Monarch Integrative Coaching
Trauma Informed Mindbody Integrative Coaching
Supporting the Integration of Mind, Body and Soul
Teresa Hobbs, CTRC
Understanding the Connection Between Trauma, Stress, and Illness
Stress can take many forms—emotional, physical, biological, or environmental—and our bodies respond to all of them in similar ways. Whether you're facing a tough conversation with a loved one or encountering a real-life danger, your body triggers the same stress response system (SRS) to prepare for action. This system is essential for survival, activating when it detects threats, whether from within (like an illness) or outside (like an imminent danger).
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In a healthy response, the SRS helps us shift from repair and rest to defense mode, allowing us to handle challenges effectively. Once the perceived threat is resolved, the body should ideally return to a balanced state of homeostasis. However, when the nervous system is overwhelmed—often due to unresolved trauma or chronic stress—the SRS can get "stuck" in the ON position. This means your body continues to respond defensively even when the danger has passed, leading to a host of health issues.
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When your body remains in this defensive state for too long, it hinders essential functions like cellular repair and metabolism. Instead of healing, the body may start to break down, leading to metabolic and immune dysfunction, which can manifest as various illnesses.
Moreover, a hyperactivated SRS can distort your perception of safety, making your brain overly sensitive to stimuli. What once felt neutral or safe may be misinterpreted as dangerous, triggering discomforting symptoms such as:
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Chronic pain
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Fatigue
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Dizziness
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Anxiety
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Insomnia
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Sensitivity to light, sound, and other stimuli
These reactions can create a cycle of fear and stress, leading many to believe something is physically wrong, even when medical tests show no abnormalities. This can be particularly true for those grappling with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or long COVID.
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The Role of Trauma
Past experiences of trauma or adversity—whether emotional, physical, or relational—can significantly heighten sensitivity and stress responses. Factors that can prime your nervous system for hyper-sensitivity include:
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Early developmental trauma.
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Relational or emotional abuse.
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Abandonment.
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Medical trauma.
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Bullying.
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Chronic caregiving roles.
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Life transitions that threaten your safety.
When the SRS is perpetually activated, it diminishes the body’s ability to sense true danger and defend against actual threats. This vulnerability can lead to a range of symptoms and increase susceptibility to illness.​​
Factors That Prime the Nervous System and Brain for Hyper-Sensitivity
A variety of experiences can prime the nervous system and brain, leading to heightened sensitivity and stress responses. These factors include:
Types of Trauma
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Early Developmental Trauma or Abuse: Adverse experiences during formative years.
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Relational Trauma: This includes covert emotional abuse, abandonment, and other harmful relationship dynamics.
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Physical, Sexual, or Religious Abuse: Any form of abuse that disrupts trust and safety.
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Racial Trauma: Experiences of discrimination or prejudice based on race.
Health and Medical Factors
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Medical Trauma: Negative experiences related to healthcare, including procedures or diagnoses.
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Chronic Illness: Long-term health conditions that can perpetuate stress.
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Dental Issues: Untreated infections like cavities, gum infections or hidden infections from root canals or dental cavitations can also contribute.
Environmental and Social Influences
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Unsafe Living Conditions: Environments that threaten physical or emotional safety.
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Lack of Social Connection: Loneliness or social isolation can exacerbate sensitivity.
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Marginalization: Belonging to marginalized groups (LGBTQIA, POC, refugees, disabled individuals) can increase vulnerability to stress.
Life Challenges and Transitions
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Caregiving: The stress of caring for others can take a toll on mental health.
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Loss and Grief: The death of a loved one can trigger profound emotional responses.
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Significant Life Transitions: Changes such as job loss, divorce, or financial hardship can threaten feelings of safety.
Occupational Stress
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High-Demand Jobs: Work environments with persistent pressure can heighten stress responses.
Developmental and Biological Factors
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Puberty, Menopause, and Andropause: Hormonal changes during these life stages can affect emotional regulation.
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Gender: Being female can impact stress sensitivity due to societal factors and expectations.
Physical and Biological Stressors
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Cervical Misalignments and Head Trauma: Physical injuries can disrupt nervous system function.
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Biological Exposures: Infections from viruses, bacteria, or fungi can contribute to overall stress.
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Lack of Access to Nature: Limited exposure to green spaces can negatively affect mental well-being.
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Cumulative Chronic Stress (Allostatic Load): The build-up of stressors over time can overwhelm the nervous system.
By recognizing these interconnected factors, we can better understand their impact on mental and physical health, paving the way for effective healing and resilience.
The Path to Healing
The good news is that our bodies have an incredible capacity for healing and transformation, thanks to neuroplasticity. By addressing trauma and long-term stressors, we can retrain our systems to recognize safety and improve regulation. This shift can profoundly impact your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
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Integrative resilience and wellness coaching, which includes approaches like Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), Nervous System Regulation, Mindfulness and The Safe and Sound Protocol, is designed to support you in this transformative journey. Together, we can work to create a more resilient and balanced you, allowing for greater health and vitality.
