By Nancy Virden (c)2026 AlwaysTheFight.com

Some wounds to our bodies heal under the protection of a bandage. Other wounds require more complex treatment, even surgery. We store trauma wounds physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

TRAUMA RESPONSES

Trauma is subjective, meaning what happens to one person may create a different reaction in another person with a similar experience. One man told me he fought in Vietnam and has had no problems. Therefore, in his opinion, anyone who suffers PTSD is weak and spoiled. Maybe he got through tough circumstances without the effects of trauma, or perhaps he has denied his emotions for so long that he doesn’t feel anything anymore. It is possible he doesn’t handle emotional connection well at all, but would be hard-pressed to admit it.

Intrusive trauma symptoms include distressing dreams. Both the content and the emotions of the dream are upsetting. Memories one would rather forget can haunt us. Flashbacks are not only remembering the trauma, but also returning to the trauma emotionally and psychologically. One feels as if they are “there” again and may need help coming back to the present reality.

Trauma produces psychological distress in response to reminders. Our bodies may react when our senses experience something negatively familiar. A song, scent, taste, texture, visual, sound, or an experience can produce a visceral feeling of stress or fear.

NOODLE

An exercise that relieves some of the tension is called Noodle. Move your body like a cooked noodle. Go limp and choose a pasta that suits you! Rotini – spin. Angel Hair – stand straight and sway. Egg noodle – be loosey goosey with your movements. Elbow macaroni – bend. and Ravioli – pretend you are floating.

Noodle is a relaxant, keeps your mind on something other than the trauma, and because it is amusing, may make you laugh!

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Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 18:2-6

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
    my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
    and my place of safety.
I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and he saved me from my enemies.

The ropes of death entangled me;
    floods of destruction swept over me.
The grave wrapped its ropes around me;
    death laid a trap in my path.
But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
    yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
    my cry to him reached his ears.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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