Emotional Stress: An Overlooked Factor in Health
Did you know that emotional stress can weaken your immune system? Many people don’t realise the deep connection between stress, trauma, and physical health. Research shows that unaddressed emotional wounds, especially from childhood, can shape our well-being well into adulthood.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study
In the mid-1990s, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and Kaiser Permanente conducted the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. This groundbreaking research examined over 17,500 adults and found a direct link between childhood trauma and chronic diseases like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and mental health issues.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95ovIJ3dsNk
Your Skin: A Reflection of Inner Health
Your body often sends signals when something is off internally, and your skin is one of the first places these imbalances appear. Dr. Trevor Cates, a leading expert in holistic dermatology, describes the skin as a “magic mirror” that reflects imbalances in digestion, hormones, and immunity. Ignoring symptoms like eczema, acne, or rosacea could mean missing underlying health issues.
Trauma Travels Through Generations
Trauma doesn’t just stop with you—it can be passed down through generations. Studies on Holocaust survivors’ descendants reveal that trauma can alter genetic expression, leading to stress-related health patterns in future generations. This is called intergenerational trauma.
Attachment Trauma: The First 1,000 Days Matter
Trauma can start before birth. The first 1,000 days of life—including time in the womb—are critical for emotional and physical health. If a mother is stressed, disconnected, or has her own unresolved trauma, the baby may develop attachment trauma.
Mary Ainsworth’s Attachment Styles
In the 1970s, psychologist Mary Ainsworth identified three major attachment styles in infants:
-
Secure Attachment – The baby is upset when the mother leaves but calms down when she returns.
-
Insecure-Avoidant Attachment – The baby shows little response to the mother’s presence or absence, often due to neglect.
-
Insecure-Anxious Attachment – The baby is distressed when the mother leaves and remains upset even when she returns, often due to inconsistent caregiving.
Studies show that 65% of infants form secure attachments, while the remaining 35% develop insecure attachment patterns that can affect relationships and stress responses in adulthood.
https://youtu.be/m_6rQk7jlrc
How Trauma Changes the Body’s Biology
When trauma occurs, it rewires the brain and body. Epigenetic changes—which alter how genes function—can reset a child’s nervous system into a constant fight-or-flight mode. This can:
-
Disrupt the immune system
-
Increase inflammation
-
Contribute to chronic diseases like autoimmune disorders
Healing Is Possible: Changing Your Epigenetics
The good news? You are not stuck with the effects of trauma. Your epigenetic expression can change! Healing practices, such as therapy, social support, and mindfulness, can rewire the brain and help the body recover.
Steps to Start Your Healing Journey
Here are practical ways to process and heal from past trauma:
✅ Self-Reflection:
-
Review the ACE Study questions to assess your experiences.
-
Create a timeline of major life events and recognize patterns.
✅ Emotional Processing:
-
Journal your thoughts and feelings.
-
Talk to a trusted friend, counselor, or mentor.
✅ Physical and Emotional Regulation:
-
Engage in daily relaxation (walks in nature, painting, dancing).
-
Practice deep breathing and mindful eating.
-
Get sunlight exposure and gentle body massages.
✅ Use Essential Oils:
-
Certain botanical blends help regulate stress and emotions. (If you haven’t read my free e-book on The Emotions, Herbs, and Oils Connection, grab it by signing up for my newsletter!)
Why Relationships Matter for Healing
A 2004 meta-study of 300,000 people found that social support is the strongest predictor of survival. Our relationships influence our stress levels, immune function, and even how we heal. Ask yourself:
-
How is my past affecting my current relationships?
-
Am I constantly overworking to feel loved?
-
Do I always prioritise others over myself?
-
Am I seeking love through perfectionism?
Breaking Free from Trauma Patterns
Unresolved trauma can shape how we see ourselves and how we behave. For example, an obesity clinic in the USA found that 55% of successful patients dropped out before reaching their goal weight. Why? Because their identity was tied to their past trauma, and losing weight felt unsafe. Healing requires getting to the root cause.
Do You Need a Counselor?
You might benefit from professional help if:
✔️ You can’t remember childhood trauma but feel like something is off.
✔️ You pray or try self-help methods, but nothing changes.
✔️ You’ve experienced early trauma that still affects you.
When looking for a counselor:
-
Choose someone experienced in trauma healing.
-
Make sure you feel safe and supported.
Final Thoughts
Trauma does not define you, and healing is possible. The first step is awareness, and the next is action. Your health, relationships, and emotional well-being will transform when you begin the journey to healing past wounds.
As part of this journey, Fontis Organic Skinfood offers natural skincare products designed to support your emotional well-being. By using carefully curated botanical ingredients, these formulations help nourish both the skin and the senses, creating a self-care ritual that fosters relaxation and renewal. Taking care of your skin is not just about appearance—it’s about reconnecting with yourself in a meaningful way.
Source: Insights are based on research from the CDC, Kaiser Permanente, Mary Ainsworth’s attachment studies, and trauma expert Niki Gratrix, who has extensively discussed emotional trauma’s impact on chronic fatigue.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.