Can Trauma Cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Do you have chronic fatigue syndrome? Many people who experience trauma go on to develop this condition. But can trauma cause chronic fatigue syndrome? In this blog we will explore the connection with these conditions, and how addressing trauma may lead to your remission of 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 is a debilitating condition characterized by persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and is often worsened by physical or mental activity. Along with fatigue, you might experience symptoms like:

• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems (“brain fog”)
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Muscle or joint pain
• Frequent headaches
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Digestive issues
• Anxiety
• Depression

Researchers believe that chronic fatigue syndrome can have genetic, environmental, and biological factors, though trauma is now considered one of the most important causes.

How Trauma Can Cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

There are several ways that trauma can cause chronic fatigue syndrome. These all contribute towards feelings of fatigue and some of the other symptoms experienced by people with CFS.

Nervous Systems Dysregulation

Trauma can often result in a dysregulated autonomic nervous system. While prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system and insufficient parasympathetic activation can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, CFS is often caused by a combination of sympathetic nervous system and dorsal parasympathetic activation.

These types of dysregulation profoundly affect the body and mind, and not only lead to fatigue, but also a host of other symptoms. People who develop chronic fatigue syndrome from trauma may also develop issues with digestion, liver functioning, eye-sight, skin issues and more.

Addressing nervous system dysregulation is an integral part of the chronic fatigue syndrome healing process. It is not possible to heal from CFS while your nervous system is not regulated. Coming down into a parasympathetic response not only puts your body in a healing state, but it also allows emotions to come up which have been repressed while the body felt unsafe. Feeling these emotions is vital for healing.

HPA Axis Dysfunction

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates the stress response, and can become overactive or blunted due to trauma. Dysregulation in cortisol levels (the stress hormone) caused by trauma can lead to fatigue, immune system dysfunction, and reduced resilience to stress.

Once you have been through trauma treatment and released stuck emotions from the body, you may find that your HPA axis begins functioning well again.

Immune System Overactivation

Trauma can lead to chronic inflammation by keeping your immune system in a heightened state of alert. This low-grade inflammation affects your brain and body, contributing to the physical and cognitive symptoms of CFS.

Trauma as a Trigger for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The connection between trauma and CFS doesn’t mean that everyone who experiences trauma will develop CFS. However, trauma can act as a significant trigger to developing chronic fatigue syndrome.

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, including CFS. Early-life trauma impacts your developing brain and body, setting the stage for long-term nervous system dysregulation and immune system hyperactivity.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

If you live with PTSD, your body is often stuck in a heightened state of alertness. The constant activation of your stress response system can deplete your energy reserves and make you more vulnerable to developing CFS. Studies have found that people with PTSD are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Emotional and Physical Trauma

Trauma doesn’t have to be psychological. Physical trauma, such as a severe illness, surgery, or injury, can also contribute to CFS. These physical stressors trigger many of the same biological responses as emotional trauma, including inflammation and HPA axis dysregulation.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

People who have chronic fatigue syndrome often believe that their bodies are irreversibly damaged, and that they will never recover. Unfortunately, this belief can become a self-fulling prophecy, as the messages we tell ourselves about our body can lead to increased stress and perpetuate symptoms.

That being said, mitochondrial dysfunction is real, and is primarily brought about by dysregulation of the nervous system. This dysfunction can also be caused by nutrient deficiency and chronic infections. Many people find that once nervous system function is restored, the body is then able to effectively fight any infections. Once the body and mind are at rest, mitochondrial functioning is often restored.

Healing from Trauma and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Now we know the answer to “can trauma cause chronic fatigue syndrome”, let’s explore options for CFS recovery. While recovery from CFS may feel like an uphill battle, healing is possible with the right strategies and support. Addressing both the trauma and fatigue holistically can help you regain your energy and improve your quality of life.

Nervous System Regulation

One of the most effective ways to heal from trauma and CFS is to focus on regulating your nervous system. 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 help your body recover its natural energy balance.

Trauma-Focused Therapy

Working with a therapist trained in trauma modalities, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or Somatic Experiencing, can help you process and release the effects of trauma stored in your body. As you address the root causes of your trauma, you may find your fatigue begins to improve.

Supporting Mitochondrial Health

Because trauma can damage your mitochondria, supplementing with nutrients can support the healing process. Nutritional support, including CoQ10, magnesium, and B vitamins, can help restore energy production. Pair these supplements with a nutrient-dense diet and adequate hydration for the best results.

Restorative Lifestyle Changes

Balancing activity and rest is key to managing CFS symptoms. Pacing yourself—alternating periods of activity with rest—can prevent energy crashes and allow your body to heal. Gentle exercise, like walking or stretching, can help 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 varies depending on the level of nervous system dysfunction and the amount of trauma experienced. The sensitivity of the person is another important factor, as more sensitive people can take longer to recover.

There is a belief among some people in CFS communities that if you have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for a long time it diminishes your ability to recover, or significantly increases the time it takes you to recover.

The length of time you have been ill may increase recovery time due to the stories you tell yourself about the possibility of recovering, but a long recovery time is not always the case. People have recovered from being unwell with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in a few months following a period of illness lasting multiple decades.

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. 

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

Remember, 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 toward overcoming trauma and finding relief from CFS.

For more information on our trauma treatment program, contact us today on +66 96 916 3287.