Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, with nearly 80% of diagnosed cases occurring in females. Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis often emerge during key hormonal periods—puberty, pregnancy, or menopause—suggesting a complex interplay between biology and environment. Yet, emerging research also highlights another powerful influence: the connection between trauma, stress, and mental health in the development and progression of autoimmune disorders.

The Mind-Body Connection in Autoimmune Disease

The immune system and the nervous system are in constant communication. When functioning properly, this relationship helps the body fight infections and maintain balance. However, chronic emotional stress or unresolved trauma can disrupt this equilibrium. Prolonged activation of the stress response releases cortisol and other stress hormones that can cause inflammation, immune dysregulation, and cellular wear over time.

For women, this physiological burden is often compounded by hormonal fluctuations and social stressors—caregiving responsibilities, societal expectations, and, in many cases, a history of interpersonal trauma. Studies show that women with autoimmune diseases report significantly higher rates of childhood adversity, abuse, or chronic stress than those without such diagnoses (Dube et al., 2009; Anda et al., 2006).

Trauma as a Hidden Trigger

Trauma—whether physical, emotional, or relational—can leave an imprint on both the body and the mind. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study revealed a strong correlation between early life trauma and later development of chronic illnesses, including autoimmune conditions. Trauma disrupts the body’s regulatory systems, leading to persistent hypervigilance or, conversely, shutdown—both of which dysregulate immune function.

When the nervous system remains stuck in a state of “fight, flight, or freeze,” inflammatory pathways become overactive. Over time, this can lead to the body mistakenly attacking its own tissues—a hallmark of autoimmune disease.

In addition, trauma can shape how a person relates to their own body. Feelings of disconnection, mistrust, or shame toward the physical self may make it harder to notice or respond to early signs of illness. Many women describe feeling “betrayed” by their bodies, unaware that this internal conflict may perpetuate the cycle of stress and inflammation.

Mental Health and the Cycle of Inflammation

Autoimmune diseases don’t just affect the body—they profoundly impact emotional well-being. Chronic pain, fatigue, and unpredictable flare-ups often lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. Yet, these same mental health challenges can further activate inflammatory responses, creating a bi-directional loop between the mind and body.

Research shows that inflammation affects neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, influencing mood regulation and stress tolerance. Likewise, untreated depression and chronic stress elevate pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can worsen autoimmune symptoms (Miller et al., 2009).

This feedback loop underscores why integrative approaches to care are essential. Addressing the emotional and physiological aspects of illness together can reduce flare frequency, support resilience, and improve quality of life.

Healing Through Integration

Healing from autoimmune disease is not just about managing symptoms—it’s about restoring balance to the body’s internal systems. Integrative mental health approaches, such as somatic therapy, brainspotting, EMDR, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation, can help calm hyperarousal, release stored trauma, and retrain the body’s stress response.

These therapies work by helping individuals safely reconnect with their bodies, access deeper layers of emotional memory, and release physiological tension that may perpetuate illness. By supporting the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural healing state—such interventions encourage immune regulation and foster long-term healing.

Equally important is cultivating self-compassion and community support. Many women living with autoimmune conditions describe feelings of isolation or guilt over their body’s limitations. Therapy provides a space to reframe the narrative from one of betrayal to one of compassion and understanding, reinforcing that the body is not the enemy—it’s communicating a need for care and balance.

Reclaiming Health and Wholeness

The relationship between trauma, autoimmune disease, and mental health reveals an essential truth: the body keeps score of what the mind cannot express. For women, acknowledging and healing emotional wounds can be a transformative part of their physical recovery.

At Kelsey Ruffing Counseling, we recognize that emotional healing and physical healing are intertwined. Through somatic and integrative approaches, we help women reconnect to their inner resilience, regulate their nervous systems, and find empowerment in their healing journey—mind, body, and spirit.

References:

Anda, R. F., et al. (2006). The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood: A convergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience.
Dube, S. R., et al. (2009). Cumulative childhood stress and autoimmune diseases in adults. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71(2), 243–250.
Miller, A. H., Maletic, V., & Raison, C. L. (2009). Inflammation and its discontents: The role of cytokines in the pathophysiology of major depression. Biological Psychiatry.