3 Sneaky Signs of Unprocessed Trauma
In my work as an EMDR-certified trauma therapist, I often hear stories and experiences layered with symptoms of unprocessed trauma. During a client consultation (the first step before beginning a therapeutic relationship) I’m already listening for the ways trauma may be showing up beneath the surface.
What I often recognize is that unprocessed trauma can be reflected in the ways three of our most basic needs are (or are not) being met. I call these “The Basic 3,” and I encourage my clients to begin developing awareness around their relationship with each one before we focus on building other skills.
The first need I pay attention to is sleep. When a client discloses they struggle with an aspect of sleep - whether it’s being consistent with a sleep routine, falling to sleep or staying asleep - it makes me wonder what might have happened to them (or what hasn’t happened to them) that they are now battling to find an answer for their sleep issues. Many research studies have shown the impact of sleep deprivation on our nervous systems and how that affects our mental health. For me personally, after the traumatic birth of our second child (due to an emergency c-section), I struggled with sleep, which impacted my relationship with my husband, co-workers, and my own children. It wasn’t until I began working with my primary care doctor to help treat my post-partum depression that I saw my sleep issues as a sign of unprocessed trauma and was able to get the support I needed to get back to a regular sleeping pattern.
The second area of need I notice is nutrition. When a client is over-eating, under-eating, inconsistent with eating, or simply not eating, I am already assessing how this could be related to unprocessed trauma. Food is a basic necessity, and yet, many people struggle in their relationship with it. Research shows nutrition is one of the most under-examined things therapists assess for when it comes to mental health issues. After working in a middle and high school setting for years, it was amazing how offering a dysregulated child a snack and/or drink of water was one of the greatest tools in my toolbox. I learned quickly that big emotional reactions were often due to lack of proper nutrition or hydration. So in order to help provide a safe and supportive environment with food in my therapeutic setting, I always offer clients a drink, snack or small piece of candy when they come into the office. (Check out this article to learn more about the impact of nutrition on mental health.)
Finally, I pay attention to the way someone is discussing movement or exercise. The lack of energy to engage in movement is another sign of unresolved trauma. When a client comments “I hate to exercise/walk/stretch/move/etc.” it makes me wonder what is going on in their nervous system, which has them so shut down that even simple movements seem too challenging. If their nervous system is communicating movement is too hard, doesn’t feel good, hurts, etc. it’s another indicator unprocessed trauma may be present.
Working together on “The Basic 3” means slowing down to build awareness around your sleep, nutrition, and energy, and exploring how trauma may be influencing your ability to meet these foundational needs. Rather than adding another list of things you should be doing, we’ll approach each area with curiosity and compassion to understand what your body and nervous system may be communicating. As you develop greater awareness and begin making small, sustainable changes, you create a stronger foundation for emotional regulation, trauma processing, and the development of additional coping skills. From there, we can build on that foundation with more targeted therapeutic tools and deeper trauma work.
Do you or someone you love struggle with sleep, poor nutritional habits, or low energy? If so, you’re not alone. These can be common signs of unprocessed trauma, and there are effective ways to address them and support your overall well-being.
You don’t have to continue suffering in silence.
Reach out today to schedule a free 15-minute consultation and take the first step toward getting the support you deserve.
📞 (303) 847-5224