What counts as childhood trauma?

Childhood trauma refers to any event that causes significant emotional, physical, or psychological harm or distress to a child ( 3 ). This can include abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, exposure to violence, and natural disasters. However, it’s important to recognize that not all children who are exposed to the same trauma will necessarily experience the effects in the same way. Trauma is deeply personal and complex, and each child’s response can be influenced by factors such as the presence of healthy support systems, coping strategies, and their developmental stage ( 24 ).

Where is trauma stored in the body?

For many people with unresolved trauma, it may manifest itself physically in the body as muscle tension, discomfort, or even chronic pain ( 31 ). It can also appear in the nervous system, triggering trauma responses as a reaction to threatening or dangerous situations ( 32 ). Body-based approaches such as somatic experiencing may release this stored tension, using the mind-body connection to process trauma more holistically ( 30 ).

Does crying release trauma?

Crying can be a natural emotional release, allowing you to release pent-up tension, distress, and negative emotions healthily. While crying alone may not be enough to fully resolve trauma, it can be a useful self-soothing technique for expressing difficult emotions and providing temporary emotional relief ( 33 ).