Trauma doesn’t always just mess with your mental health.
That’s bad enough, but sometimes, it shows up in places you don’t expect—in aches, tension, fatigue, or habits you can’t explain. Long after the event has passed, the body often carries what the mind can’t process. It’s not dramatic or obvious, and many people go years without realising what they’re feeling physically is connected to something emotional. There are some subtle but powerful ways trauma can show up through the body, especially when it’s gone unspoken for too long.
1. Constant muscle tension that never really goes away
You might feel it most in your shoulders, neck, or jaw, like your body’s on edge, even when you’re resting. It’s not just poor posture. It’s the result of your body staying in a guarded state long after the threat is gone. That tightness becomes normal, so you stop noticing how often you’re clenching or bracing yourself. As time goes on, the tension can lead to chronic pain, headaches, or even sleep issues, especially when your body’s stuck in defence mode.
2. Sudden exhaustion without a clear cause
There are days when, no matter how much rest you get, you still feel drained. It’s not just physical fatigue; it’s an emotional weight your body hasn’t fully let go of. Trauma often taxes the nervous system in ways that feel like never-ending tiredness. That kind of exhaustion can show up even when life feels stable. It’s your body trying to repair and recalibrate, even if your mind says you should be fine by now. It’s a slower, more invisible kind of burnout.
3. Digestive issues that flare up during stress
Stomach problems like nausea, bloating, or sudden changes in appetite can all point to trauma-related tension. When your nervous system is dysregulated, digestion often takes a hit. Your gut literally gets put on hold during a perceived threat. This isn’t “just nerves.” It’s your body responding to stress by rerouting energy and signalling danger. Over time, trauma can make your gut hypersensitive, creating discomfort that doesn’t seem to have a clear medical cause.
4. Feeling physically frozen or spaced out
Some people describe it as feeling heavy, disconnected, or like they’re moving through fog. That frozen feeling is the body’s way of protecting itself—a nervous system response that kicks in when fight or flight doesn’t feel possible. You’re not imagining it. That flat, numbed-out sensation is your body shifting into survival mode. It may have worked in the moment, but when it lingers, it can make daily life feel dull and distant.
5. Chronic pain with no clear diagnosis
Ongoing pain that scans and tests can’t explain often has emotional roots. Trauma can lead to inflammation, tension, and disrupted nerve signals that create real physical discomfort, even without visible injury. This isn’t about the pain being “all in your head.” It’s about the complex relationship between your nervous system and your physical state. Your body remembers what the mind tries to ignore.
6. Breathing that feels shallow or tight
Trauma can leave your body in a subtle, ongoing state of alarm. That often shows up in your breath—short, shallow, and tight across your chest, even when there’s no immediate stress. It’s hard to feel grounded when your breathing is restricted. You might not notice it until someone reminds you to take a deep breath, and suddenly, it hits you how long you’ve been holding everything in.
7. Trouble sleeping even when you’re exhausted
Falling asleep should feel simple, but for people carrying trauma, nighttime can be the hardest part of the day. Your mind starts racing, or your body feels restless, even if you were tired an hour ago. That disrupted sleep isn’t always about bad habits. It’s often linked to a nervous system that doesn’t fully shut off. Even dreams can become intense, leaving you feeling tired and unsettled the next day.
8. Random aches or sensitivity to touch
Sometimes trauma shows up in small, nagging ways, like tender skin, muscle soreness, or unexplained sensitivity that flares up without warning. It might not be severe, but it’s enough to make you uncomfortable in your own body. That kind of physical hypersensitivity is common when your body’s still scanning for threat. You’re not imagining it; your system is just on high alert, even if nothing dangerous is happening in the moment.
9. Getting sick often, or healing slowly
When trauma lingers, your immune system can become compromised. Your body is so focused on staying alert that it doesn’t recover as easily, meaning you might catch every bug going around, or feel like it takes longer to bounce back. It’s frustrating, especially when your lifestyle doesn’t explain it. Of course, your body isn’t failing you; it’s just stretched thin from carrying more than it was meant to for so long.
10. Feeling physically restless or on edge
Even when you sit down to relax, your leg’s bouncing, your jaw’s clenching, or your fingers won’t stop fidgeting. That jittery restlessness is a common sign that your body doesn’t feel entirely safe or still. It’s like your nervous system is stuck in go-mode, waiting for something to happen. It can make you feel agitated or unable to truly relax, even when you logically know everything’s okay.
11. Posture that always seems tense or hunched
Many people carry trauma in their posture—tight shoulders, a tucked-in chest, or a protective curl to the spine. It’s not just habit. It’s your body shielding itself, even if there’s nothing to hide from anymore. You might not even realise how tense you look or feel until someone points it out. As time goes on, it can affect your mood, confidence, and even your ability to breathe fully and move freely.
12. Jaw clenching and grinding your teeth
This one often flies under the radar until it causes pain, but clenching and grinding are incredibly common ways trauma and stress show up physically. Your jaw becomes a quiet place where the body holds unspoken tension. It can lead to headaches, sore neck muscles, or even dental issues, especially when it happens during sleep. It’s not just stress; it’s your body keeping watch even when you’re not aware of it.
13. Flinching at sudden sounds or touch
Jumping at noises, pulling away from touch, or reacting strongly to everyday things can be signs that your body is still in protective mode. It’s not about being sensitive; it’s about your nervous system reacting like danger is still nearby. That hypervigilance often develops in people who’ve been through traumatic experiences, especially if those experiences made them feel unsafe or caught off guard. It’s a survival reflex that’s hard to switch off.
14. Feeling disconnected from your body entirely
One of the most overlooked signs is feeling like you’re just floating through life, not really present in your own skin. This disconnection is a defence mechanism, especially after overwhelming or frightening events. It’s not laziness or indifference. It’s your body doing what it can to keep you from feeling too much. But over time, it can make everything feel flat, distant, or unreal, which is why reconnecting gently is such a vital step in healing.
