Unresolved Trauma: How It Fuels Anxiety in Adulthood

Have you ever wondered why certain situations seem to trigger an overwhelming sense of anxiety, even when there’s no immediate threat? You’re not alone. Many of us carry wounds from the past that shape how we experience anxiety today. These unresolved traumas, often from childhood, can linger in our bodies and minds, influencing how we respond to stress in adulthood.

The good news? Understanding this connection can be the first step toward healing.

The Hidden Link Between Trauma and Anxiety

Trauma doesn’t always have to be a big, obvious event. Sometimes it’s the small, ongoing experiences of feeling unsafe, unsupported, or unseen that leave the deepest marks. And those unhealed parts of us have a way of sticking around.

When trauma goes unresolved, our bodies hold onto the memories—often in ways we don’t fully realize. It might show up as tension in your shoulders, an upset stomach when you're stressed, or a racing heart in seemingly calm moments. Over time, these physical responses can become ingrained, leading to chronic anxiety.

Why Does Trauma Show Up as Anxiety?

Trauma is the body’s way of responding to perceived danger. When we experience something painful or overwhelming, our nervous system kicks into gear—fighting, fleeing, freezing or fawning to protect us. This is a natural and healthy response, but when the trauma is unresolved, the body gets stuck in this hypervigilant state, always on the lookout for danger.

This is where anxiety comes in. As adults, we might find ourselves feeling anxious in situations that don’t seem particularly threatening on the surface. But beneath that, our body is reacting to a deeper, unconscious memory of past hurt. It's like a built-in alarm system that keeps going off, even when there’s no fire.

In adulthood, unresolved trauma often looks like:

• Hypervigilance: Feeling constantly on edge, like something bad is going to happen.
• Avoidance: Steering clear of situations, people, or places that remind you of past pain.
• Overreacting to stress: Even small challenges can feel like overwhelming threats.
• Physical symptoms: Chronic tension, fatigue, or even health issues that seem to have no clear cause.
• People-pleasing: Prioritizing others' needs over your own to avoid conflict or gain approval.
• Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards for yourself to feel worthy or in control.
• Poor boundaries: Struggling to say no or assert your needs, often feeling drained or resentful as a result.

All of these are signs that your body is still trying to protect you from something it believes is dangerous—even if that danger was in the past. Recognizing them is the first step toward healing.

The Path to Healing: Releasing Trauma from the Body

So, how do we break free from the grip of unresolved trauma and its connection to anxiety? The key is not just in understanding the trauma, but in working with the body to release it. Here are a few healing practices that can help:

• Somatic movement is a body-centered practice that encourages us to tune into the sensations and experiences within our body. Rather than just focusing on thoughts or emotions, somatic practices help us become aware of how our body is responding to stress and anxiety. Through gentle, mindful movements, we can release tension and trapped energy, bringing relief to both the body and mind. It’s a powerful way to interrupt the cycle of anxiety, as it helps to create new, healthier patterns of physical and emotional response.
• Nervous system regulation is the process of bringing balance back to this system, helping us shift from a state of stress (sympathetic) to a state of rest and relaxation (parasympathetic). Practices like deep breathing, mindful movement (like yoga or somatic exercises), and grounding techniques can help activate the parasympathetic system, signaling to the body that it’s safe to relax.
• Practicing mindfulness teaches you to stay present with your feelings, even when they’re uncomfortable. This helps train your nervous system to feel safe in the present moment, instead of reacting to old memories.
• Knowing our attachment style, which is formed during childhood based on how we connected with our caregivers and has a profound impact on how we relate to others—and how we experience anxiety. Unhealed attachment wounds can can fuel anxiety, especially in the context of our relationships.
• Reparenting the Inner Child: Many of our traumas stem from unmet needs in childhood. Reparenting involves nurturing your inner child, offering it the love, safety, and reassurance that it didn’t receive back then.

Moving Forward: Healing the Anxiety Within

If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, it’s worth exploring the possibility that unresolved trauma might be part of the story. Healing isn’t always linear, but with compassionate practices and patience, you can start to unravel the anxiety that has been holding you back.

Remember, your past doesn’t have to define your present. By addressing the roots of your anxiety, you open the door to a more peaceful, empowered future.

Take a deep breath. You’re already on the path to healing.

In my yoga therapy program - Body-Focused Healing for Anxiety: Uncovering and Healing the Root Causes of Chronic Stress - we explore these issues and provide body-based practices and supportive guidance to help you regulate your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and manage chronic stress effectively.

Ready to take the next step in your healing journey? To learn more about this life-changing program and discover how you can transform your relationship with stress and anxiety, join our interest list. 

Remember, you’re never alone on this path—I'm right there with you, using and sharing all the resources I have to navigate through life as gracefully as possible.