Stress and PTSD go hand in hand. Post-traumatic stress disorder functions within the body and mind by creating dysfunction in the body and mind, specifically the nervous system. PTSD can be called a disorder of the nervous system due to the way it causes deregulation in the production of stress hormones. Overtime the stress of trauma and the stress of PTSD stress out the body, weakening the immune system.
A new study has found that one of the many effects of chronic stress in the body may be autoimmune diseases. The study published in JAMA, Journal of the American Medical Association, was lead by researchers at the University of Iceland, Reyjavik. Researchers focused on patients in Sweden diagnosed with “stress-related disorders”, according to Healthline. Specifically, the patients were diagnosed between 1981 and 2013. Patients’ information was compared to the patients’ siblings, approximately 126,000 of them, as well as more than one million people who were never diagnosed with a stress-related disorder. Conclusively, researchers found that patients with stress-related disorders were at higher risk of having autoimmune diseases as well. More than 40 autoimmune diseases were evaluated for the study. Important to note is that the study did not prove causation, meaning there is no evidence from this study which distinctly indicates stress-related disorders like PTSD cause autoimmune disorders. What the study did find is an undeniable association linking the two disorders together.
Autoimmune disorders are, uncoincidentally, agitated by stress. People living with diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, for example, experience worsened symptoms when their systems are stressed. Stress can be anything from environmental factors to weather, inflammatory foods, emotional stress, sugar, strenuous physical exercise, and more. Creating stress creates inflammation, which directly worsens symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Someone living with PTSD is under chronic stress, especially when they have not received treatment or sought therapy. Stress agitates their autoimmune disorders, activating their symptoms, and causing even more stress.
Living a recovery lifestyle means living in a holistic way which supports the health and balance between mind, body, and spirit. Eating well, living well, and feeling well take work and dedication which are part of recovery. By finding the source of stress and resolving it, people reduce stress, regulate stress, and manage stress. Recovery from trauma is recovery from stress and living for a healthier, happier life.
The Guest House Ocala specializes in the treatment of trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues like anxiety. Everyone has a story. If you are living with unmanageable anxiety as a result of trauma it is critical for you to know, you are not alone. Help is available. You can and you will recover. Call us today for information on our custom plans of treatment and our private luxury care: 1-855-483-7800