3 Sneaky Signs of Unprocessed Trauma
In my work as an EMDR certified trauma therapist, I often hear stories and experiences layered with symptoms of unprocessed trauma. When I am in a client consultation (the step before beginning a client/therapist relationship), I am already listening for ways trauma might be present. What I often recognize is that unprocessed trauma is masked in how three of our basic needs are or are not being met.
The first need I pay attention to is sleep. When a client discloses they struggle with an aspect of sleep - whether it’s being consistent with a sleep routine, falling to sleep or staying asleep - it makes me wonder what might have happened to them (or what hasn’t happened to them) that they are now battling to find an answer for their sleep issues. Many research studies have shown the impact of sleep deprivation on our nervous systems and how that affects our mental health. For me personally, after the traumatic birth of our second child (due to an emergency c-section), I struggled with sleep, which impacted my relationship with my husband, co-workers, and my own children. It wasn’t until I began working with my primary care doctor to help treat my post-partum depression that I saw my sleep issues as a sign of unprocessed trauma and was able to get the support I needed to get back to a regular sleeping pattern.
The second area of need I notice is nutrition. When a client is over-eating, under-eating, inconsistent with eating, or simply not eating, I am already assessing how this could be related to unprocessed trauma. Food is a basic necessity, and yet, many people struggle in their relationship with it. Research shows nutrition is one of the most under-examined things therapists assess for when it comes to mental health issues. After working in a middle and high school setting for years, it was amazing how offering a dysregulated child a snack and/or drink of water was one of the greatest tools in my toolbox. I learned quickly that big emotional reactions were often due to lack of proper nutrition or hydration. So in order to help provide a safe and supportive environment with food in my therapeutic setting, I always offer clients a drink, snack or small piece of candy when they come into the office. (Check out this article to learn more about the impact of nutrition on mental health.)
Finally, I pay attention to the way someone is discussing movement or exercise. The lack of energy to engage in movement is another sign of unresolved trauma. When a client comments “I hate to exercise/walk/stretch/move/etc” it makes me wonder what is going on in their nervous system which has them so shut down that even simple movements seem too challenging. If their nervous system is communicating movement is too hard, doesn’t feel good, hurts, etc. it’s another indicator unprocessed trauma may be present.
Do you or someone you love struggle with sleep, poor nutritional habits or low energy? If so, you/they are not alone. These are all common signs of unprocessed trauma and there are effective ways to help improve all three. Please consider reaching out to me by phone (303) 847-5224 or email (wildstrengththerapy@gmail.com) to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to get the help you deserve, so you no longer suffer in silence.