Epigenetic changes are changes which take place in a gene’s functioning. Early exposure to significant amounts of trauma in childhood has been linked to epigenetic changes. For example, Popular Science explains that “The changes in those genes, noted in both human and rodent studies, cause cortisol levels to stay elevated for longer during stressful events, and make it harder for the body to relax.”
Post-traumatic stress disorder includes stress for a reason. Cortisol is a stress hormone, its release activated by a threat to survival, also known as stress. Living with active trauma or active PTSD is living in a constant state of stress as a constant state of survival in “fight or flight mode”, meaning, cortisol is producing when it shouldn’t. Chronic stress both emotionally, physically, and chemically means chronic stress molecularly and genetically as well. Cars cannot run efficiently with the emergency break on. Eventually, the functioning parts of the car wear down. Such is the case with genes.
“Cortisol is also involved in the immune system,” Popular Science writes, “so epigenetic changes to its normal function leave people more vulnerable to illness throughout their lives.” Research has found that stress weakens molecules over time, causing more inflammation. Inflammation weakens the immune system, leaving the body more vulnerable to illness both physical and mental. Depression, PTSD, psychiatric disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, heart diseases, cancers, and other illnesses are a higher risk for adults who have experienced childhood trauma.
Intervention is possible
Treatment and therapy intervene with the patterns of stress created by trauma. Learning how to regulate stress in every way for mind, body, and spirit transforms the effect stress has on our holistic being. Studies have found that while trauma changes the genes, recovery also changes the genes. Recovery changes the genes in such a way that trauma is no longer generational, meaning its effects cannot be passed on. Instead, the strength and resilience of recovery is passed to the next generation.
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