Stress and distress have been widely researched over the last few years, focusing on specifically on its effects on the immune system. Many of these studies focus on the release of small proteins in our cells called cytokines in response to both physical and psychological stress. They signal the immune system to do its job and are released along with hormones like adrenaline that help the body respond to both injuries and infections as well as emotional stress.
The immune system is complex and its primary function is to protect us from injury and disease. It also identifies SELF from NON SELF. So if you inhale pollen, have a virus, mutated cell i.e. something not YOU, the immune system kicks off an inflammatory response. It eliminates the Non -self to protect the organism
A good example is to think of when you have the flu, what do you do? Go to bed. You are physically fatigued and can’t do much else. THAT is the immune system, protecting us. Cytokines are sending signals of ‘sickness behaviour’ to get us to rest
As the stressor heightens in either intensity or duration (e.g. with chronic conditions) the ability to cope decreases, leading to elevated levels of stress hormones, affecting our immunity and ability to stay healthy - Our distress affects our ability to stay healthy.
Just looking at the evidence or research around this, we know that stress hormones like CRH are higher in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with chronic depression. This is because chronic inflammation impairs the negative feedback loop that stops the inflammatory process and cortisol release. This process is dysregulated by stress, leading to immunosuppression – reducing our immune system’s ability to perform vital functions like metabolism, body temperature, appetite.
In essence, what we think and feel affects our ability to combat threatening pathogens and injuries - Distress and psychological factors affect immunity.
A useful non-invasive therapeutic approach to moderating this cycle is Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) which is a discipline that has evolved in the last 40 years to study the relationship between immunity, the endocrine system, and the central and peripheral nervous systems. It looks at links and interactions between thoughts, cognitions, feelings, emotional states and ability to remain healthy.
It is an excellent treatment modality for managing chronic conditions such as mood disorders, pain, sleep disorders, inflammatory disorders and trauma. It centres on relaxation based therapies such as diaphragmatic breathing and specific guided imagery work to decrease and help manage chronic conditions over time.
We are so pleased to introduce this modality to the clinic – earlier this year I completed some excellent training and started to build this therapeutic approach into our talk therapy offerings, energy healing or guided meditation sessions at the clinic. We have already rolled out and seen some really successful outcomes so far, working with dysregulated sleep, trauma, grief, chronic pain and a few other areas. Talk to us about building this approach into your therapy session the next time you book in – call, message or email to find out more.
