Exploring the Long-Term Effects of Trauma on Physical Health

The lasting impact of childhood trauma on physical health is increasingly coming into focus, as evidenced by the experiences of individuals like **Jennifer Young**, a long-term melanoma survivor. Young’s journey illustrates how past medical procedures can have enduring consequences, contributing to present-day health issues such as chronic neck pain.

At **38**, Young received a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease in her cervical spine, a condition so severe it resembled the wear and tear expected from years of heavy labor. As a suburban mother and college professor, she found it perplexing to connect her lifestyle to this debilitating condition. Reflecting on her life, she began to question whether her long-ago surgery to remove a malignant tumor at the base of her skull could be linked to her ongoing discomfort.

During a session with her acupuncturist, **Jade**, Young recounted her medical history. “When I was in college, I had a malignant tumor removed from the base of my skull,” she shared. The procedure had left not just physical scars, but emotional ones as well. Jade’s probing questions led Young to realize that her chronic pain might stem from unresolved issues related to her past trauma.

Young described the moment when Jade examined her neck, tracing the scar left from her surgery. “It was as if a flood of memories rushed back,” she recalled. She recognized that the emotional trauma she faced as a young adult was intertwined with her current physical ailments. Research indicates that up to **70%** of adults in the **United States** have experienced some form of traumatic event, underscoring the widespread nature of trauma and its potential effects on health.

As Young reflected on her experiences, she began to understand the crucial interplay between mental and physical health. **Bessel van der Kolk**, a prominent psychiatrist, emphasizes this connection in his book “The Body Keeps the Score,” stating that trauma often involves not being seen or acknowledged. This lack of recognition can lead to physical manifestations of unresolved emotions, resulting in conditions like chronic pain.

The conversation with Jade prompted Young to confront her past, including the emotional scars from her cancer diagnosis at **19**. She recognized that her attempts to hide these scars—both physical and emotional—had only intensified her struggles. “It dawned on me that I had been holding that broken girl deep inside of me for too long,” she reflected.

By acknowledging her scars, Young found a path to healing. She has started to engage more openly with her past, reflecting on her experiences and sharing her journey with others. Recently, she submitted a survivor profile to a melanoma community on social media, including a photo of her surgical scar. This act of vulnerability connected her with others who have faced similar battles, reinforcing the idea that healing is not about erasing the past but rather integrating every part of oneself.

Young’s story highlights the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of trauma. As she continues her journey, she encourages others to recognize their own scars—visible or hidden—as part of their unique narratives. The process of healing, she suggests, begins when individuals are willing to confront their past experiences and allow their stories to be told. In doing so, they can reclaim their identities and foster a sense of wholeness that embraces both their struggles and their resilience.