Understanding Trauma: How Past Experiences Influence Your Mental Health

Trauma is a word that carries significant weight, often bringing to mind dramatic or catastrophic events. However, trauma isn’t always tied to large-scale incidents—it can stem from personal experiences that leave deep emotional pain. Whether related to childhood, relationships, or other life events, trauma has the potential to shape our mental health in profound and lasting ways. This post explores how unresolved trauma can manifest in everyday life, and highlights how therapy can support the journey towards healing.

What is Trauma?

At its centre, trauma refers to any event or series of events that overwhelm a person’s capacity to cope. It’s important to note that trauma is deeply personal—two people could go through the same situation, with one experiencing it as traumatic while the other does not. The key lies in how the experience impacts an individual’s sense of safety, control, and stability.

Trauma can come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to:

• Childhood trauma: Neglect, abuse, or growing up in a chaotic environment can leave lasting emotional imprints.

• Relationship trauma: Emotional, physical, or psychological harm within intimate or familial relationships can create complex feelings of betrayal and distrust.

• Life event trauma: Incidents such as accidents, loss, natural disasters, or even experiences of bullying can shape how we navigate the world.

How Unresolved Trauma Manifests

Trauma, especially when left unaddressed, can have far-reaching effects on mental and physical health. The tricky thing about trauma is that it doesn’t always present in obvious ways. Some people may suppress their memories of a traumatic event, only for it to emerge later through behaviours, emotions, or physical symptoms.

Common ways unresolved trauma can manifest include:

• Anxiety and hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge—even when there’s no immediate danger—can be a sign that your mind is stuck in a protective mode.

• Emotional numbness or detachment: Difficulty connecting with others or feeling emotionally distant may suggest the mind’s attempt to block out painful memories.

• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks: Recurrent, unwanted memories of past trauma can resurface, sometimes triggered by seemingly unrelated events.

• Physical symptoms: Trauma isn’t just stored in the mind—it can affect the body, too. Chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, or gastrointestinal issues are often linked to unresolved trauma.

• Difficulty in relationships: Past trauma, particularly from relationships, can create trust issues or lead to patterns of avoidance or conflict in current relationships.

How Therapy Can Help

The effects of trauma can feel overwhelming, but healing is possible. Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment to explore past experiences, understand their influence, and begin the process of recovery.

A few therapeutic approaches often used to address trauma include:

• Relational therapy: Trauma from relationships often requires healing within the context of safe, supportive relationships. Relational therapy—including psychodynamic psychotherapy—provides a space to explore patterns and rebuild trust.

• Somatic therapies: Since trauma can be held in the body, somatic approaches, which focus on bodily sensations, can help individuals reconnect with their physical selves and release tension.

• Trauma-informed therapy: This approach prioritises creating a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment. It helps individuals recognise the impact of trauma and regain a sense of control over their emotions and responses.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT can assist in reframing negative thought patterns and behaviours linked to trauma. It’s particularly effective in breaking cycles of anxiety, depression, and avoidance.

The Path to Healing

Healing from trauma is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, patience, and self-compassion. The goal isn’t to erase the past but to integrate it in a way that allows for growth and resilience. Therapy can help transform the relationship you have with your past, allowing you to live more fully in the present.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with the effects of trauma, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. In our practice, located in Camberwell, we provide a safe, non-judgemental space for you to explore your experiences and find the support you need to heal. Whether you choose to visit in person or via telehealth, we’re here to help you on your path to recovery.

Trauma can shape your mental health in subtle yet powerful ways, but with the right support, healing is within reach. If you recognise any of these signs in yourself, reaching out for help is a brave first step toward living with greater peace and well-being.