I have extensively discussed my experiences with thyroid issues and Graves' disease. Chronic stress significantly contributes to the disruption of thyroid function.
The body's response to stress includes the release of cortisol, a hormone that aids in managing stress levels. During prolonged stress or 'emotional trauma', the continuous release of cortisol can interfere with the body's normal functions. This disruption affects the immune system, potentially leading to inflammation and autoimmunity. Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, are prevalent causes of thyroid disorders.
Stress is a regular aspect of our everyday lives. Although acute stress can assist us in evading a hazardous situation or provide the extra push required to meet an impending deadline, chronic stress that persists for weeks, months, or even years can lead to various problems with our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Grasping the physiological processes that underlie stress is beneficial for comprehending its impact on our bodies. Initially, your brain and body react to stress by releasing hormones. These hormones increase your alertness and ready you for action, commonly known as the “fight or flight” response.
When in fight or flight mode, your body reacts to a perceived immediate threat by quickly releasing hormones to get you ready to either confront the danger or flee from it.
Your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels rise.
You might feel a headache, dizziness, trembling, muscle tension, difficulty breathing, a tight jaw, or even a stomach ache. After the stressful event passes, your blood pressure and heart rate will normalise, and the symptoms will diminish.
Experiencing chronic stress keeps your body in a constant fight-or-flight state, preventing it from returning to normal. This condition leads to physical symptoms such as persistent aches and pains, sleep disturbances, fatigue, mental fog, changes in appetite, and emotional and social withdrawal, among others. The body finds it challenging to achieve the peace and deep rest necessary for restoration and repair.
Chronic stress may result in:
Higher likelihood of autoimmune diseases
Endocrine issues like diabetes
Gastrointestinal problems, including changes in appetite or bowel habits
Brain fog
Cardiovascular disease
A 2016 study also found that PTSD increases the risk of developing an autoimmune disorder, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic hypothyroidism.
As you can observe, the problems associated with chronic stress impact not only the thyroid but the entire body.
To sum up, a study published in 2017 says this,
"through disturbing the balance of immune system, stress induces inflammation peripherally and centrally. This imbalance leads to diversified stress-related diseases. Although there might be various different triggering events, they appear to converge on inflammation. In this review article, we provide evidence that stress induces or worsens CVD, NAFLD, depression, neurodegenerative disease and cancer through peripheral inflammation as well as neuroinflammation."
I utilize Integral Eye Movement Therapy along with various tools and techniques to assist you in letting go of past negative experiences, overcoming limiting beliefs, alleviating stress symptoms and cycles, enhancing rest, and fostering strength and resilience.
If you are having difficulty managing chronic stress and its impact on your body, schedule a call to explore how I can assist you.
Or explore Shona's story below to learn how the tools I utilize assisted her in overcoming depression and anxiety.
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