Learning How Our Bodies Keep Score
I first saw “The Body Keeps The Score” by Bessel Van Der Kolk all over social media, primarily TikTok. Two things I gleaned from watching booktok reviews: our body stores trauma, and apparently hips have something to do with it? I was skeptical, but after finally folding and buying a copy from Powells, this book has had me in a chokehold, while also aggressively holding my face up to a mirror.
In this book, Kolk explores how our bodies and minds are impacted by traumatic events caused by abuse and neglect. If we do not address our trauma or seek help, they can appear in our bodies in a multitude of ways, including autoimmune conditions, depression, addiction, and more. Thus, the body keeps the score. And often, we don’t know that our mental state or past traumas are causing our current conditions.
Because this book is so dense, it’s been taking me months to read through. I’m normally a quick reader, but when it comes to nonfiction or a book where I need to take notes, I take my time. It can be difficult sifting through all of the content because many studies are mentioned and referenced, so I imagine that I will re-read this book before fully grasping the topic. Another reason why this is a longer read is because some of it is painful to digest. For myself, some chapters are highly relatable to the point where I have to put the book down and take a breather. Sometimes the revelation feels good - “I knew it!” moment - but still painful.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. Not only is it a great tool for understanding ourselves, but in beginning to understand others as well and to act with compassion. Kolk is adamant that a major factor in recovery is involvement in a positive society - engaging with family and friends, be it through a sport, support group, or any shared interest.
As someone with a family history of thyroid issues and who struggles with hormonal imbalance and mental health, The Body Keeps The Score was an eye opener. It made me realize that some issues may run deeper than I first imagined, that body and mind truly are connected. I thought to myself: maybe I’m not messed up, maybe I’ve just been in survival mode for so long that I’m finally learning how to care for myself. And reading this book is one step in that direction of self-care, no matter how painful.
