Trauma can linger in the body long after the memory fades. New science shows that physical symptoms—headaches, fatigue, stomach trouble, and chronic pain—can persist even when someone believes they have moved on. This insight is changing how therapists approach recovery, with growing emphasis on treating both mind and body. For Thai readers, it highlights the importance of holistic care especially in communities that historically suppress emotional pain.
A prominent study from the University of Oklahoma followed survivors of a major bombing incident. Seven years later, researchers found elevated inflammation markers and lower cortisol levels in survivors who appeared mentally healthy. In other words, the body remained on alert even when the mind seemed to be at peace. Lead author Dr. Phebe Tucker notes that resilience of the mind does not guarantee biological recovery, signaling potential long-term health risks if left unaddressed.
Trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk has long argued that traumatic stress can embed itself in the body’s biology, affecting immune response, hormones, muscle tension, and pain pathways. He warns that chronic or repeated trauma—often starting in childhood—can leave the body in a heightened state, waiting for danger to reappear. This perspective aligns with recent findings that trauma is not just a memory but a physical condition requiring care.
Additional summaries from current research indicate traumatic experiences can alter genetic expression and immune regulation. These changes may contribute to ongoing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, and cardiovascular concerns. Data suggests that trauma can increase vulnerability to illness over time, underscoring the need for integrated care that addresses both physical and emotional health.
Thai clinicians and trauma-informed practitioners are increasingly urging patients to listen to their bodies. Many survivors report migraines, chronic pain, insomnia, and unexplained illnesses that prompt medical visits. Professionals emphasize that physical signs can reflect unresolved experiences, and they advocate for care models that blend mental health support with physical health services.
In Thailand, cultural values such as resilience and community support help many cope with national milestones and regional challenges. Yet societal tendencies to conceal distress—tied to kreng jai (not wanting to burden others) and jai yen (calmness under pressure)—may delay treatment. Temples and community spaces have long served as venues for collective healing, while Buddhist practices like mindfulness offer practical tools that align with modern therapeutic approaches.
Experts advise Thailand to keep pace with global trauma care trends. This includes training more trauma-informed health workers, integrating body-based practices such as yoga, tai chi, and mindfulness, and educating the public about physical signs of emotional pain. Thai health leaders stress that preventing chronic disease should include screening for adverse life experiences, alongside traditional checks for blood pressure and cholesterol.
Practical steps for Thais seeking relief from trauma-related symptoms:
- Notice recurring aches or fatigue without clear medical causes.
- Explore personal and family history with a trusted clinician.
- Seek care from professionals trained in trauma-informed approaches.
- Practice breathing techniques, group meditation, or time in nature to help regulate the body’s stress response.
Support for loved ones matters too. Listening with empathy and encouraging conversations about how past experiences connect to current health can promote healing. As one psychologist notes, listening to our bodies is a vital part of recovery.
Key guidance for readers: don’t separate mind and body when addressing trauma. Integrated care—combining emotional and physical health strategies—offers a more complete path to well-being. By blending Thai cultural strengths with evidence-based practice, communities can foster resilience that benefits both individual health and public well-being.