The Link Between Trauma and Autoimmune Disorders
Anyone with an autoimmune disorder knows that the path to healing is murky. It can take a long time to get a diagnosis. We are told it’s not a real thing. It’s difficult to find healthcare professionals who understand, and, way too often, we don’t get the answers on how to live a fuller life. We may face the stigma of unseen illness, which impacts our personal life, work life, and how we move through the world. It’s not just the physical manifestation of autoimmune conditions like chronic fatigue, pain, heat or cold intolerance-the list goes on- but the emotional fallout from no longer being able to do the things we once did. This can potentially cause us to lose familiar, social support and force us in to isolation. Trauma Informed Somatic Therapy/ Somatic Experiencing® can help us live more comfortably in our bodies, decrease the frequency and intensity of flare ups and help us reengage in life.
Many people don’t realize the deep connection between trauma, chronic stress, and autoimmune disorders. If you’ve struggled with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia, you might be wondering why your body seems to be working against you. Research now shows that early childhood trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress can dysregulate the immune system, leading to inflammation and autoimmune disease.
What Are Autoimmune Disorders?
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation and damage to tissues and organs. Some common conditions include:
• Rheumatoid arthritis (joints)
• Lupus (skin, joints, and organs)
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (thyroid)
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) (nervous system)
• Fibromyalgia (widespread pain and fatigue)
While genetics and infections can play a role, chronic stress and unresolved trauma are now recognized as significant contributing factors.
How Trauma Affects the Nervous System
When we experience trauma—whether a single incident or chronic childhood adversity (ACEs)—our nervous system becomes dysregulated. This means:
• The body remains in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn mode for extended periods.
• Chronic stress hormones, or cortisol, release increases inflammation.
• The immune system becomes overactive, attacking healthy tissues.
This prolonged state of dysregulation leads to autoimmune symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and flare-ups.
The Science Behind Trauma and Autoimmune Disorders
- The ACE Study and Autoimmune Risk
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study found that individuals with high ACE scores (exposure to childhood trauma) are significantly more likely to develop chronic illnesses, including autoimmune diseases.
- The Role of Cortisol and Chronic Stress
When the body releases stress hormones for too long, it can:
• Suppress the immune system (leading to illness)
• Trigger excessive inflammation (leading to autoimmune conditions)
• Cause gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of the good and bad bacteria in the intestines), which affects immune regulation
- Inflammation: The Common Link
Both trauma and autoimmune diseases are associated with chronic inflammation. When the nervous system remains in a hypervigilant state, the body perceives threats even when none exist, leading to constant immune activation.
How Somatic Experiencing® and Trauma Therapy Can Help
Traditional talk therapy is helpful, but healing trauma stored in the body requires nervous system regulation techniques like Somatic Experiencing® (SE).
• Helps the nervous system return to a state of safety and balance
• Reduces fight-or-flight responses that contribute to inflammation
• Encourages body awareness to release stored trauma
Through trauma therapy and body-based interventions, many clients notice reduced pain, fewer flare-ups, and increased energy. They are not meant to be a “cure” or substitute for medical intervention. These techniques gently support your mind and body and aid in symptom reduction.
Practical Steps for Healing
In addition to therapy, there are some ways to support your immune system on your own. This can feel overwhelming for a lot of us, especially when we are already worn out from our symptoms. Self-care can feel like one more thing that’s hard to accomplish. Be gentle and do what you can. It is more about taking small steps to support our bodies at a pace we can tolerate. You don’t have to be an expert on mindfulness or eat the perfect diet to benefit.
- Nervous System Regulation
• Grounding exercises, mindful movement (yoga, qigong, gentle stretching) - Self-Compassion and Emotional Processing
• Inner child work to heal early attachment wounds
• Safe emotional expression (we can do this with a therapist, or through journaling and creative expression)
• Meditation and mindfulness to reduce reactivity- it’s helpful to work with a therapist or teacher to learn techniques that work for you. - Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle Changes
• Reduce inflammatory foods (processed sugar, dairy, gluten if sensitive)
• Prioritize sleep (healing happens during deep rest)
• Stay connected—healthy relationships regulate the nervous system
If you’re struggling with an autoimmune disorder and suspect trauma may be a factor, know that healing is possible. By working with a therapist trained in Somatic Experiencing® and trauma therapy, you can begin to regulate your nervous system, reduce inflammation, and support your body’s healing process.
Would you like to know more about how I can help you heal?
I specialize in trauma-informed therapy and somatic healing. If you’re ready to explore how nervous system regulation can support your health, contact me for a consultation.