How Your Mental Health Can Put You At Risk for COVID-19

COVID-19 has been linked to over 890,000 deaths in the U.S. so far. We have seen several variants and over 72 million recorded cases. We have been through 2 years of public health measures like masks, social distancing, and lockdowns.

While we know a lot more now, we also know that we have ways to reduce the risks of developing COVID-19 that have been well documented as effective. And after 2 years of extreme public health measures, it would do well to revisit one way to help. Having a mental health condition like anxiety or depression weakens the immune system, decreases your body’s ability to fight off illnesses, and makes you more vulnerable to common colds, flu, and other viruses.

The link between physical health and psychological well-being is real, and experts call it psychoneuroimmunology. Research shows that depression increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines while compromising immune response. Anxiety and stress can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, which increases cortisol levels and alters immune system responses. And other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, have long been associated with immune system dysfunction.

Seeking treatment for mental health issues is a critical step in strengthening the immune system. Here are 10 recommendations to strengthen your body’s ability to fend off viruses.

10 Ways to Boost Immunity

1. Protect your body with probiotics.