Why Trauma Isn’t Just in Your Head

When most people hear the word trauma, they think about something that happened in the past — a bad memory, a stressful season of life, or an emotional scar. But trauma doesn’t just live in our memories. It leaves an imprint on the body too.

Science now shows us that trauma can change the way our brain and body respond to stress. These changes can affect sleep, weight, blood pressure, digestion, and even hormone balance. In other words: trauma isn’t “just in your head” — it’s in your whole system.

How Trauma Affects the Body

Our bodies are wired with a stress-response system called the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). This is like your body’s thermostat for stress.

In short bursts, it helps you survive danger.
But if the system gets “stuck on” after too much stress, it can lead to problems like:
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety or irritability
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- High blood pressure or blood sugar

Sometimes patients come in frustrated, saying: “My labs are normal, but I still don’t feel right.” This is where understanding the biology of trauma makes a difference.

Why This Matters for Your Health

You don’t need a “diagnosis” of trauma for stress to affect you. Everyday pressures, difficult relationships, or long periods of pushing your body too hard can also dysregulate the stress system. Over time, this shows up as physical symptoms.

When we only treat surface-level numbers (like cholesterol or blood pressure) without addressing the stress response underneath, we miss part of the picture.

Our Approach at Zion Asher

At our clinic, we practice medicine with an awareness that health is more than lab results. We know your story matters. That’s why we:

Take time to listen without rushing.
Consider how stress or past experiences may be affecting your body today.
Offer support that includes both medical care and tools to help your body recover balance.

You’re not “crazy” or “making it up.” The biology of trauma is real — and healing is possible.

At Zion Asher, we walk with our patients for the long haul. If you’re already working with a trauma-informed therapist and want medical care that supports the body’s side of recovery, we’d love to be part of your journey. Healing from trauma isn’t quick, but over time, with the right care team, it is possible.

Click Here to: Schedule a free 30 min. meet and greet with Dr. Lauren!