Our brains are delicate and powerful organs. It sounds like an oxymoron, but in actuality our brains are like supercomputers in how we process thoughts, emotions, and the world at lightning speed. It contains one-hundred billion neurons helping us process and organize information.

But even this supercomputer can malfunction and get disrupted. When our bodies experience trauma whether verbal, physical, mental, or emotional, it actually rewires our brains. Trauma isn’t just “in your head,” it has lasting effects felt throughout your mind and body which can take years to push through.

From the outside looking in, trauma survivors may “look” perfectly fine, but the damage is internal and can sometimes force itself to be manifested outwardly in our health and bodies. This can show up in fatigue, memory loss, poor concentration, and a racing heartbeat to name a few. Traumatic memories become a sort of sticking point in our memories which our brain will either try to block out entirely (as amnesia) or will bring to the forefront of the mind and will feel as if you’re relieving the moment over again. This can cause panic and anxiety attacks and is a form of PTSD.

The crucial question after learning all of this is: is there any hope?

There is always hope, especially in healing our bodies and minds. When working through trauma, it’s vital to have someone act as a sounding board to process big emotions, tough conversations, and thoughts you’ve believed about yourself. A therapist is a wonderful resource for many struggling to work through their own traumatic past. If medication is right for you, that’s another way for trauma to be worked through daily. Physical activity, such as yoga or meditation, allows you to push into your body and soul at the same time and connect them to your emotions.

Acts of self-love including prioritizing yourself, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing adequate self-care are other practical ways to heal from trauma. This looks different from person to person, so do what works for you. It’s okay if your journey into healing doesn’t look like everybody else’s does: we’re all different and grow at varying rates. Be kind to yourself and show up how your body needs you.