Signs You’re Still Carrying Trauma (and How to Release It)

Trauma can leave lasting marks on our mental, emotional, and physical health, long after the traumatic event has passed. Whether it’s caused by childhood abuse, an overwhelming loss, a difficult relationship, or a major life event, unresolved trauma often continues to influence our lives in subtle yet profound ways. Understanding the signs you may still be carrying trauma and learning how to release it is essential for reclaiming your power and living a fulfilled life.

This article will explore the common signs that trauma is still affecting you and how to start the healing journey. Plus, we’ll highlight the transformative work of Ellen Busch, a trauma coach, author, and podcast host, who helps individuals overcome the impacts of trauma.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is a psychological, emotional, or physical response to distressing events that leave lasting scars. These events might include abuse, neglect, loss, accidents, or other overwhelming circumstances. When not properly addressed, trauma can create emotional blockages that affect how you experience life and interact with others.

Trauma can manifest in many forms, including anxiety, depression, or even physical ailments.

The good news is that trauma can be healed with the right support and guidance. Ellen Busch, a professional trauma coach, helps individuals unlock their emotional wounds, find resilience, and start the healing process.

Signs You’re Still Carrying Trauma

While trauma might not always be obvious, there are signs you can look for that may indicate it’s still affecting your life:

1. Persistent Emotional Pain

If you find yourself frequently overwhelmed by sadness, anger, or anxiety that seems disproportionate to the situation, trauma may be the underlying cause. These emotional outbursts often stem from unresolved pain and can disrupt your daily life.

2. Hypervigilance or Constant Anxiety

Being on edge or constantly anticipating danger is a key sign of trauma. You may feel anxious even in situations where there’s no real threat, always waiting for something bad to happen. This heightened state of alertness is common in individuals who have experienced traumatic events.

3. Difficulty Trusting Others

Trauma can severely impact your ability to trust others, whether in relationships or work. Fear of betrayal or abandonment often comes from past experiences, making it hard to form secure bonds with others. This can lead to isolation or unhealthy relationship patterns.

4. Unexplained Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms, like headaches, stomach issues, or muscle tension, can be connected to trauma. Trauma often manifests in the body, resulting in chronic pain or physical discomfort with no medical cause. These symptoms can affect your energy levels and overall well-being.

5. Nightmares, Flashbacks, or Intrusive Thoughts

Reliving past traumatic events through flashbacks or nightmares is a clear indication of unresolved trauma. These memories may intrude on your consciousness and affect your daily life, making it difficult to stay focused or feel at ease.

6. Avoidance of Triggers

You may find yourself avoiding certain places, people, or activities that remind you of your trauma. While avoidance may feel like a protective mechanism, it can prevent you from addressing and processing your pain, ultimately prolonging the healing process.

7. Self‑Sabotage

If you consistently find yourself holding back from success or sabotaging relationships and opportunities, it could be related to trauma. Self‑sabotage often stems from deep‑seated feelings of unworthiness or fear of failure, which are rooted in past traumatic experiences.

How to Release Trauma and Move Forward

Healing from trauma is a personal journey, and while it can be challenging, it’s absolutely possible with the right steps and support. Here are a few ways you can begin releasing trauma:

1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Trauma

The first step to healing is acknowledging the trauma and accepting that it has impacted your life. Repressing or denying your trauma can prevent the healing process. By allowing yourself to feel the emotions associated with your past experiences, you can start to process and release them.

2. Seek Professional Support

Working with a trauma coach like Ellen Busch can provide you with the necessary tools and strategies for healing. Ellen’s approach combines personal experience with professional techniques to guide you through understanding and releasing trauma.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques

Mindfulness and grounding exercises, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help reduce anxiety and help you reconnect with the present moment. By focusing on your senses or your breath, you can shift your attention away from painful memories and anchor yourself in the present.

4. Physical Movement to Release Stored Emotions

Trauma is often stored in the body. Physical activities such as yoga, dance, or even a simple walk can help release emotional tension. Physical movement promotes relaxation and helps you process emotions that may have been trapped in your body.

5. Journaling and Expressive Writing

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly therapeutic. Journaling allows you to express yourself and make sense of your emotions. By putting your trauma into words, you can begin to release its grip on your life and gain insight into your healing process.

6. Reframe Your Beliefs

Healing trauma involves reframing the negative beliefs that often arise from traumatic experiences. By focusing on self-compassion, rebuilding your self-worth, and empowering yourself, you can replace feelings of fear and self-doubt with positive affirmations and new beliefs.

How Ellen Busch Helps People Overcome Trauma

Ellen Busch is a trauma coach who specializes in helping individuals navigate their healing journey. Drawing from her own personal experiences and professional expertise, Ellen offers personalized trauma coaching that empowers her clients to break free from their past and reclaim their lives.

Personalized Coaching for Trauma Recovery

Ellen’s coaching services are highly personalized, tailored to each client’s unique experiences and challenges. She takes the time to understand your trauma and provides the tools necessary for emotional release, self-empowerment, and growth. Through her coaching, individuals gain clarity, emotional freedom, and the ability to overcome their trauma.

Empowerment and Self‑Discovery

Ellen’s approach focuses on empowerment. She works with clients to help them reconnect with their inner strength and heal from within. By guiding clients through self-discovery, Ellen enables them to transition from victimhood to empowerment, helping them rediscover their resilience and create new possibilities for their future.

Holistic Healing Methods

In addition to traditional coaching, Ellen integrates holistic healing methods, including mindfulness, emotional regulation, and body awareness techniques. Her trauma recovery programs are designed to heal not just the mind, but the body and spirit as well.

Ellen’s Book and Podcast

Ellen’s memoir, (dis)Empowered, chronicles her personal journey through trauma, healing, and empowerment. Through her book, she shares the lessons she learned while overcoming adversity, offering readers a roadmap for their own recovery.

In addition to her coaching and book, Ellen hosts a popular podcast where she interviews experts and survivors about their experiences with trauma and resilience. These podcast episodes provide valuable insights and inspiration for those looking to heal and move forward in their lives.

Bottom Line

Carrying trauma can feel like a heavy burden, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to define your future. By recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps to release the trauma, you can reclaim your life. Ellen Busch’s coaching offers the support and guidance needed to overcome trauma, empowering you to heal and thrive. Whether through personalized coaching, her powerful memoir, or insightful podcast episodes, Ellen’s resources can help you start your healing journey today.