Photo: Yan Krukov

Where is sadness stored in the body?

Emotional information is stored through “packages” in our organs, tissues, skin, and muscles. These “packages” allow the emotional information to stay in our body parts until we can “release” it. Negative emotions in particular have a long-lasting effect on the body.

communityservices.act.gov.au - Where is trauma stored in the body - Community Services Directorate

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Download Where is trauma stored in the body [PDF 344KB]

Childhood trauma can have a lifelong impact on children and young people’s mental and physical development. Let’s explore what happens to our minds and bodies after exposure to traumatic events.

What is emotional information?

Emotional expression is very important. Experts believe that emotions help us respond to threats by alerting our body to ‘fight’, ‘flight’ or ‘freeze’. Our body reacts the most when experiencing negative emotions (such as fear and stress) as these can keep 5us safe in dangerous situations. But, the feelings often do not go away after the situation has passed. These emotions become emotional information which stays in our bodies as trauma. So, where are these negative emotions in our bodies?

Here are some examples that help explain how our body interprets emotions:

When we are angry, fearful, and anxious, we have increased activity in the chest, back, and upper body. This means our muscles become tense, and our heart beats faster. When we feel love and joy, it fills the entire body. These emotions have a positive effect on the body. They lower the risk for cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, enable better sleep and can improve the diet.

How can emotions harm your body?

Anger affects your liver

Fear affects your kidneys

Grief affects your lungs

Stress affects your heart

Worry affects your stomach

How you can help

Help children and young people in your care release the negative emotions stored in their body: Try to maintain a predictable and consistent environment with stable routines. This will help the child or young person feel safe and secure. Explore calming strategies and mindfulness exercises that the child or young person enjoys. Patterned, repetitive, and rhythmic activities can also help. These include listening or dancing to music with a strong beat, jumping on a trampoline or doing a puzzle. Always listen to the child or young person if they are retelling their experience. It is vital to give them time to cope with their emotions, accept what they say, and be curious. Try not to be intrusive or judgmental. Gently help the child or young person to identify and understand their emotions. Reassure them that it is safe for them to express their feelings and that they have support.

Learn more

Here to help! Come and talk to us if you’d like more practical ways you can be trauma informed. Note: The terms ‘child’ and ‘children’ also refer to ‘young person’ and ‘young people’. Hillei, A., Yaacov, T.& Alexander, T. (2012). Body Cues, Not Facial Expressions, Discriminate Between Intense Positive and Negative Emotions. Nummenmaa L, Glerean E, Hari R, Hietanen JK. (2014). Bodily maps of emotions.

Published 2022 – Update the year as relevant

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