Trauma’s Connection to our Health and Wellbeing

Course Cut-OutMoving Through Trauma
Written By Austin Cavaliere

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Excerpt: Trauma’s Connection to our Health and Wellbeing - Trauma Session 4

Course: Moving Through Trauma

Speakers: Matthias Barker

The Body's Story: How Trauma Impacts Physical Health and the Power of Connection

We've discussed how trauma affects our emotions and brain. But a crucial question is: what can we do to heal? Before exploring solutions, we need to understand that trauma's impact extends beyond our minds to our physical health. Without this broader view, our approach to healing might be incomplete.

The ACE Study: Unveiling the Link Between Childhood Trauma and Physical Health

The groundbreaking Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study in the 90s and 2000s revealed a significant link between childhood adversity and adult health issues like heart disease and autoimmune disorders. Researchers found that the more adverse experiences individuals reported, the higher their likelihood of experiencing various health problems in adulthood, even after considering other factors.

For example, individuals with four or more ACEs showed substantially increased risks for attention problems, hepatitis, depression, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and suicide attempts. Higher ACE scores were also linked to increased rates of drug addiction and a significantly shorter lifespan. Further studies have connected high ACEs to obesity, smoking, autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and lower socioeconomic outcomes.

The Light in the Darkness: The Power of Resilience Factors

However, the ACE study also offered a message of hope: resilience factors, particularly the presence of love and connection, could buffer these negative health outcomes. Even one stable, loving adult in a child's life could make a significant difference. Communities embracing these findings, like in Walla Walla, Washington, by focusing on problem-solving, connection, and safety in schools, have seen remarkable positive changes in student well-being and academic success.

Embracing Connection and Safety for Holistic Healing

This highlights that fostering problem-solving skills, connection, and safety in our lives isn't just about emotional well-being; it has tangible benefits for our physical health. Building warm, supportive relationships can literally rewire our bodies and promote healing on a fundamental level.

Therefore, when we consider healing from trauma, we must adopt a holistic perspective that acknowledges the deep connection between our mind, body, and spirit. Trauma is held within all three, and our journey towards healing must address this interconnected reality.

 

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Moving Through Trauma

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Moving Through Trauma 〰️

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3

Session 4

Session 5

Session 6

Session 7

Session 8

 

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Austin Cavaliere
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