General Illness

[CarebearL]

Hi, just a question for those of you that have benn in the supporter role for a while. Is it common for a sufferer to have low immunity. My guy seems to get sick a lot and when he does he always get hit hard with it. I'm talking about general colds etc. just wondered if it was related somehow.

 

[TLight]

At teh risk of being sarcastic, 'gee ya think?'......high levels of stress chemicals coursing through our bodies 24-7 decades on end. Yes, we get sick and will likely die pretty young.

 

[Taven Carlsen]

I had to move myself to unsafe conditions so my immune system has gone weird because of that, so YMMV. However in my case: My immune responses are a lot like my psychology, that is, Too much followed by too little. Inappropriate ups and downs but always inappropriate. That will lead to infection.

Further like TLight said, cortisol is elevated in psych trauma cases, and with PTSD being usually a long-term problem cortisol is pretty much permanently up. Cortisol is supposed to help your immunity - but only if it shuts off when it's supposed to. Long term it degrades immunity.

 

[Toria]

On top of the scientific evidence... if he isn't sleeping then his body wont have the energy to fend of colds and bugs and the like and the more drained he is then the less of a fight his body will put up.

I had no idea about the Cortisol - see - you really do learn something new every day! :D

 

[intothelight]

Hi CarebearL,

There is no doubt that stress wreaks havoc with the immune system, increasing the risk of infection, autoimmune disorders, stress related disorders and other serious diseases. As you read, you will find a lot of references to "self-care". It is critical that in addition to therapy, that someone with PTSD focus on the basics of eating right, getting plenty of rest, exercise, hydration, etc.

Our minds and bodies are interconnected in ways that science is only beginning to tap into. A holistic approach to battling this disorder is the best route to take in my personal opinion. Being your best physically allows a person to have the energy and focus that it take to get better overall.

 

[The Albatross]

I've been dealing with the effects of a reduced immunity / messed up immune system for about 15 years now. The nuts and bolts on basic nutrition, hydration, sleep and exercise can really help.

 

[Deleted member 14228]

PTSD wrecks havoc on our bodies.

I'm fortunate to not experience a compromised immune system, but it has mucked with my hormones and I experience physical pain as well.

Eating well, taking supplements and exercising will help boost his immune system.