18/08/2026
I've been reading about the "cortisol paradox" for those people with complex or chronic PTSD. Complex PTSD develops from long-term, repeated trauma—such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. Chronic PTSD is PTSD that lasts longer than 3 months.
Cortisol is known as the "stress hormone," as it helps your body handle danger or stress, but it also plays a role in managing blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep cycles, metabolism and fat stores, and inflammation. Therefore it's an important hormone to have and has benefits when it is balanced.
So here's the thing... Cortisol has an inverse relationship with immunity. And this is very important. It is the missing link for a lot of people. This explains why they develop auto-immune diseases, and why it is important to work with regulating the nervous system and releasing trauma, so that symptoms can be reduced or reversed.
High Cortisol is associated with Stress
Over time, high cortisol leads to immuno-suppression and has an anti-inflammatory action.
Low Cortisol is associated with Chronic PTSD
Over time, low cortisol leads to immuno-enhancement and has a pro-inflammatory action.
For those with Chronic PTSD, the body adapted to long term toxic stress by increasing the number and sensitivity of its glucocorticoid receptors, which leads to low cortisol in the bloodstream.
People who experience chronic stress or chronic PTSD get stuck in high cortisol states or low cortisol states.
If cortisol is chronically low it leads to the immune system being overactive and the immune system will look for things to target in the body.
Chronic Stress/High Cortisol and Health Outcomes
🔹Blood sugar elevated: Increased risk for Type II Diabetes
🔹Blood pressure increased: hyper tension and heart disease
🔹Food cravings: sweets, carbohydrates, salt, vinegar, spices
🔹Suppressed Immunity: associated with cell growth and an increased susceptibility to cancer. The immune system needs to be working to do its job with killing cells that are defective, if these are missed cancer can grow.
Complex or Chronic Trauma/Low Cortisol and Health Outcomes:
🔹Overactive digestive functioning: IBS, GERD, and Ulcerative Colitis.
🔹Interference with the Circadian Rhythm: Poor sleep wake cycle.
🔹Immunity is unchecked: Immune system will begin to attack healthy tissue. Associated with auto immune and inflammation conditions such as: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Graves Disease, Systemic Lupus, Crohn's Disease, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Okay so we see the problem right? So we need to start dealing with the cause before the body starts attacking itself (i.e. develops autoimmune illness) which means getting help early. And I am not talking about standard talk therapy - I mean somatic therapy - which means working with the body / nervous system and the mind and emotions, holistically. As well as daily practices, diet, exercise, lifestyle that support wellness.
For those with these illnesses already, you can reduce the severity and manage the symptoms. It's not your fault, however you have the power to make the changes in your life to improve your health everyday.
I offer holistic counselling, somatic therapy and coaching to empower you to improve your experience of life, health outcomes, and regulate your nervous system.
Massage helps regulate the nervous system, releases mood enhancing hormones (serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine) and produces a relaxation affect however most people can't afford a massage everyday and we do need practices to regulate us on a daily basis!
I am currently developing a nervous system retreat to be held next year in Bali that will teach you skills for self regulation, releasing emotions and trauma, mindset shifts and connection with your soul. Please reach out if you'd like to be added to the waitlist. Places are limited as it will be a small group in a private retreat centre in Ubud. And the first one is for women only.
Importantly, the retreat is not for you if you have severe / out of control PTSD, as you are better off having individual therapy first. However if you are high functioning, perhaps have anxiety or a dysregulated nervous system, or just need to get away from it all and have a week of self care this is the space to have it. If you are interested in embodiment and connecting with your soul, as well as learning some practices that really work then you will love this! We will also participate in some beautiful Bali rituals - a fire ceremony and water purification ceremony, with the locals leading us.
Love and blessings,
Bella
The video below is about ACEs - Adverse Childhood Experiences which often lead to Complex Trauma.
Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up. Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that the repeated stress of abuse, neglect and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain. This unfolds acros...
