Why Anxiety Might Come From a Past Trauma
"Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies. The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort." —Bessel van der Kolk
Many people live with anxiety and struggle to understand why. They might feel on edge, overwhelmed, or easily panicked even in situations that seem safe. Often, this anxiety is not rooted in the present moment but in something that happened in the past, a traumatic event that the body has not fully let go of.
When the body experiences trauma, it activates survival responses such as fight, flight, or freeze. These reactions are meant to protect us during a crisis. However, when the nervous system becomes stuck in this survival mode, it can lead to persistent anxiety and other emotional symptoms that last long after the event has passed (Briere & Scott, 2014).
How Trauma Manifests as Anxiety
Trauma does not only live in the memory. It affects the brain, nervous system, and body. Individuals who have experienced trauma may find themselves reacting to stress with intense fear or agitation even when there is no clear danger. This is because their nervous system continues to scan the environment for threats as if the traumatic event is still happening (van der Kolk, 2014).
The books titled Principles of Trauma Therapy (Briere & Scott, 2014) and The Body Keeps the Score (van der Kolk, 2014) describe a wide range of symptoms commonly seen in people living with unresolved trauma. These symptoms include:
Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge
Difficulty relaxing or calming the body
Intrusive thoughts or emotional reactivity without clear triggers
Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or nightmares
A sense of emotional numbness or disconnection from the body
Panic attacks or sudden feelings of fear
Avoidance of certain people, places, or situations
Difficulty focusing or remembering things clearly
Irritability, anger, or a low tolerance for stress
Heightened startle response or feeling easily overwhelmed
These signs are not signs of weakness or overreaction, they are signs that the nervous system has been sensitized by past experience and is continuing to operate in a state of alert. The body, in a sense, remembers the trauma and responds to the present moment as if the danger still exists.
Moving Toward Healing
Recognizing that anxiety may be linked to trauma is the first step toward healing. Trauma-informed therapy approaches aim to calm the nervous system and help individuals process their experiences in a safe and supportive way. These approaches may include somatic therapy, EMDR, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation techniques that allow the body to slowly return to a sense of safety (Briere & Scott, 2014).
Healing from trauma is not about forgetting the past. It is about learning how to relate to it in a way that no longer controls your body, your emotions, or your sense of self. With the right support, many people find that their anxiety lessens and their capacity for calm, connection, and confidence begins to return.
Starting counseling is a courageous step, and knowing what to expect can make the process feel less intimidating. Therapy provides a non-judgmental space, supports your self-exploration, and allows you to open up when you are ready. If you are considering therapy, know that you do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. Just showing up is the first step toward growth and healing.
If you feel ready to start your inner journey, please feel free to check out our website to find out more about me, or contact us directly to schedule a consult.
References:
Briere, J. N., & Scott, C. (2014). Principles of Trauma Therapy (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.
