Now I See It: How Trauma From the Past Can Impact Us

Hello overwhelmed parents and stressed-out professionals! Let’s look into how past traumas can sneak up on us and affect our daily lives in ways we might not even realize. Whether you're balancing family duties or navigating a demanding career, understanding the connection between our past experiences and current struggles is essential for our well-being.

What is Trauma?

As a therapist, I often get asked, "What counts as trauma?" It's a great question because trauma isn't just about experiencing something scary—it's about how deeply it affects us. Trauma can stem from various events, like accidents, abuse, or even witnessing violence. What makes it tricky is that it impacts everyone differently. One person might bounce back quickly, while another might find their daily life profoundly altered. We're still learning why some people are more affected than others, but factors like support networks, resilience, and childhood experiences play a significant role.

How Trauma is Stored in the Body

Trauma isn't just a memory; it can take root in our bodies and minds, shaping our behaviors and coloring our perceptions. Take Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), for example—the most recognized form of trauma. Beyond memories, trauma alters our brain's structure and chemistry, making us hypersensitive to triggers. Imagine a sudden noise catapulting you back to a traumatic event—it's your body's way of reacting to perceived danger long after the threat has passed.

For instance, consider Rita, a young girl traumatized by a car accident. Even after her physical wounds healed, the thought of crossing a street triggers panic attacks. Her body remembers the fear and danger, reacting with racing hearts and clammy palms. Therapy helps Rita confront her fears, teaching her body that crossing the street is safe now. (Examples are case studies and not actual clients.)

 In an effort to shut off terrifying sensations, they also deadened their capacity to feel fully alive.” 

― Bessel A. van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Links between Anxiety & Past Trauma

Anxiety often coexists with trauma, acting as a constant alert system in a world that feels perpetually unsafe. Picture walking through life as if a bear might jump out at any moment—that's the reality for many living with anxiety rooted in past trauma. Every decision becomes fraught with tension, every interaction laden with fear.

Consider Brett, whose panic in medical settings traced back to a childhood surgery. His body remembered the trauma, reacting with dizziness and nausea whenever he stepped into a hospital. Through therapy, Brett connected these physical sensations to his past, unraveling the knots of his trauma. (Examples are case studies and not actual clients.)

How Therapy and Art Therapy Can Help

“In order to change, people need to become aware of their sensations and the way that their bodies interact with the world around them. Physical self-awareness is the first step in releasing the tyranny of the past.” 

― Bessel A. van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Therapy offers a safe space to untangle these knots. Art therapy, in particular, allows us to express feelings we struggle to articulate verbally. Through art making with a trained art therapist, we externalize internal struggles, gaining insights and healing old wounds. Whether it's counseling or anxiety therapy, trauma-informed professional support can guide us toward understanding and reclaiming our lives from the grips of trauma.

If you find yourself grappling with unexplained anxieties or emotional triggers, consider exploring how past traumas might be influencing your present. Therapy isn't just about facing fears—it's about rewriting the narrative of our lives, transforming trauma into a chapter rather than a defining storyline.

Remember, healing takes time and support. By acknowledging and addressing our past traumas, we pave the way for a future defined by resilience and peace. So, take that first step—reach out for help, and reclaim your power to shape your story. You don't have to face this journey alone.