Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can have devastating health consequences. Here are three life traumas that can harm your physical and mental health.

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“If not managed well, grief and depression can create long-term adverse physical and mental health effects that impact daily living.”

- Nona Kelly, LMFT, a family therapist at Thriveworks.

While the effects of traumatic events may vary from person to person and situation to situation, trauma can contribute to chronic health conditions, sleep disturbances, and substance use issues. [1]

1. The Death of a Loved One

Michelle English, LCSW, Executive Clinical Manager of Healthy Life Recovery in San Diego, says that grief, in the short term, can lead to fatigue, appetite changes, and physical symptoms such as chest discomfort or weakened immunity. And if that grief persists, it can contribute to chronic mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. 

“If not managed well, grief and depression can create long-term adverse physical and mental health effects that impact daily living.”

-Nona Kelly, LMFT, a family therapist at Thriveworks.

Research suggests that bereavement is also associated with a higher risk of inflammation and chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.[2] “Grief, especially unresolved grief, can increase the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease or sleep disorders due to prolonged stress on the body,” English says. 

2. Chronic Illness or Chronic Pain

According to the CDC, an estimated 129 million people in the United States have at least one major chronic disease, such as diabetes or heart disease, and roughly 24% deal with chronic pain.[3][4] Dealing with ongoing health problems can have a devastating impact on people’s mental health. It’s estimated that between 30% and 45% of people with chronic pain also experience depression, research shows.[5]

According to Kelly, chronic pain can limit what a person can do physically. “If they feel their lifestyle is no longer viable, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, as well as other depressive symptoms, may set in,” she says.

Many people with chronic pain also become socially isolated. “The overlap between physical suffering and mental distress often creates a vicious cycle, where emotional pain exacerbates physical symptoms and vice versa,” English says.

3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Severe mental health disorders, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can significantly impact someone’s physical health, too. According to research, individuals with PTSD face higher rates of heart, gastrointestinal, autoimmune, respiratory, and inflammatory diseases.[6]

This might be because PTSD keeps the body in a heightened state of arousal, English says. This, in turn, leads the body to produce high levels of stress hormones, which damage the cardiovascular system, weaken the immune response, and contribute to chronic inflammation. In addition, some people with PTSD have little motivation to engage in exercise or other activities to help them stay healthy, Kelly notes.

Disclaimer: This story is contributed by Julia Ries is a part of our Global Content Initiative, where we feature selected stories from our Global network which we believe would be most useful and informative to our doctor members.