Yes, trauma significantly affects physical health in addition to mental health. Chronic traumatic stress can dysregulate the body’s physiological systems, including immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. Research consistently shows that individuals who experience trauma, especially early in life, are at increased risk for chronic physical illnesses such as heart disease, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, and gastrointestinal disorders (Felitti et al., 1998; Danese & Baldwin, 2017; van der Kolk, 2014).
This connection highlights the importance of integrated trauma-informed care approaches addressing both psychological and physiological dimensions for comprehensive healing and long-term health outcomes.
References:
- Danese, A., & Baldwin, J. R. (2017). Hidden wounds? Inflammatory links between childhood trauma and psychopathology. Annual Review of Psychology, 68(1), 517-544.
- Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., … & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.
- van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.