Exploring the Connection Between Autoimmune Disorders in Women and Trauma
Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, with research increasingly pointing to a profound connection between trauma, chronic stress, and the development of autoimmune disorders. Understanding this connection can be empowering, especially for those of us who have lived through the painful intersection of trauma and chronic illness. This article explores the science behind trauma's impact on the immune system, provides insights from evidence-based studies, and shares my personal journey of healing from rheumatoid arthritis — a journey that highlighted the powerful role of addressing trauma and regulating the nervous system to find relief from chronic pain.
The Connection Between Trauma and Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and multiple sclerosis, occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Over the past decade, studies have identified trauma and chronic stress as major contributors to autoimmune dysfunction, particularly in women.
Research has shown that chronic stress and trauma can dysregulate the immune system. When we experience trauma, especially in the form of physical or emotional abuse, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol. This constant release over time can lead to an imbalance that eventually impacts immune function, triggering autoimmune responses. A study in Frontiers in Immunology found that traumatic events could lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, with women being significantly more affected than men (Dube et al., 2009). This gender disparity is partially attributed to hormonal differences and social conditioning that may lead women to internalise stress and trauma differently.
Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert in trauma and stress, has described how unresolved trauma and repressed emotions can become "stuck" in the body, leading to chronic conditions. He suggests that autoimmune disorders often arise in individuals who suppress their emotional needs and internalise stress, pointing to the importance of emotional health for physical wellness.
My Personal Experience: The Impact of Trauma on My Health
My journey with rheumatoid arthritis began over ten years ago when I was in my early twenties. At the time, I was in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship while raising three young boys and facing constant stress. Living in survival mode, my body felt like it was betraying me. I had intense joint pain and stiffness, making even basic daily tasks like washing my hair or lifting my children an excruciating ordeal. The rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis felt overwhelming, compounding the feelings of helplessness and frustration I was already experiencing.
The medical treatments prescribed to manage my RA symptoms only seemed to add to my struggles. I was given methotrexate, a powerful immunosuppressant, but my body reacted severely, resulting in toxic shock. Cortisone injections increased my cortisol levels, exacerbating my anxiety and symptoms of stress. Sulfur-based medications and other drugs triggered constant allergic reactions, further wearing down my body’s resilience. My experience mirrors those of countless women who find themselves caught in a cycle of medications that suppress symptoms without addressing the root cause of their illness — the trauma stored within.
The emotional toll was staggering. There I was, a young mother, unable to enjoy precious moments with my children. The physical pain was relentless, but the emotional pain was just as severe. I felt trapped in a body that was failing me, while simultaneously walking on eggshells in a relationship that drained me emotionally. As I began to understand the link between my health, my trauma, and my environment, I realized that healing would need to go beyond medications.
How Trauma Gets "Stuck" in the Body and the Role of the Nervous System
The body holds trauma through a phenomenon known as "somatic memory." Essentially, trauma and unresolved emotions can become stored in the body’s tissues, often manifesting as physical symptoms or chronic illnesses. In those with unresolved trauma, the body remains in a state of high alert, or sympathetic nervous system activation, as though it is constantly preparing to respond to a threat. Over time, this state of hypervigilance disrupts the body’s immune responses and hormone production, leading to inflammation and autoimmune issues.
The key to healing lies in nervous system regulation. By calming the nervous system and promoting a sense of safety, we can help the body move out of a constant "fight or flight" mode and allow it to heal. Practices like breathwork, meditation, and energy healing have been shown to shift the body from sympathetic activation to a parasympathetic, or "rest and digest" state, where true healing can occur.
My Path to Healing: Addressing Trauma and Regulating My Nervous System
As I began to explore alternative healing methods, I found profound relief from practices that targeted my emotional and energetic health rather than just treating the physical symptoms. Here are some key techniques that helped me in my journey:
Energy Healing: I started incorporating energy healing sessions, which allowed me to address the trauma stored in my body. These sessions helped release trapped energy, reduce pain, and bring balance to my energy field. Energy healing taught me to listen to my body and to honor the emotions I had been suppressing for so long.
Breathwork: Practicing conscious breathwork was transformative. Intentional breathing techniques helped me lower my cortisol levels, calm my nervous system, and release pent-up emotions. Regular breathwork enabled me to process difficult memories, gain clarity, and let go of some of the pain that had been lodged in my body.
Sound Healing: Sound healing, through crystal bowls and other vibrational tools, was another powerful component. Sound vibrations helped me access deeper states of relaxation, promoting nervous system regulation and reducing inflammation in my body. The soothing resonance of sound allowed me to release layers of stress and repressed emotions, encouraging healing on both physical and emotional levels.
Mind-Body Practices for Nervous System Regulation: Learning practices like yoga and meditation taught me how to regulate my nervous system and release stress. Yoga helped me reconnect with my body, moving out stored tension while reinforcing a sense of calm and control.
Over time, as I practiced these techniques, I began to experience a profound shift. My pain diminished, and I felt more connected to myself. My nervous system, once locked in survival mode, found a place of rest. Today, I am pain-free, a reality that seemed impossible a decade ago.
The Importance of Addressing Trauma for Lasting Healing
For many people with autoimmune disorders, healing requires a holistic approach that goes beyond medication. While medication can be life-saving and necessary for some, it is crucial to explore the underlying emotional factors that may contribute to these chronic conditions. Trauma-informed healing practices, like energy work, breathwork, sound healing, and somatic therapies, offer a path for individuals to reclaim their health and lives.
Research supports the benefits of mind-body practices in managing autoimmune symptoms. Studies on breathwork and meditation show that these practices reduce cortisol levels and help regulate the immune system (Jerath et al., 2015). Similarly, sound healing and energy therapy have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, essential for those dealing with autoimmune issues.
Finding Hope and Healing
Healing from an autoimmune disorder, especially one triggered by trauma, is not easy. But there is hope. My journey has shown me that true healing involves tending to both body and soul. For women grappling with autoimmune conditions rooted in trauma, know that it is possible to move beyond the pain, to release stored trauma, and to reclaim a sense of joy and vitality.
For those on this journey, consider embracing practices that support the body’s natural ability to heal and reduce stress. By addressing the trauma stored in the body, regulating the nervous system, and exploring holistic therapies, you may find a path to healing that medication alone could never provide.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to look within, to listen to their bodies, and to seek the healing they deserve.