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In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

Just
Senior Contributor

In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

This is a book I haven't been able to read myself. Too triggering, upsetting etc. so just wondering if anyone can refer me to a page. Or info within the book that specifically talks about physical symptoms appearing 10, 20 years or more after the abuse has ended. Symptoms appearing just through thought, dreams etc or any other way.? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

11 REPLIES 11

Re: In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

@Just I cannot specifically recall any mention in the book. However, there is a lot of evidence that trauma, particularly childhood trauma, is associated with many chronic diseases such as (but not limited to) diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

 

 I’m not 100% sure if that’s what you mean or you mean symptoms replicating the symptoms that occurred at time of trauma.

Re: In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

@Till23 thanks. Not quite, as the trauma resurfaces can you body turn itself back in time so to speak. Not only remember ING but also feeling all the pain experienced at the time. To the point of gagging in the case of strangulation. Vaginal discharge in the case of rape etc.

Re: In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

Hi @Just 

 

I am a little strange as I've perplexed even most health professionals because I read this book about twice a year and have for over 12 years. It is very literature heavy and a lot of people struggle with the weight of it so you are not alone, trust me.

 

As a person who has CPTSD and read this before I even started resurfacing trauma I can tell you, that the evidence is clear. Your body does store things. I believe it's actually the incredible ability of our body to survive and keep us safe till we are in a place that is better.

 

I often find even though I feel not ready my body brings little things up to nudge the mind to start resurfacing and it comes out physical. Last year I hit the one year anniversary of a very awful experience and I ended up in a support house during that time as I was reliving everything. I found myself sitting in the shower vomitting, shaking, tying to scrub off the experience. It's not nice and I am sorry.

 

I hope you have some form of support and strategies to help when it occurs and give yourself kindness.

 

I also wanted to show you this app. As it has summaries of books. It usually just shares about 10 minutes of reading highlighting the essence of the book which in this case is exactly what you asking. It may be an option if you wanted to try and read parts as it's a lot less intense. There if you want to check it out. Thank you for being brave and sharing.

 

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Re: In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

@Judymay @Till23 O Judymay U are right. I'm sorry to you as well. we both have the same type of resurfacing. I take it as it comes. I too believe once your in a safe place and can deal with bits the body does let you release it this way. Thankyou for validating. It does make it a lot easier to deal knowing I'm not alone in this. I will need to come back later to read the extra added attachments. Taking it little by little. I really appreciate. Much caring and deep feelings of appreciation.

Re: In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

Maybe I'm not strong enough to know.

Re: In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

Something else that may be helpful is YouTube there is a channel called psych2go and it has every thing you can think of and videos go from a few minutes to more. And some are not so heavy. It may be something to try if you were looking for options. 

I think yes we are scared and think we aren't strong enough but look at where we are, living breathing and here on this forum. That has to be a piece of fight and if that's all it is today that's enough. There is no timeline on this.

Re: In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

I will. Just slowly and I need a break. Just now. Thankyou for your help. @  @Judymay  @Till23 

Re: In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

Absolutely @Just  I have been fighting for so long and yesterday I broke last night i heard my body say nothing you do nothing for a little while, we'll talk about the fight later. Right now just try and centre and calm your body. Therefore i am here watching Harry Potter for the foreseeable future. 

and this the only thing ive engaged today as i always feel when im struggling to reach out and let others know they are not alone cos i know how it feel. And in a way it helps me and reminds me there are others who are in this struggle.

 

so rest friend, take your time, be kind to your mind, heart and body. Your responsibility is to care for yourself and you do that however you need to.

Re: In the book, The Body keeps the Score. Is there any reference to the body showing physical symptoms of abuse, years later.

"Somatic Flashbacks" is potentially the term from the book which you can explore elsewhere

 

The references in the book might be triggering. Things like gagging with S.A memories (Which it details quite graphically and explicitly)

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