The physiology of trauma

Trauma and chronic stress have a direct effect on the body and the automatic nervous system.

We can react in various ways from perceived threat and harm such as mobilisation responses like fighting or fleeing. These actions that are performed have us either confronting or hiding from the danger. These responses are fuelled by adrenalin and cortisol which power us up to move quickly, sending blood to our muscles, changing our heart rate, and blood pressure.

If these options do not help us to escape or survive, or if our brain does not see this as an advantage- we will immobilise, freeze, and play dead. This is a shut down method, or dissociation. The body decreases in oxygen, blood pressure and heart rate and we are flooded with body numbing endorphins so we can be shielded from pain.