Connection to Trauma and Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases are some of the most debilitating conditions one can suffer from, with over 100 known autoimmune diseases including Hashimotos, Graves, Celiac, Psoriasis, Chrohns, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes and more. One study estimates that about 80% of all patients diagnosed with autoimmune diseases are women. While there is a lot more that can be considered when it comes to treating autoimmune disease (including gut health, liver stress, balancing blood sugar levels and lowering inflammation), there is a lesser talked about factor that should not be overlooked — unresolved trauma.

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I myself have had my own autoimmune issues in the form of Eczema and some even consider PCOS to be autoimmune. Yet went years seeking out help from conventional practitioners, holistic practitioners, and functional doctors without so much as a conversation about the possibility of trauma or nervous system dysregulation.

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Understanding Trauma and Its Connection to Autoimmune Diseases

Unresolved trauma is a major source of chronic inflammation in the body. This inflammation can cause an array of symptoms and lead to the development of many autoimmune conditions. Therefore, it’s important to understand how unresolved trauma affects our bodies on both a physical and emotional level if we want to find success in managing our symptoms, reducing flare-ups, or even having a chance at putting an autoimmune condition into remission.

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When our bodies experience traumatic events – whether they’re physical or emotional – they respond by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into our bloodstreams. These hormones are meant to help us cope with difficult situations in the short term but when they become chronic due to unresolved issues or suppressed emotions they can wreak havoc on our minds and bodies over time leading us down a path towards autoimmune disease.

The Mind-Body-Spirit Approach Towards Healing

Given this understanding of how unresolved trauma can contribute to autoimmune diseases it’s important for those suffering from these conditions to take a holistic approach towards healing by addressing all aspects of their being — mind, body and spirit — rather than just focusing on symptom management alone.

This means taking the time to explore any underlying emotional issues that may be contributing to your condition as well as engaging in activities such as yoga or meditation which have been shown to reduce stress levels. It also means looking at ways you can improve your diet or lifestyle choices in order to reduce inflammation and boost your immune system at the same time.

Lastly, it involves being mindful of how certain environmental factors such as toxins or allergens could be contributing negatively towards your condition as well. All these things together will give you the best chance at achieving long term relief from your autoimmune disease!

All in all, while autoimmunity is very complex and requires many different considerations when it comes to treatment plans; addressing unresolved trauma should not be overlooked as an important factor for those suffering from these conditions. By taking a holistic approach towards healing — one that considers the mind-body-spirit connection — those living with autoimmunity have a much better chance at achieving long-term relief from their condition! With proper care and attention anyone can learn how best manage their own unique set of circumstances surrounding their autoimmunity journey so don’t forget – you are not alone!

How to Get Support?

If you are a wellness coach or practitioner that works with clients that have autoimmune diseases then it is important to become trauma informed. Wellness Code Academy practitioner certification program is a dynamic, trauma-informed, beyond-the-biochemical, and truly holistic coaching system that takes…

The deepest dive ever into healing the gut, brain, nervous system, and mitochondria—and also taps into the power of the subconscious mind to support healing the psyche? Learn more HERE.

Learn more about my approach with clients: My Health and Healing Philosophy

I believe ANY HEALING JOURNEY ultimately needs to involve addressing BOTH the body and the mind in the proper way and in the proper order which will be highly individual.  

It also is a HUGE reason why I see many feel stuck on their own healing journeys because this concept hasn’t been adequately acknowledged, understood or addressed.