for a coaching session to understand how to resolve these symptoms.