❤️‍🩹 5 Key Ideas from the Body Keeps the Score

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The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is a book about trauma

Its about Trauma and its effects on the brain and body.

It explains how traumatic experiences can change brain function, leading to emotional and physical symptoms.

The book also explores different treatment methods to help people heal from trauma.

First off, what is trauma?

What is Trauma?

In The Body Keeps the Score, trauma is defined not simply as the event itself but as the way a person responds to it.

According to Bessel van der Kolk, trauma occurs when an experience is so overwhelming that it leaves a lasting imprint on the brain and body. It is not just about experiencing something distressing but about how the body and mind react—often leading to a state of helplessness, confusion, rage, or collapse.

The book also emphasizes that trauma is different from everyday stress.

While stress ends when the situation is over, trauma lingers because the body continues to relive the experience, reacting to mild stressors as if they are life-threatening.

Moreover, trauma changes the brain, particularly the survival-focused parts, making it difficult for individuals to feel safe even after the traumatic event has passed.

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Let’s look at the top 5 key ideas from the book - The Body Keeps the Score

1. Trauma Changes the Brain

Traumatic experiences rewire the brain, affecting memory, emotions, and the ability to process stress.

Parts of the brain responsible for rational thinking may shut down, while survival mechanisms become overactive, making it difficult to feel safe or in control.

2. The Body Stores Trauma

Trauma is not just mental; it manifests physically through tension, pain, and chronic health issues.

The body reacts as if the trauma is still happening, leading to symptoms like muscle stiffness, digestive issues, and autoimmune disorders.

3. Healing Requires Reconnecting the Mind and Body

Recovery involves restoring the connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.

Many trauma survivors feel disconnected from their bodies, so therapies that promote mindfulness and body awareness can help them regain a sense of control.

4. Different Healing Approaches Exist

Healing methods include top-down (talk therapy), medication, and bottom-up (body-focused) approaches.

While talk therapy helps process trauma verbally, body-based therapies address the physical imprints of trauma and can be more effective for some individuals.

5. Relationships and Support Are Essential

Safe, trusting relationships and strong support systems play a crucial role in trauma recovery.

Having a supportive community or therapist helps trauma survivors feel heard, validated, and less isolated in their healing journey.

Further Reading

More Summaries of the body keeps the score

Do let me know what you think of the book and the 5 key ideas I highlighted here.

That’s it for today.

See you next week 👋

Cheers,

Ayush & Aditi