Our columnist talks about how burying life’s wounds can impact your mental and physical health
The acknowledgment of trauma, in society and by the medical profession, is insufficient. For many years, I have been seeing patients acting out of old trauma and wounds, often from early life; trauma that has remained in their systems for years. In this state, the body is suspended in survival mode: fight or flight. All behaviour and reactions are then initiated from this place.
Recognising hidden trauma in people takes skill. It’s often evident in their unconscious behaviours, voice patterns, body states, and through words used or in the information offered. These sorts of statements are covering up denial. Minimisation is always a giveaway because it would have been too painful to experience it fully. In order to survive the trauma, the person had to minimise it.
What starts as a coping mechanism remains stuck in the system and becomes a defence against truth. What was used to defend against pain now prevents a healthy response to some of life’s challenges. Ultra-vigilance and defensiveness are common ways to defend against exposing the underlying wound.
I have become increasingly drawn to this work, as I see it as underpinning so much of our modern day malaise. Of course, we are beginning to see the fallout of the trauma caused by the coronavirus pandemic – lives, liberty and incomes lost; families divided; distrust in media and politicians; and isolation. So many are already acting out of trauma.
There’s also generational trauma – epigenetics is beginning to demonstrate the science that backs up the theory that we carry within our cells the imprint of the trauma that our ancestral line carries. It is my belief, and I have witnessed this through my work, that we are now becoming more conscious of these underlying influences that have limited us for many years.
As we become more conscious, many people are eager to do the work to untether themselves from these stories and from the past. I am committed to supporting individuals on this journey supported by compassion, so that they may create a more fertile present and finally be free from the past.
If you feel your past is impacting your present, now is the time to take action.
Listen to the stories of your family. Choose whether you want to be defined by them or to create a new story.
Are there themes running through your life or family line? Victimhood, poverty vows, disappointment, addiction. Get curious about the origins of these; are these old beliefs serving you? If not, make a new dialogue.
Imagine your future could be anything you want it to be – make it detailed, vivid and optimistic. Untether yourself from the energies that no longer serve your highest purpose.
What do you want to see more of in the world? Let that guide you.
Read Gabe Mate’s book entitled When the Body Says No.
See a practitioner specialising in trauma.
Emma Cannon is an integrated women’s health expert, registered acupuncturist and author. Check out more of Emma’s fantastic work at emmacannon.co.uk
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