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Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their…

“Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and…” quote by Bessel van der Kolk
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“Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from their selves.”

Bessel van der Kolk

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Trauma embeds itself in bodily sensations, causing chronic hypervigilance and emotional numbness.

In simple terms: Trauma lives in the body.

Key Takeaway

Reconnect with bodily signals for healing.

Themes

trauma body awareness psychological safety

Mood

somatic introspective

Type

psychological self-help

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • stressful work
  • intimate relationships

Key Concepts

neuroscience somatic therapy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What sensations do you avoid?
  • How can you safely notice them?
A Different Perspective

Healing requires confronting, not just ignoring, bodily cues.

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