Psychological effects on immunity
the influence of emotional state, stress and related behaviors on the effectiveness and protective functions of the immune system. Studies have confirmed that chronic negative emotions, such as constant anxiety, depression, repressed anger, or feelings of helplessness, can lead to profound biological changes in the body. These changes include activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which weaken the immune system’s response and reduce the effectiveness of cells responsible for fighting viruses and bacteria. A weakened immune system makes a person more susceptible to infections, slows wound healing, and can exacerbate the severity of some chronic diseases. In contrast, studies have shown that positive emotions such as optimism, contentment, and social support increase the effectiveness of the immune system and the body’s ability to fight disease. What’s more, positive coping strategies such as exercise, relaxation, and healthy expression of emotions help reduce the negative effects of psychological stress on immunity. This shows that immunity is not just an independent biological system; Rather, it is part of a complex system that is influenced by the psychological state of a person. This makes attention to mental health a critical component of maintaining a healthy immune system and increasing the ability to resist disease.