When examining the effects of trauma on the body, researchers have found that trauma can lead to various difficulties with physical health, which we will discuss in more detail below.
Before we begin any discussion about the effects of trauma, it is important to remind ourselves that healing and resilience are possible. Many factors can prevent these effects from occurring in the first place, and many factors can lead to their healing if they have occurred.
Our purpose here is to learn about potential ways trauma can adversely impact people, so that we can then use this knowledge to create trauma-informed, healing ministries.
If you begin to feel overwhelmed at any point when reading this article, please pause and seek guidance from a trained mental health professional, a trusted friend, or a mentor.
Trauma and Illness
Overall, exposure to trauma is associated with more physical illness (1), difficulties with physical functioning and doctor’s visits (2), and worse self-rated physical health (3). Additionally, trauma is associated with a greater risk of the following:
- Cardiovascular disease (4)
- Diabetes (4)
- Gastrointestinal problems (4)
- Cancer (4)
- Musculoskeletal difficulties and diseases (5)
- Fibromyalgia (6)
- Fatigue (6)
- Arthritis (6)
- Psoriasis (6)
Why These Effects of Trauma on the Body May Occur
Researchers are still trying to determine how trauma can cause physical health problems. They have proposed a few ideas:
- After trauma, the nervous system tends to continue to react as if the trauma is occurring, causing more stress hormones to be released. This secretion of stress hormones can lead to more inflammation and disease (2)
- Increased negative emotions, such as anger, which are more likely after experiencing trauma, could cause physical health problems (7)
- A PTSD diagnosis increases the risk of physical health issues after trauma (6). One study found that the sleep problems of PTSD, such as insomnia and nightmares, are a way PTSD can lead to physical health problems after trauma, since good sleep is so vital to health (8)
- Alexithymia is another proposed mechanism. It is a fancy term for not being able to name one’s emotions. This can make regulating emotions hard, leading the nervous system to keep secreting stress hormones (9).
Conclusion
Overall, trauma exposure is associated with physical health problems, especially when the trauma exposure causes difficulties with emotions, regulation of stress hormones, and PTSD.
There is hope for healing and resilience following exposure to trauma. If you or someone you know may be suffering from these negative effects of trauma, please visit the healing resources page to begin your healing journey.