When contemplating the idea of trauma, we usually focus on its psychological and emotional effects—that is, anxiety, depression, or maybe problems in relationships. But childhood complex trauma (CCT) impacts the body as well, sometimes in ways we would not have predicted. It doesn’t only leave its mark on the psyche.
You might experience stomach problems, aches and pains, or feel always tired and ask, “What’s wrong with me?” The answer may have something to do with the stress management techniques you unconsciously developed. Trauma can cause the body to enter survival mode; if that stress reaction gets stuck in the “on” position, over time it will likely create havoc in nearly every physical system.
Common Physical Impacts of Childhood Complex Trauma
Here are 10 typical physical effects adults who have gone through CCT can encounter:
1. Chronic Pain
Do you ever have fibromyalgia, inexplicable pain, or relentless headaches? Prolonged stress increases bodily tension, which can create numerous types of discomfort that seem to have no obvious origin.
2. Digestive Problems
Chronic stomach issues are often unrelated to your diet. Trauma influences the gut, where a substantial part of your nervous system resides. Problems including IBS, bloating, or even food sensitivity usually have roots in trauma and stress.
3. Heart Conditions
Living in fight-or-flight mode can seriously tax your heart. A history of chronic stress can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, even heart disease.
4. Frequent Illness
If you find yourself catching every bug that’s going around, it’s probably not just a case of bad luck. Trauma can compromise your immune system, rendering your body less able to protect against disease.
5. Breathing Problems
Do you have shallow, tense breathing? Asthma? Stress can exacerbate these conditions. The respiratory and nervous systems are tightly interconnected, so trauma can make it more difficult to inhale deeply and calmly.
6. Hormonal Ups & Downs
Trauma plays with hormones as well as emotions. It can throw your endocrine system out of balance whether it’s related to thyroid issues, irregular cycles, or burnout related to stress.
7. Trouble Sleeping
Nightmares, insomnia, or waking feeling tired no matter how much you sleep? Trauma throws off your body’s regular sleep-wake patterns, therefore leaving you simultaneously exhausted and wired.
8. Turning to Substances
It’s tempting to search for relief anywhere you can find it when the mind and body are overburdened. Many trauma survivors thus turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances in order to dull the pain.
9. Problems with Weight and Metabolism
Trauma can throw off your metabolism resulting in rapid weight gain or loss, or even developing diabetes. Constant stress messes with our energy metabolism and forces the body to retain fat.
10.Reproductive Issues
Though they’re common for trauma survivors, sexual dysfunction, infertility, or irregular periods aren’t often discussed. Stress affects reproductive hormones in frequently unexpected ways.
What’s Next?
Should you find yourself on this list, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not imagining things. These are actual, physical effects of experiencing trauma in childhood that can feel totally overwhelming. The good news is that healing is possible.
The impacts of trauma can be unwound by learning to relax your nervous system and re-connect with your body. Excellent starting points are practices like mindful movement, meditation, and deep, gentle breathing.
Trauma impacts the whole person, hence healing must also be comprehensive. Though the journey takes time, every step advances you toward a better, more balanced you.