Cedar Rapids, IA — While the psychological effects of trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are widely recognized, new research is uncovering how trauma also impacts the body, potentially shortening lifespans and leading to serious health complications.
Trauma doesn’t just manifest in the mind. It alters brain chemistry, accelerates cellular aging, and weakens the immune system. In turn, these physical changes can increase the risk of chronic illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. According to Wendy Stokesbary, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at the Kind Heart Center in Cedar Rapids, many of her clients report chronic headaches, digestive issues, and other stress-related ailments that, over time, may lead to more severe health conditions.
However, experts emphasize that disease is not inevitable. There are proactive steps individuals can take to mitigate the long-term effects of trauma and reduce the impact of chronic stress on the body.
The Body’s Response to Trauma
Trauma can stem from a single traumatic event, like a car accident or the sudden loss of a loved one. However, prolonged exposure to stress — whether from childhood abuse, bullying, or workplace pressures — can also have profound physical effects. Studies have linked chronic stress to a host of health problems, including muscle tension, digestive disturbances, headaches, sleep disorders, heart disease, and even increased vulnerability to cancer.
Furthermore, trauma accelerates biological aging. It disrupts the gut microbiome, which is critical to immune function, metabolism, and overall health. A damaged microbiome can negatively affect the body’s metabolic, endocrine, immune, and nervous systems, contributing to long-term health issues.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Long-Term Health Risks
Individuals who experience trauma in childhood are particularly vulnerable to health problems later in life. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) — which include exposure to violence, neglect, substance abuse, or mental health struggles within the family — have been linked to a higher risk of chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
“Research shows a direct correlation between the number of ACEs someone experiences and their likelihood of developing various diseases in adulthood,” Stokesbary explained. For example, those with four or more ACEs are six times more likely to suffer from clinical depression than individuals with no ACEs, according to ACEs 360 Iowa. These higher ACE scores also correlate with increased risks of diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders such as arthritis.
Despite these risks, the impact of childhood trauma can be mitigated through supportive, nurturing environments. “Children who experience trauma benefit greatly from love and connection,” Stokesbary said. “A safe, stable environment and strong social relationships can buffer the harmful effects.”
The Stress Response: A Double-Edged Sword
Stress, in itself, is not inherently harmful. It can serve as a vital response to danger, helping individuals focus and react quickly. However, prolonged exposure to stress, especially when the body’s stress response system remains activated, can have serious consequences.
During a stressful situation, the body releases cortisol, the hormone responsible for the “fight or flight” response. In normal circumstances, cortisol levels drop once the stressor is over. But with chronic stress, this system is continuously triggered, resulting in consistently high cortisol levels. This imbalance can cause long-term damage at a cellular level, weakening the body’s resilience and leading to the development of various physical ailments.
For individuals with PTSD, the body’s fear response system becomes dysregulated, heightening sensitivity to perceived threats. This persistent state of hyper-alertness further compounds the damage.
Managing Stress in the Moment
Stokesbary offers several practical strategies to help individuals manage acute stress and return to a calm, centered state:
- Step away from the stressor: If possible, remove yourself from the stressful environment.
- Practice mindfulness: Take a moment to focus on your breathing and ground yourself in the present.
- Engage in grounding techniques: Step outside and touch the earth, or try deep breathing exercises to reorient yourself.
- Find healthy distractions: Listen to calming music, engage in a creative activity, or exercise.
- Try somatic techniques: Physical methods like tapping — which involves gently tapping on specific points of the body — can help reset the nervous system.
“The key is to move the focus away from the mind and into the body,” Stokesbary said. “Activities like walking or other bilateral movements are especially helpful in calming the nervous system.”
Treatment for Trauma and PTSD
The growing understanding of how trauma affects both the mind and body has opened the door to more effective treatments. Seeking help from a trauma-informed therapist is one of the most important steps in addressing the long-term effects of trauma. Therapists use evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a treatment that integrates physical movements with talk therapy.
“EMDR combines somatic techniques with cognitive processing, making it particularly effective in addressing trauma,” Stokesbary noted. The therapy aims to help the brain process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional intensity, allowing individuals to regain control over their reactions.
For those seeking treatment, a primary care physician or health insurance provider can help identify local therapists skilled in trauma recovery.
Conclusion
The effects of trauma are far-reaching, impacting not only mental health but also physical wellbeing. While the road to recovery can be long, understanding the connection between trauma and its physical consequences is the first step in healing. By seeking professional help and practicing self-care techniques, individuals can reduce the impact of chronic stress, improving both their mental and physical health.
