How PTSD Impacts Your Mental and Physical Health

At least 50% of adults will experience trauma at some point during their life. Most people will fully recover, but about 1 in 5 people will go on to have a mental health condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

PTSD is a condition that leads to ongoing, trauma-related symptoms. You may be familiar with some of the psychological symptoms, like flashbacks and nightmares. But did you know that PTSD also causes physical symptoms, such as nausea and chronic pain? 

Read on for more information about PTSD, its common physical symptoms, and the connection between trauma and physical health. 

What is PTSD? 

PTSD is a common mental health condition that can happen after experiencing trauma. Trauma is any frightening or disturbing experience where you feel like your safety (or other people’s safety) is threatened. 

Trauma can be something that happens to you or to another person you know. It can even include something that you see on the news, online, or that you experienced in your community. 

People with PTSD have a wide variety of psychological symptoms:

• Re-experiencing symptoms: upsetting memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

• Avoidance symptoms: avoiding people or places that remind you of the trauma

• Changes in your mood or thoughts: feeling guilty, depressed, or less interested in your normal activities

• Feeling on edge: feeling irritable or tense, easily startled, or having angry outbursts

To be diagnosed with PTSD, you need to have at least six different psychological symptoms. These symptoms must also be severe enough to interfere with your day-to-day life.  

What are the most common physical symptoms of PTSD?

In addition to psychological symptoms, PTSD can also cause physical signs and symptoms.

These can include:

• Fast heartbeat

• Fatigue

• Muscle tension

• Nausea

• Joint pain

• Headaches

• Back pain

People with other mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety, are more likely to have physical symptoms of PTSD. 

Do people with PTSD have other long-term health problems?

Yes. Ongoing (chronic) PTSD has been associated with other health problems and a lower life expectancy.

This means that compared to people without PTSD, people with PTSD tend to have more health problems. Examples include: 

• Arthritis

• Chronic pain

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Substance use disorders

• High blood pressure

Why is trauma linked to physical health problems?

We don’t know for sure why trauma causes physical problems, but we do know your body reacts physically to danger. This physical reaction is sometimes called a “fight-or-flight” response (or a “fight-flight-freeze” response). 

When you’re in fight-or-flight mode, your body releases chemicals and hormones that “prepare” your body to respond to a dangerous situation, either by fighting or running away. These reactions can cause changes in your body, like: 

• Increased heart rate and breathing

• Increased blood pressure

• Muscle tension

• Trouble thinking clearly

• Sweaty palms

• Dry mouth

• Feeling flushed or hot

The fight-or-flight response is your body’s way of protecting itself. But being in fight-or-flight mode too often can actually be hard on your body systems, causing health problems. This may be the reason that PTSD is connected to other health conditions.   

How is PTSD treated?

Many people with PTSD recover on their own. But if you’re struggling with PTSD symptoms, remember: PTSD is treatable. 

Most people with PTSD are treated with a combination of therapy and medication. 

Additional treatments can also help with the physical symptoms of PTSD, including:

• Massage

• Acupuncture

• Physical therapy

• Specialized pain management

Coping with the physical symptoms of PTSD

Coping strategies can help your body relax and get you out of fight-or-flight mode. 

Examples include: 

• Taking slow, deep breaths

• Using positive self-talk

• Focusing on your five senses (5-4-3-2-1)

• Using guided imagery to reduce stress

• Using a weighted blanket

• Finding a way to laugh

If you’re working with a healthcare provider or therapist, they can coach you on using these strategies. The Department of Veteran Affairs PTSD Coach (available as an app or website) is also a great resource for coping techniques. 

Identifying PTSD triggers

For people with PTSD, triggers are any sensation or experience that sets off your PTSD symptoms. Common triggers include:

• Smells

• Sounds

• Tastes

• Images

• Words

• Phrases

• Being touched

• Being in a certain location or situation

• News and current events

Learning to understand and minimize your triggers can help keep your physical symptoms under control.

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Written by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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