Undertstanding Trauma and Its Lasting Effects
- Debra Anson
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
Trauma is not just something that happens to us — it’s something that can live within us, shaping the way we think, feel, and respond long after the event has passed. Whether the cause is a single shocking experience, years of stress, or early childhood adversity, trauma leaves an imprint on both the mind and the body.
When we experience trauma, the brain’s alarm system goes into overdrive. The amygdala — responsible for detecting danger — becomes hypersensitive, while the prefrontal cortex, which helps us think clearly and regulate emotions, can become less active. The result? We might feel constantly on edge, numb, detached, or easily triggered. Our nervous system stays alert, scanning for threats that are no longer there.
💔 How Trauma Impacts Us
Physically, trauma can lead to:
Chronic muscle tension, headaches, or digestive issues
Sleep problems or fatigue
A tendency to either overreact (fight/flight) or shut down (freeze)
Emotionally and relationally, it can cause:
Persistent fear or anxiety
Shame, guilt, or self-blame
Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships
A sense of disconnection from one’s self, body, or spirituality
These responses are not signs of weakness — they are the body’s protective adaptations to overwhelming experiences. Healing begins when we recognize these patterns with compassion and curiosity rather than judgment.
💛 Healing Is Possible
Recovery from trauma is not about “getting over it” but about reconnecting — with safety, with others, and with our true selves. Through therapy, mindful bodywork, journaling, and spiritual grounding, people can learn to calm their nervous systems, process painful memories, and rebuild a sense of peace.
The healing journey looks different for everyone, but it always begins with awareness — understanding what trauma is and how it affects us.
📚 Recommended Reading for Healing and Insight
If you’re ready to explore trauma more deeply, these books offer profound wisdom and practical tools for recovery:
📘 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.A landmark work explaining how trauma reshapes the brain and body — and how healing can happen through therapies that reconnect the two, such as EMDR, yoga, and somatic awareness.
📙 What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry & Oprah WinfreyThis compassionate dialogue reframes the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” offering powerful insight into how early experiences shape our behavior, resilience, and healing capacity.
📗 It Didn’t Start With You by Mark WolynnAn eye-opening exploration of inherited family trauma — how patterns of pain, fear, and loss can pass through generations, and how awareness can help us break free from cycles that aren’t truly ours.
Final Thoughts
Trauma may change the story of our lives, but it doesn’t have to define the ending. Healing is not about erasing the past — it’s about learning to live fully in the present, with grace, understanding, and hope.
If you’re ready to begin or continue your own healing journey, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Contact me to learn more about trauma-informed therapy and resources for emotional wellness.
Debi Anson LCSW CAADC
616-268-2787
About the Author
Debi Anson, LCSW, CAADC is a licensed clinical social worker and certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor specializing in trauma-informed therapy, emotional wellness, and faith-based healing. She is the founder of Therapy Matters, where she helps individuals and groups find hope, growth, and peace through compassionate, evidence-based care.
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click one of the links above and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend books and resources I personally find meaningful and supportive to the healing process