Have you ever felt nauseous or a lack of appetite when faced with something that causes anxiety?
Or have you noticed physical sickness in your stomach when exposed to a traumatic stressor?
Have you ever experienced sadness in your stomach?
These are examples of how trauma and mental health manifests in physical symptoms. There is something called the gut brain connection which has a connection to PTSD and trauma!
While PTSD is largely a psychological issue, there are also physiological and physical aspects of it as well- such as experiencing heightened heart rate or blood pressure. The brain communicates with the gut using neurotransmitters. Studies show that over 90% of serotonin (a natural chemical that controls mood) is made in the gut.
The gut microbiome can have increased inflammation when an individual is under emotional or mental stress. This can explain why individuals who have a history of trauma may also experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome, stomach ulcers or other GI issues.
While it is important to work with an appropriate medical professional to diagnose and treat the GI symptoms, therapy can be a powerful tool in navigating these symptoms as well. Engaging in therapy, processing the trauma and emotions related to your mental health and trauma can be a helpful tool in navigating these GI issues which can hopefully result in decreasing the GI symptoms as well. Cognitive Processing Therapy, is a type of trauma therapy that has been proven helpful to guide individuals to process their trauma. Traditional talk therapy can be certainly beneficial as well.
The body and our mental health are connected, and gaining awareness of how the physical body and mental health specifically affect you, can result in a happier you!
This blog was written by Natasha Patel, LPC who is accepting clients virtually in New Jersey. Natasha is also trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy. Contact Natasha to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation at natashapatel@collabintherapy.com.
