How Trauma Impacts the Nervous System and Our Health

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to our hearts here at Sunshine Support and, we believe, essential for all of us to understand: trauma, its impact on our nervous system and overall health, and how we can best support our little ones who might be experiencing it. This guide will give you an overview of trauma, the interconnection with our nervous system and wider bodily functions, how we can support children with the somatic approach (whether as a parent or as a professional) and signposting that you may find helpful. Read on to learn more…

Trauma and the Nervous System: What Happens Inside?

When we talk about trauma, we often think of ‘extreme’ incidents like accidents, abuse, or natural disasters. But trauma can also stem from less obvious experiences, such as ongoing stress or emotional neglect. Regardless of its origin, trauma leaves a significant mark on the nervous system – it’s not something to dismiss.

Our nervous system is fundamentally our body’s command centre. It’s split into two main areas: the sympathetic nervous system (our ‘fight or flight’ response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (our ‘rest and digest’ mode). When we encounter a traumatic event, our sympathetic nervous system kicks into overdrive, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This is our body’s way of protecting us from a perceived danger, getting us ready to either flee from the danger or confront it head-on. We’re sure many of you are sat reading this nodding, having your ‘aha!’ moment…

However, if this trauma is prolonged or particularly severe, this ‘fight or flight’ response can become stuck in the ‘on’ position. Our bodies remain in a state of heightened alert, even when the threat has passed. This constant state of stress can wreak havoc on our health, leading to issues like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, digestive problems, and even heart disease. We simply are not designed to remain in this state of ‘hyper-arousal’! Yet, increasingly, our young people are expected to exist in this state for prolonged periods of time with no sufficient support.

The Trauma Iceberg – feel free to save and share, please credit Sunshine Support.

The Somatic Approach: Healing Through the Body

Now, here’s where it gets interesting—and hopeful. The somatic approach to healing focuses on the body and its sensations as a pathway to release stored trauma and restore balance. ‘Somatic’ comes from the Greek word ‘soma’, meaning ‘body’. It’s about listening to our bodies, understanding their signals, and gently guiding them back to a state of calm – this is where things get seriously interesting!

One popular and highly fascinating somatic technique is called the Somatic Approach. This method helps us to process trauma by focusing on bodily sensations rather than just recounting traumatic events. By paying attention to physical feelings—like tightness, warmth, or tingling—people can gradually discharge the negative energy that’s been trapped in their nervous system, wreaking havoc.

Another effective somatic practice is yoga – now, we all HATE it when people glibly suggest ‘do yoga about it…’; when we share our woes, be it physical or mental ill-health, but on a serious level, yoga encourages mindfulness and deep, controlled breathing, which can in turn help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation. Simple poses and breathing exercises can make a world of difference in helping to soothe a frazzled nervous system. So, yoga isn’t a cure, it isn’t the solution to all of your problems, but it can certainly be a useful tool. Ommmm!

Supporting Children Experiencing Trauma

Children are incredibly tough cookies, but they also need our support and understanding to navigate trauma. Here are some ways we can help our young ones:

Create a Safe Space: Ensure that children feel safe and secure. This might mean maintaining a consistent routine, offering plenty of affection, and being a calm, reassuring presence.
Listen and Validate: Let children express their feelings without judgment. Validate their emotions by acknowledging their experiences and reassuring them that it’s okay to feel upset or scared.
Encourage Play: Play is a natural way for children to process their emotions. Encourage activities that allow them to express themselves creatively, such as drawing, storytelling, or role-playing.
Teach Relaxation Techniques: Simple breathing exercises or mindfulness practices can help children learn to calm their minds and bodies. Making these activities fun and engaging is key.
Seek Professional Help: If a child is struggling significantly, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional therapist who specialises in working with children. Therapists trained in trauma can provide tailored support and strategies to help your child heal.

Join our upcoming webinar: Understanding The Impact of Trauma

Like we previously mentioned, trauma can show up in the body in a variety of different ways, impacting our nervous system, health and well-being. Join us for this informative and engaging webinar on how trauma can impact the nervous system with the amazing Gary Lane, Psychotherapist.

This 2 hour webinar will cover the following: