Most people understand that stress and anxiety can take a toll on your mental well-being. But, they can also impact your physical health. Too much stress can even weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to certain illnesses.
The mind-body connection is closer than you might think. Developing a deeper understanding of how stress and anxiety affect the immune system can open your eyes to a few different things. First, if you struggle with those things and tend to get sick frequently, you can recognize that the issues might be related.
More importantly, understanding the connection can serve as the motivation you need to fight back against stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Let’s take a closer look at how stress and anxiety affect the immune system, and what you can do about it.
The Long-Term Impact of Stress
Everyone experiences stress. It’s unavoidable, no matter how much you try to limit it. Short bursts of stress in your life can actually be a good thing, boosting your overall immunity and decreasing inflammation in the body. But, prolonged stress can end up doing the opposite.
If you’re constantly stressed or anxious, your body will produce more cortisol — known as the stress hormone. Too much cortisol in your system can lead to a variety of health issues. Most importantly, it increases inflammation, which can weaken your immune system. Chronic inflammation combined with weaker immunity can lead to the development of conditions like arthritis, IBS, cardiovascular issues, and ulcers. You’ll also be at a greater risk of developing certain cancers and even diabetes.
Signs of Anxiety Impacting the Immune System
It’s not always easy to spot the connection between stress or anxiety and a weaker immune system. Typically, when you’re feeling sick, you assume something physical is causing it. While it’s always important to check with your doctor, there are some common signs that can suggest a link between stress and a weakened immune system.
You might have swollen lymph nodes or frequent cold sores. Or, you might find yourself getting sick easily. When was the last time you weren’t dealing with a cold? When was the last time you actually felt healthy?
Unfortunately, anxiety can cause some people to seek out unhealthy coping mechanisms. That sometimes includes substance abuse or dangerous habits. Not only can that weaken the immune system further, but it creates a vicious cycle where you might start to rely on those things more frequently.
What Can You Do?
Your mental and physical well-being are equally important. If you’re struggling with sickness, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and work with your doctor to come up with a wellness plan.
But, if you’re concerned that stress or anxiety might be impacting your physical health, it’s just as essential to work with a mental health professional. Therapy will help you better understand the root of your struggles. That includes learning more about where your anxiety stems from. While that’s not always an easy journey, it’s a necessary first step when you want to heal from the inside out.
Practicing self-care on a daily basis can also make it easier to maintain your physical and mental health. Try prioritizing sleep, eating healthy meals, and getting enough sleep each night. Practice mindfulness, write in a journal, and meditate to reduce stress.
Most importantly, remind yourself that you don’t have to go through any of this alone. If your mental health has started to impact the way you feel, physically, don’t wait before reaching out for help. Feel free to contact me for more information about anxiety treatment or to set up an appointment soon.