The Creaturae Healing Gazette
Unseen Battle Within: Trauma’s Impact on Interoception
Issue 02 | Week 2, June 2023
Dear fellow wayfarers on your healing journey,
Welcome back to the second installment of The Creaturae Healing Gazette! In this edition, we delve into the intricate connection between trauma and interoception, an often overlooked aspect of our well-being. Join us as we explore the profound impact trauma has on our internal navigation system and how understanding this relationship can guide us on the path to healing.
Understanding Interoception
Interoception refers to our ability to perceive and interpret internal bodily signals, such as hunger, pain, and emotions. Yet, this crucial aspect of our sensory experience remains shrouded in mystery, overshadowed by its more recognized counterparts.
The Intertwining of Trauma and Interoception
Trauma disrupts our interoceptive awareness, creating profound implications for our mental, emotional, and physiological health. The intense stress and fear experienced during traumatic events strain the lines of communication between the mind and body, leading to a disconnection from bodily cues and a compromised sense of self.
The Dance of Disrupted Signals
Trauma manifests in various ways, distorting our perception of internal sensations and disrupting the delicate balance of interoception. Hyperawareness intensifies sensitivity to bodily cues, triggering constant vigilance and exaggerated responses. On the other hand, numbing dulls our ability to interpret internal signals, leaving us detached and disconnected.
The Ripple Effect on Mental and Physical Health
Trauma-induced disturbances in interoception reverberate through our well-being. Impaired interoception can contribute to the development and maintenance of mental health disorders like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, physical health may be affected as disrupted signals hinder the recognition of hunger, pain, and fatigue, leading to imbalances in eating habits, chronic pain, and exhaustion.
The Path to Healing
- Seek professional help: Work with therapists or counselors specializing in trauma to address its effects on interoception and overall well-being.
- Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques: Incorporate mindfulness-based practices into your daily routine to cultivate present-moment awareness and reconnect with bodily sensations. Grounding exercises and deep breathing can help regulate the nervous system.
- Engage in somatic therapies: Explore trauma-informed yoga, somatic experiencing, or body-oriented therapies to restore the mind-body connection and release stored trauma.
- Build a support network: Surround yourself with compassionate individuals who provide emotional support, validation, and a safe space for expression.
- Prioritize self-care: Engage in activities that promote self-care and self-compassion, such as hobbies, relaxation techniques, and setting healthy boundaries.
- Educate yourself: Learn more about trauma, interoception, and their connection to empower yourself in your healing journey.
Interoception: Navigating the Internal World
Interoception, the silent navigator of our internal world, is profoundly affected by the storms of trauma. By acknowledging and addressing the disruption caused by trauma, we pave the way for a comprehensive approach to recovery—one that integrates the mind, body, and spirit. Through resilience, self-awareness, and wholeness, survivors find their path to healing.
Special Announcement: ACES Test and Personal Consultation**
Wondering if you’ve experienced trauma? Take the ACES test on our website to gain insight into your experiences. Sign up for a free personal 30 min consultation to gain some insight into how you can further your personal healing journey and also check out our somatic therapeutic courses to get a headstart on your somatic healing journey.
Thank you for joining us in exploring the intricate connection between trauma and interoception. Stay tuned for future editions of The Healing Gazette, where we continue to bring you enlightening insights and empowering stories
Yours Truly,
Deborah Lee
Founder and CEO of Creaturae