Are you suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome (or CFS) often develops following a traumatic experience, but does trauma actually cause the condition? In this blog we will explore the connection between trauma and chronic fatigue syndrome, and look at how addressing the former may lead to remission of your CFS.

For more information on how we treat trauma at Yatra Centre, contact us today on +66 96 916 3287.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome, or myyalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a long-term, complex condition that causes persistent and extreme fatigue. The exact cause of the illness is unknown, but CFS often presents following certain other medical conditions or particular life circumstances, such as traumatic events. CFS does not improve with rest, and its hallmark symptom is Post-exertional Malaise (PEM), a worsening of fatigue that may begin at once, or even hours or days after slight physical effort or mental exertion.

The World Health Organization classifies CFS as a neurological disease, since its symptoms indicate that the nervous system plays a fundamental role in both the appearance of the condition and its resolution. And a 2021 – 2022 survey suggests 1.3% of Americans – some 3.3 million people – have been medically diagnosed with CFS/ME.

CFS can become debilitating, and it goes without saying that the condition seriously impacts a person’s life.

Below are some other characteristic symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

On a physiological level, you may experience:

• General ‘brain fog’ – a slowing down of cognitive faculties, difficulty concentrating, memory problems
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Muscle or joint pain
• Frequent headaches
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Digestive issues

And on an emotion level:

• Anxiety
• Depression

Researchers believe that chronic fatigue syndrome can have a range of possible causes – from genetic predisposition or nervous system abnormalities, to viral or bacterial infections. However, the role of trauma in the emergence of CFS is drawing increasing attention.

How Trauma May Cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are several ways in which trauma is likely to contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome, or play a part in triggering the development of the illness. All of these can cause fatigue as well as other primary symptoms of CFS.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Dysregulation

Both trauma and chronic fatigue syndrome are associated with imbalances in the autonomic nervous system. Characteristics of this are twofold: an over-activation of the sympathetic system (which governs the ‘fight or fight’ reflex, and activates the stress response); and decreased activity of the parasympathetic system, the system known as ‘rest and digest’ because it promotes relaxation and a reduction of the body’s activities – particularly non-essential ones. (As a result, it also reinforces essential process, such as digestion). The hyperarousal (state of constant alert) induced by trauma can cause exhaustion and sleep disturbances, but ANS dysregulation can also cause unsteadiness when standing, tachycardia and erratic body temperature regulation – symptoms common to both trauma and CFS.

Addressing nervous system dysregulation is an integral part in recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome. As soon as there is less strain on the nervous system, healing can begin. Once the parasympathetic nervous system starts to function at a normal level once again, the body relaxes into a healing state. Furthermore, emotions that may have been repressed while a person was still wired to respond to potential threats, may now surface and can be ‘digested’, or processed.

HPA Axis Dysfunction

By controlling release of the body’s main stress hormone, cortisol, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is responsible for regulating the stress response system. Trauma – especially chronic or going back to early life – can upset the functioning of the HPA axis, and dysregulate the nervous system’s stress response. When in the state of hyperarousal commonly observed after trauma, the response ends up in overdrive. In contrast, it can also become blunted from overuse.

The dysregulation in cortisol levels (the stress hormone) caused by trauma can lead to fatigue, immune system dysfunction, and reduced resilience to stress. Along with low cortisol levels, this is a sign that the person’s nervous system is exhausted, or over-adapted, meaning that due to prolonged stress or trauma they have become somewhat unresponsive to trauma. To put it another way, they have become to a degree numb to trauma due to overexposure, experiencing more than they can process or handle. This trauma-induced dysregulation can cause impaired energy metabolism, weakened immune responses and inflammation, all of which get carried over into CFS.

Effective treatment which helps process trauma and deal with past memories can restore normal function to the HPA axis and return the stress response mechanism to a balanced state.  

Immune System Changes and Inflammation

Trauma causes a strong stress response in the nervous system, which indicates to the immune system that danger is near. When the stress response is prolonged (leading to states such as hyperarousal), the immune system remains in a heightened state of alert, since it believes there is a continued need to defend against a threat. As a result, it continues to secrete inflammatory cytokines, which help activate and recruit extra immune cells and dispatch them to the site of infection or injury.

However, in the absence of actual injury or infection, these cytokines and immune cells end up ‘treading water’ as it were, or ‘straining at their leash’ with nowhere to go. (In the long term, this can contribute to the body attacking itself, its own healthy cells, and to autoimmune disease). Over time, being constantly on the lookout for wounds or pathogens, the immune system becomes unable to distinguish what constitutes a genuine threat. This constant, low-grade inflammation causes ‘sickness fatigue’ – brain fog, aches and pains, tiredness and a tendency to withdraw and isolate, all of which are symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Trauma as a Trigger for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The connection between trauma and CFS doesn’t mean that everyone who experiences trauma will develop chronic fatigue syndrome. However, trauma can trigger CFS, that is, it can set the stage or create the right conditions for chronic fatigue syndrome to develop. By dysregulating so many of the body’s systems (immune, nervous and endocrine), the person can find themselves in state of overwhelm when all the mechanisms for responding to threats, processing emotions or dealing with injury become out of whack. This then opens the door for chronic fatigue syndrome to enter.

Early-Life Trauma and CFS

Childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or growing up in a chaotic environment, has been closely linked to the development of chronic health conditions in later life, including CFS. Early-life trauma impacts the development of the brain and body, as well as conditioning a person to respond to danger and react to strong emotion in ways that place greater strain on the nervous system. This tension can cause long-term dysregulation as well as immune system hyperactivity.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD changes the default setting of the nervous system – its baseline state becomes one of alertness, which, if extreme, can manifest as hyperarousal, a constantly activated stress response. This places great demand on the system and depletes energy reserves, increasing the risk of developing CFS. One study found that people with PTSD are 8 times more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome.

Emotional and Physical Trauma

The word ‘trauma’ doesn’t only mean psychological and emotional distress. As a medical term, it also refers to the impact of severe illness, injury or major surgery, on the body. All of these can contribute to chronic fatigue syndrome, because they trigger an intense immune system response, and the production of inflammatory cytokines. This is done in order to fight infection or to mobilize great numbers of immune defence cells to rush to the scene of the injury. The physical stress a person ends up subjected to may also dysregulate the HPA axis, a contributing factor in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondria are tiny structures inside nearly every human cell known as the body’s ‘power plants’. Using oxygen and nutrients (glucose and fatty acids) they produce a substance called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which provides energy for cellular function. It fuels, for example, muscle contraction and nerve impulse propagation.

When mitochondria stop producing energy properly, the nervous system can become dysregulated. The immune system may also be weakened. There is growing evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is regularly observed in CFS sufferers, although a definite causal link has not been proven. Nevertheless, therapies that calm and balance the nervous system have been shown to improve mitochondrial function, which can reduce the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Healing from Trauma and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Now that we understand the different ways in which trauma can lead to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome, let us look at modalities that treat CFS. When feeling chronically drained and exhausted, the possibility of healing from chronic fatigue syndrome may seem difficult to believe in. However, with a holistic recovery plan which addresses both past trauma and fatigue, healing, renewed energy and a normal life can once again be within your grasp.

Nervous System Regulation

Rectifying nervous system imbalances is essential in healing from both trauma and chronic fatigue syndrome. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, chanting and gentle yoga can help shift your body out of a state of chronic stress and into one of rest and repair. Over time, these practices can create significant and lasting changes in your mind and body.

Trauma-Focused Therapy

Therapeutic approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Somatic Experiencing are proven modalities in treating trauma. Under the guidance of a trained therapist, the root causes of trauma can be addressed – past memories can be processed, while tension stored in the body is released, paving the way for chronic fatigue syndrome to resolve.

Supporting Mitochondrial Health

Because trauma can cause physiological changes that damage mitochondria, nutritional supplements can support the healing process. CoQ10, magnesium and B vitamins can help mitochondria to begin producing energy more efficiently once again. A nutrient-dense diet and adequate hydration will further support this process.

Restorative Lifestyle Changes

Finding a balance between activity and rest is key to managing CFS symptoms. Pacing yourself – allowing sufficient recuperation time after activity – can prevent energy crashes and help your body to heal. Gentle exercise, like walking or stretching, are safe ways to rebuild your stamina over time without overloading your system.

How Long Does it Take to Heal Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The time it takes to heal CFS depends on the severity and duration of the trauma experienced, and how much the nervous system has been affected. Furthermore, people who are sensitive by temperament may struggle to recover more than those who are thick skinned and naturally resilient.

There is a common belief among chronic fatigue sufferers that the longer you have had the condition, the longer it will take to recover. The risk is that such beliefs and other negative inner narratives around your condition may become self-fulfilling prophecies. Mindset is of paramount importance in healing from chronic fatigue syndrome – with the right guidance and support from professionals, some people become free of CFS in the space of a few months, regardless of how long they have been plagued by the disorder.

Yatra Centre for Healing Trauma

If you’re looking for professional guidance for healing trauma, consider the Yatra Centre in Krabi, Thailand, a trauma treatment center specializing in holistic healing. At Yatra Centre, you can work with experienced professionals to address the root causes of your trauma while learning techniques to regulate your nervous system and restore your body’s energy balance. 

Yatra’s serene location in Krabi also offers the perfect environment for recovery, combining therapeutic expertise with natural surroundings to support deep healing.

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With the right tools and a supportive community like Yatra Centre, you can take meaningful steps towards overcoming trauma, and finding relief from CFS.For more information on our trauma treatment program, contact us today on +66 96 916 3287.