The Hidden Connection Between Autoimmune Disorders and Mental Health
When we think about health, we often imagine the body and mind as two separate systems. But research shows they are much more connected than we realized — especially when it comes to autoimmune disorders.
Autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and thyroid problems don’t just affect the body. They also have a strong connection with mental and emotional health. Many people living with autoimmune conditions struggle with anxiety, depression, brain fog, or mood changes. And research shows this isn’t a coincidence.
This article explains what scientists know about the link between autoimmune disorders and mental health, why it happens, and what people can do to support both their physical and emotional well-being.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
The immune system is supposed to protect the body by attacking things like viruses or bacteria. But in autoimmune diseases, the immune system becomes confused. It attacks the body’s own healthy cells instead.
Some common autoimmune conditions include:
Lupus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Graves’ disease
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Type 1 diabetes
Celiac disease
These conditions can cause pain, swelling, fatigue, digestive issues, and brain fog. They can also affect hormones, sleep, and energy — all of which play a role in mental health.
What the Research Shows
Large studies show that autoimmune diseases and mental health conditions are strongly linked.
Autoimmune disorders increase risk of anxiety and depression
Research involving over 1.5 million people found that almost 29% of those with autoimmune diseases had a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety. In comparison, only about 18% of people without autoimmune conditions had one.
Even after adjusting for factors like age or income, the increased risk stayed high. This tells us that autoimmune disease itself plays a major role.
Other studies found:
People with autoimmune thyroid diseases are more likely to have anxiety and depression.
People with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus report higher levels of depression and sleep problems.
People with MS often experience mood changes early in their illness, sometimes before diagnosis.
Mental-health issues may also increase autoimmune risk
The connection goes both ways. A large Danish study found that people who had depression were more likely to later develop an autoimmune disease — even many years after the depression diagnosis.
This suggests that long-term stress, trauma, or emotional strain may influence how the immune system behaves.
Why This Connection Exists
Scientists believe the mind-body link in autoimmune disorders comes from several different causes working together.
1. Inflammation affects the brain
Autoimmune diseases cause ongoing inflammation in the body. Inflammation releases chemicals called cytokines. These cytokines can travel to the brain and affect:
mood
energy
motivation
focus
sleep
This can lead to symptoms like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and brain fog.
2. Shared genetic factors
Large genetic studies show that some of the same genes may increase risk for both autoimmune diseases and mental health disorders. This means some people may be biologically more sensitive to both.
3. Hormones and stress
Hormones like cortisol and estrogen affect both the immune system and emotions. Chronic stress — physical or emotional — can change hormone levels and make both autoimmune symptoms and mental health symptoms worse.
4. Living with chronic illness is emotionally draining
Chronic pain, fatigue, medical appointments, and lifestyle changes can take a heavy emotional toll. Many people feel isolated, misunderstood, or frustrated. Over time, this stress can lead to anxiety or depression.
Common Mental-Health Symptoms in Autoimmune Diseases
People with autoimmune illnesses may experience:
sadness or depression
anxiety or constant worry
irritability
brain fog and poor focus
sleep problems
low motivation
feeling overwhelmed
fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
These symptoms are real and deserve attention just as much as the physical symptoms.
Why Understanding This Link Matters
Recognizing the connection between autoimmune health and mental health helps people get the right kind of support.
1. Early screening
Doctors should check for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems in people with autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, many patients say these issues are never discussed during medical visits.
Screening earlier can prevent mental health symptoms from becoming severe.
2. Integrated care is best
People with autoimmune disorders often see:
rheumatologists
neurologists
endocrinologists
dermatologists
gastroenterologists
But mental and emotional health sometimes gets overlooked. That’s why integrated care — working with both medical and mental-health professionals — leads to better outcomes.
3. Treating mental health supports the immune system too
Improving mental health can lead to improvements in:
inflammation
energy
coping skills
sleep
pain levels
medication consistency
This means treating both the body and mind often leads to overall improvement.
What You Can Do if You Have an Autoimmune Disease
Here are some practical steps to support both your mental and physical health:
1. Pay attention to emotional changes
If you feel down, anxious, or mentally exhausted for more than two weeks, it may be time to talk with a professional.
2. Work with a therapist who understands chronic illness
A therapist with experience in medical conditions can help you process the emotional weight of chronic disease and teach helpful coping skills.
3. Build stress-management habits
Try:
mindfulness
gentle yoga
deep-breathing exercises
journaling
grounding exercises
Stress reduction helps lower inflammation and supports the immune system.
4. Stay connected
Chronic illness can feel isolating. Support groups — online or in-person — can provide understanding and encouragement.
5. Communicate with your medical team
Bring up mental health symptoms at appointments. Tell your doctor about changes in sleep, mood, energy, or stress. These are important pieces of your health picture.
A Whole-Person Approach to Healing
Autoimmune conditions affect far more than the physical body. They can influence brain chemistry, emotions, and quality of life. But healing is possible — especially when mental health is treated as an essential part of the journey.
At PCS Counseling Services, PLLC, we believe in caring for the whole person. Understanding the strong link between autoimmune disease and mental health empowers people to seek support early, build coping skills, and improve both emotional and physical wellness.
If you or someone you love is living with an autoimmune condition, remember:
Your feelings are valid. Your mental health matters. You deserve support.
Tori Stephenson, LMFT
Meet Tori Stephenson, LMFT. Tori has years of experience helping with Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma for people of all ages. She is ready to help you get relief!
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