Your depression isn’t in your head; it is linked to immunity

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia may not just come from the brain — they’re also linked to the immune system. Low immunity and inflammation can affect mood and behaviour. Improving immunity may help mental well-being and recovery

Hyderabad: Management of mental health ailments is usually centered around addressing issues with our brains. However, in the last few years, there has been growing evidence linking the role of body immunity and its influence on various kinds of mental health ailments.

Studies by psychiatrists and neuroscientists in the last few years have indicated that Regulatory T Cells (Tregs), which are body’s peacekeeping immune cells, have a direct link to our mental health.

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The drop in Tregs in our body is directly linked to chronic neuroinflammation, an inflammatory response that occurs within the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, driving conditions such as major depressive disorders, anxiety and schizophrenia.

“Tregs prevent the immune system from overreacting. When these cells decrease or become dysfunctional, inflammation increases, thus affecting brain chemistry, mood regulation, and emotional stability,” explains senior psychiatrist and national director council member of the Indian Psychiatric Society, Dr Vishal Akula.

Research shows that individuals with depression have reduced Regulatory T Cells (Treg) levels, leading to higher inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, which contribute to chronic stress and mood disturbances.

The Regulatory T Cells have links to schizophrenia, Dr Vishal explains, “Imbalance in Treg cells increases neuroinflammation and worsens psychotic symptoms. This immune dysregulation is now being studied as a possible biological factor in schizophrenia. Chronic substance abuse, such as alcohol, nicotine, and opioids, suppresses Treg activity, causing increased brain inflammation and higher relapse rates”.

The senior psychiatrist points out that improving or enhancing immunity has a lot of potential to address the treatment outcomes of various kinds of mental health ailments.

“Recent cutting-edge studies have suggested that antidepressants (SSRIs) may enhance Treg function. Yoga, meditation, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and a balanced diet can help regulate immune balance and improve mood stability,” he added.

People in general should not be under the impression that mental health is only related to the brain, as it also depends on our body’s immunity. “By adopting a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, eating nutritious food, and sleeping well, we can protect both our brain and immune system. People should realise and be aware that there is a biological basis (immunity) to our mental health. This will go a long way in reducing stigma around mental health and promoting early intervention and preventive wellness,” he added.

Important points:

• Mental health ailments are not just caused by issues in our brains
• The body’s immunity vital role in various kinds of mental health ailments
• Immunity is linked to depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and psychotic disorders
• PTSD is linked to activation of stress and immunity systems
• Focus on improving gut health, pursue physical activity, and proper sleep