Many people live with patterns of anxiety, stress or physical symptoms without realising that past experiences may still be shaping how they feel.
In this episode of The Choice Space, Dr Lee David speaks with Dr Susanna Petche, GP and founder of Trauma Sense, about why trauma is often missed – and how it can affect both mind and body in ways that are not always obvious.
The conversation explores how trauma is often not recognised at the time it happens, and may not be named or understood until many years later. This can make it harder to connect present-day experiences with what has come before, particularly when there is no clear or conscious memory linking the two.
When experiences are not fully acknowledged
One of the key ideas in this episode is that trauma is not only about what happened, but also about what followed. When experiences are not seen, heard or acknowledged, the impact can deepen over time.
This might mean that someone carries an experience without ever having it recognised by others. In some cases, it may have been minimised or dismissed. In others, it may never have been spoken about at all. Without that acknowledgement, it can be harder to process what has happened or to make sense of the emotional and physical responses that follow.
This can influence how safe life feels, how we relate to other people, and how we see ourselves. It may show up as finding it hard to trust, feeling on edge in certain situations, or noticing reactions that feel difficult to explain. Over time, this lack of recognition can lead to confusion or self-doubt about what is being experienced.
How trauma shows up in everyday life
The episode reflects on how trauma responses can appear in ways that don’t always seem directly connected to the past. This might include anxiety, low mood, physical symptoms, or reactions that feel out of proportion to what is happening in the moment.
For some people, this may show up as a constant sense of alertness or tension. For others, it might be more subtle – a sense of unease, difficulty switching off, or feeling overwhelmed in situations that seem manageable to others. These responses can vary widely, and they may change over time.
They also discuss how trauma can be reflected in physical health. Ongoing stress responses can affect the body in different ways, including digestive symptoms, pain, fatigue or changes in breathing and heart rate. When these symptoms don’t have a clear explanation, it can add another layer of uncertainty and frustration.
The role of the body and triggers
A key theme in the conversation is how the body holds and responds to past experiences. Trauma is not just something that is remembered cognitively – it is often experienced physically.
Triggers can occur through sights, sounds, environments or interactions, but they can also arise through internal sensations such as a change in breathing or heart rate. These responses often happen quickly and outside of conscious awareness, which can make them feel confusing or difficult to control.
This can help explain why certain situations lead to strong reactions without a clear or obvious reason. Over time, these patterns may become familiar, even if they are not fully understood.
Making sense of reactions that don’t feel clear
When reactions feel difficult to understand, it is common for people to turn towards self-criticism or blame. There may be a sense that something is wrong, or that these responses should be easier to manage.
The conversation explores how reframing these responses as protective can begin to shift that perspective. Many trauma responses develop as ways of coping or staying safe in earlier situations. Even if they are no longer helpful in the present, they often have an understandable origin.
Recognising this can create a different starting point. Instead of focusing on changing or suppressing reactions, there is an opportunity to begin with understanding. This can support a more compassionate way of relating to ourselves, particularly in moments that feel overwhelming or confusing.
The importance of being seen and understood
The discussion highlights how important it is to feel seen and believed. Being acknowledged by another person can make a meaningful difference, particularly when experiences have previously been dismissed or minimised.
This does not require specialist knowledge or the right words. Often, it is about a simple human response – listening, acknowledging and recognising what someone has been through.
This kind of response can help create a sense of safety and connection. It can also support people in beginning to make sense of their experiences in a way that feels less isolating.
Self-compassion and small steps forward
The episode also explores the role of self-compassion and curiosity. Rather than trying to fix or push away difficult experiences, it may help to gently notice patterns and responses as they arise.
This might involve pausing to recognise what is happening in the moment, or noticing how the body is responding in certain situations. Over time, this awareness can create a little more space between the experience and the reaction.
They also reflect on how small, everyday actions can support wellbeing. This includes movement, rest, connection with others and creating moments of enjoyment. These approaches may seem simple, but they can play an important role in helping the body and mind feel more settled.
Building a foundation for support
Alongside these individual approaches, the conversation reflects on when additional support may be helpful. For some people, this may involve speaking to a health professional or exploring therapy.
There are different ways of approaching this, and it does not always involve revisiting past experiences in detail. Some approaches focus more on understanding current patterns, building regulation skills or working with the body.
Starting with small, manageable steps can help create a foundation for further support if and when it feels right. This can make the process feel more accessible and less overwhelming.
Choice space takeaways – small, workable steps
- Notice moments where your reaction feels stronger than expected
- Be curious about what might be happening underneath
- Allow space for your response without rushing to change it
- Explore small ways to support your body through movement or rest
- Seek out people who respond with understanding and care
A more compassionate way to understand trauma
This conversation offers a reminder that trauma is often less visible than we expect, but its effects can still shape how we experience daily life. Bringing awareness to these patterns can support a more compassionate and realistic way of understanding ourselves and others.
About the host
Dr Lee David is a GP, CBT therapist and author specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Lee has written many books on CBT, mindfulness and teen wellbeing, and speaks regularly at conferences and in the media. Away from work she enjoys running, hiking, singing in a choir and spending time outdoors with her family. You can find Lee through her website and on Instagram, TikTok (@dr.lee.david), Facebook and LinkedIn. You can find more about her books, wellbeing courses and therapy here: https://linktr.ee/dr.lee.david
About the guest
Dr Susanna Petche is a GP with over 25 years’ experience and the founder of Trauma Sense. Her work focuses on improving understanding of trauma and its wider impact on health. She integrates insights from neuroscience, functional medicine and coaching to support individuals and professionals. Through her teaching, speaking and clinical work, she aims to bring greater awareness to how trauma can be recognised and understood in everyday life.
You can contact Susanna via her website, Instagram and watch her TEDx talk
