12/02/2026
Autoimmune diseases now affect more women than ever—nearly 80% of all cases are found in women. New studies are pointing to a powerful underlying factor: chronic emotional suppression and the stress it creates within the body.
When emotions like grief, anger, or anxiety are held in and never expressed, the body absorbs the tension. This silent stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, flooding the system with stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, this disrupts immune regulation and can lead to the body attacking its own healthy cells.
Women, in many cultures, are conditioned to be the caretakers, peacekeepers, and emotional anchors. Often, they are encouraged to stay composed, polite, and quiet—even when they are hurting inside. This emotional silencing may offer temporary social stability, but internally, it builds a storm.
Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis often arise in people who describe themselves as “overly responsible,” “emotionally private,” or “never wanting to be a burden.” These patterns aren’t weaknesses—they’re survival strategies. But they come at a cost when healing is ignored too long.
This research is not about blame. It’s about understanding. If you’ve felt unheard, unseen, or emotionally exhausted—it matters. Your body listens even when no one else does.
Healing begins with truth, softness, and self-acceptance. Your feelings are not flaws. They’re messages calling you back to yourself.
If you need some strategies to support your nervous systems book a discovey call today & I can provide support for where you are at ~ Nicole
