Our life experiences, especially the deeply distressing ones, do more than leave emotional marks; they can have a real, physical impact on our bodies. There is a growing body of evidence showing a significant link between experiencing trauma and developing chronic physical symptoms. For many years, the mind and body were often looked at separately, but health professionals are now increasingly seeing how connected they truly are. Understanding this connection between our minds and bodies is a vital step toward overall wellness and can open up new avenues for feeling better.
Understanding Stress and the Body’s Defences
A traumatic event is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have lasting emotional and psychological effects. This isn’t just about major events; it can be any situation that leaves a person feeling overwhelmed and unsafe. These experiences can lead to long-term or chronic stress. When our body senses danger, it triggers a helpful short-term response to keep us safe. However, when stress becomes chronic, as it often does after trauma, this internal alarm system can get stuck in the ‘on’ position.
Our bodies have a brilliant defence system, known as the immune system. Think of it as your body’s personal security team, constantly working to protect you from outside invaders. Its main job is to identify and attack germs to keep you healthy. However, sometimes this system can get confused. Autoimmune issues occur when this defence system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Long-lasting stress is directly linked to increased inflammation, which is a key physical response that plays a part in many of these symptoms. While stress hormones are meant to help manage this inflammation, constant stress can make the body less responsive to their signals, allowing inflammation to continue when it shouldn’t.
Key Pathways from Mental Health to Physical Symptoms
Researchers are exploring several ways that the experience of trauma can lead to physical health problems. It is important to remember that the impact of trauma varies widely from person to person , and not everyone who goes through a difficult time will develop these issues. Health symptoms are complex and are influenced by many factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. However, the following connections are becoming clearer through scientific studies.
- Immune System Dysregulation: The most direct link is how chronic stress from trauma disrupts the delicate balance of the immune system. A state of constant high alert releases a cascade of stress hormones that can influence how your defence system functions. Studies have shown that individuals who have experienced significant trauma have a higher risk of later developing symptoms associated with autoimmune issues. This may be due to the chronic stress and inflammation associated with the aftermath of trauma.
- Changes in Gene Expression: Stressful experiences do not change our core DNA sequence, but they can influence which of our genes are switched on or off. This process is called epigenetics. Think of your DNA as a huge library of recipe books. Epigenetics doesn’t rewrite the recipes, but it places bookmarks and sticky notes on certain pages, telling your body which recipes to use more or less often. Trauma-related stress can add these “notes,” potentially activating genes that are associated with inflammation and autoimmune responses.
- The Gut-Health Connection: There is a strong communication superhighway between our gut and our brain, often called the gut-brain axis. The health of our gut, which is home to trillions of bacteria, is closely linked to our immune system. Trauma and the chronic stress that follows can disrupt the healthy balance of these gut bacteria. This disruption can contribute to inflammation not just in the gut but throughout the body, potentially influencing a wide range of autoimmune responses.
A Holistic Approach to Your Wellbeing
Acknowledging the deep link between trauma and physical health allows for a more supportive and complete path to feeling better. A holistic approach, which addresses both the physical and mental aspects of these symptoms, can be incredibly beneficial. This view encourages looking beyond just the symptoms to the potential root causes.
This might include:
- Psychotherapy: Engaging in therapy can help address the root cause of trauma in a safe and supportive environment.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Making simple modifications to your daily life can significantly reduce stress and inflammation. This includes eating a nutrient-rich diet, getting regular gentle exercise, and prioritising sleep.
- Stress Reduction Techniques: Body-focused practices like trauma-informed yoga, tai chi, or simple daily meditation can help calm the nervous system. Deep breathing exercises are a powerful tool you can use anytime to manage feelings of overwhelm.
- Community Support: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be very validating and helpful. Support groups provide a space to share and learn from one another in a safe community.
Conclusion
The connection between our minds and our bodies is powerful and undeniable. The emotional impact of trauma is significant, but its physical consequences are just as real and deserve attention and care. The pathways involving chronic stress, inflammation, epigenetic changes, and gut health show that these are not separate issues but are deeply intertwined. While the science is still evolving, the evidence strongly highlights the importance of considering trauma as a potential factor in physical health. By taking a gentle, holistic approach, we can support our body’s natural ability to find balance and promote overall wellness from the inside out.
Medical Disclaimer: This article has been written by a licensed medical professional and is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers should always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or health objectives. Never ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on information presented here.
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References
- Miller AH, Binder EB. Guilt by association: Inflammation and shared genetic risk between stress-related and immune disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 2023;180: 259–261.
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US). Understanding the Impact of Trauma. Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2014.
- Unveiling the Link Between Trauma and Autoimmune Diseases: A Holistic Exploration. In: Immersive Psychology Group [Internet]. [cited 25 Jul 2025]. Available: https://www.immersivepsychologygroup.com/nibh-ut-orci-sodales-tincidunt-quisque-fringilla-3/
- Jara LJ, Medina G, Voorduin S, Romero-Sánchez G, Saavedra MA, Vera-Lastra O. The endocrine system and autoimmunity. Autoimmunity: From Bench to Bedside [Internet]. El Rosario University Press; 2013.
- Katrinli S, Oliveira NCS, Felger JC, Michopoulos V, Smith AK. The role of the immune system in posttraumatic stress disorder. Transl Psychiatry. 2022;12: 313.
Last Updated on July 30, 2025
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