Is Stress Contagious? And What does Chronic Illness and Trauma have in common?

Imagine a labyrinth, where the threads of trauma, stress, and chronic illness weave an intricate tapestry within the human experience. As a therapist specializing in trauma and chronic health, I've navigated these winding pathways with countless individuals, each grappling with their own journey of healing. At first glance, the connections between past trauma and ongoing health struggles may seem elusive, yet recent insights from neuroscience illuminate a profound relationship. Through the groundbreaking research of Dr. Tara Swart, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Gabor Maté, and other esteemed scientists, we unveil the hidden ties that bind our mental and physical well-being.

Research underscores the profound impact of stress and trauma on our physiological well-being, particularly through the release of cortisol. This hormone, intrinsic to our daily rhythms, assumes a dual nature when its levels surge unabated. Prolonged stress initiates a cascade of physiological responses, sparking inflammation that ravages our vascular system, compromises heart function, and disrupts the delicate balance of our gut health. Yet, it is in the crucible of adversity, especially during childhood, that stress emerges as not merely contagious but also profoundly transformative. Dr. Swart's recent research delves into the intriguing notion of stress being contagious through our sweat glands, inviting reflection on our childhood experiences and the influence of our parents' emotional states.

Enter the Polyvagal Theory, a beacon of understanding amidst the storm of adversity. Proposed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory unveils the intricate dance of the autonomic nervous system in response to stress. Then through mindfulness practices, symptom pacing activities, and fostering self-compassion, we embark on a journey of healing aligned with the Polyvagal principles. By rewiring our responses to stress, we forge adaptive pathways that cultivate resilience and restore balance within our minds and bodies.

Examining childhood trauma through the lens of the Polyvagal Theory unveils the enduring scars etched upon our souls. From the echoes of parental anger to the tumult of broken homes, childhood adversity shapes our neural landscapes, casting a shadow that spans a lifetime. As cortisol levels surge in response to chronic stress, inflammation becomes our silent companion, paving the path to chronic illness that lingers long after the wounds of the past have faded.

In essence, the Polyvagal Theory offers valuable insights into the behavioral aspects of managing stress, trauma, and chronic illness. And by incorporating this perspective into therapeutic interventions, individuals can develop adaptive responses that promote overall well-being and potentially mitigate the long-term physiological consequences of early life stressors.

Eightify. (2021, September 27). Dr. Tara Swart: Unveiling the Contagious Nature of Stress & Its Impact on Belly Fat. Eightify.

Dr Angie Holzer. (2020, September 27). Trauma: Brain and body connection - Bessel van der Kolk, Gabor Maté [Video]. YouTube.

Maté, G. (2010). In the realm of hungry ghosts: Close encounters with addiction. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 42(2), 115-122.

Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.