How does trauma disrupt ability to feel bodily autonomy?
Traumatic experiences can disrupt our sense of bodily autonomy. This happens when our nervous system is flooded with stress hormones such as cortisol, which makes it difficult for us to regulate our emotions and respond appropriately to threats. It also affects our ability to recognize and identify sensations in our body.
When we experience trauma, we may become hypervigilant, meaning that we are constantly scanning our environment for danger. Our fight-or-flight response may be activated even in safe situations. We may feel like we have no control over what's happening around us and find ourselves reacting without thinking about how our actions impact others.
When we feel unsafe, we tend to tense up physically - this can lead to chronic pain or illnesses such as fibromyalgia and IBS. Trauma survivors often report feeling numb or dissociated from their bodies; they might feel "outside" themselves looking down at their own body while going through certain motions without being aware of them.
Another way that trauma can affect our body is by causing changes in our endocrine system. Stress hormones released during a traumatic event cause an imbalance of these hormones, leading to increased blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rates. These changes can lead to further physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
When the nervous system is on high alert due to trauma, it becomes difficult for us to differentiate between actual danger and perceived threat. This leads to difficulty trusting others because we don't know if they will hurt us too. Our boundaries are blurred and we may not be able to set clear limits with those who want intimacy from us. We may also struggle with expressing needs and wants sexually because of a lack of trust in ourselves and others.
In order to heal from trauma and regain bodily autonomy, it is essential to work with a qualified mental health professional who understands the effects of trauma on the body. They can help you learn coping strategies like mindfulness meditation, which helps you become more present in your body again instead of being stuck in past memories or future worries. It's important to build a supportive network of friends and family members who respect your boundaries and can provide validation when needed.
How does trauma disrupt ability to feel bodily autonomy?
One possible explanation is that when someone experiences trauma, they may become hypervigilant and overly focused on their surroundings, leading them to lose touch with their physical sensations and cues from their body. This can make it harder for them to feel connected to themselves and their bodies, which can lead to difficulty recognizing and responding appropriately to physical needs, such as hunger or pain.