When people think of bullying, they often imagine obvious signs — bruises, tears, or visible isolation. But sometimes, the real damage hides beneath the surface.
Your body can store trauma for years, quietly expressing it through physical symptoms.
As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains in The Body Keeps the Score (get it here), the body doesn’t just “remember” emotional pain — it manifests it.
In my own life, bullying didn’t just hurt my feelings. It changed my body.
How Bullying Trauma Shows Up in the Body
1. Skin Problems (Acne, Rashes, Breakouts)
Stress is a major trigger for inflammatory skin conditions. When your nervous system is constantly in “fight or flight” mode, your body produces more cortisol, which can worsen acne and other skin flare-ups.
2. Gastrointestinal Issues
The gut is often called the “second brain.” Chronic stress from bullying can lead to IBS, chronic stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, or unexplained nausea.
Internal link opportunity: Link “emotional bullying” to your Emotional Bullying page to connect mind-body effects.
3. Fluctuating Weight (Loss or Gain)
For some, trauma suppresses appetite, leading to weight loss. For others, it prompts emotional eating as a way to self-soothe. Both are common responses to ongoing stress.
Why the Body Stores Trauma
Your body is wired for survival. When bullying triggers repeated stress responses, your brain and body adapt — even if that means holding onto tension, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance.
In The Body Keeps the Score, van der Kolk explains how trauma reshapes the nervous system and can linger long after the events end.
If you want to go deeper into this research, you can find the book here.
Signs Your Body Might Be Holding on to Bullying Trauma
- Recurring headaches or migraines
- Chronic fatigue
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Unexplained changes in appetite or digestion
Healing From the Inside Out
1. Acknowledge the Source
Recognizing that physical symptoms may be linked to past or ongoing bullying is the first step toward healing.
2. Seek Trauma-Informed Care
Therapists trained in somatic experiencing, EMDR, or other body-based approaches can help release stored trauma.
3. Support Your Body
Gentle movement, nutrition that supports gut health, and mindfulness practices can help reset your nervous system.
Final Thoughts
Bullying doesn’t just live in your memories — it can live in your body.
From skin flare-ups to gut issues to weight changes, these signs are your body’s way of telling you it’s still processing pain. The good news is, with awareness, compassion, and the right support, your body can begin to let go.
If you’ve ever felt your body was telling you a story you didn’t fully understand, The Body Keeps the Score is a must-read. Get your copy here.
