Autoimmune disease and mental health often intersect in ways many people do not realize. March is Autoimmune Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of more than 100 chronic diseases in which the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy cells. Researchers estimate that over 50 million Americans live with autoimmune diseases, and nearly 80% of those affected are women (National Institutes of Health, 2022; Autoimmune Association, 2023).
Many people also face a long path to diagnosis. Studies show the average person with an autoimmune condition waits four to five years before receiving an accurate diagnosis (American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association).
At Highlands in Bloom (HiB), we often meet individuals whose autoimmune symptoms also affect their emotional health, stress levels, and nervous system regulation. In many cases, mental health challenges become the primary reason someone seeks treatment.
Understanding the link between autoimmune disease and mental health helps people find more effective support and care.
What Is Autoimmune Disease?
Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. The immune system normally protects the body from viruses and bacteria. In autoimmune conditions, that defense system becomes dysregulated.
Researchers have identified over 100 autoimmune diseases, including:
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Psoriasis
These diseases can affect different organs, but many share similar symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain
- Brain fog
- Digestive problems
- Skin changes
- Hormonal disruption
Autoimmune diseases also tend to flare and remit, meaning symptoms can worsen and improve over time (NIH, 2022).
This unpredictability often creates emotional stress for individuals living with chronic illness.
How Autoimmune Disease Affects Mental Health
Scientific research shows a strong connection between autoimmune disease and mental health. Several biological mechanisms explain this relationship.
1. Chronic Inflammation Affects the Brain
Autoimmune diseases involve systemic inflammation. Inflammation can influence brain chemistry and mood regulation.
Research published in Nature Reviews Immunology shows that inflammatory cytokines can alter neurotransmitters involved in depression and fatigue (Dantzer et al., 2018).
Studies have also linked chronic inflammation to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive impairment
- Sleep disruption
These symptoms often occur alongside autoimmune disease.
2. The Nervous System Responds to Chronic Illness Stress
Chronic illness places continuous stress on the nervous system. The body may remain in a prolonged stress response.
Researchers describe this pattern as nervous system dysregulation. The body stays in a heightened fight-or-flight state for long periods.
Symptoms may include:
- Persistent anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Heightened stress sensitivity
- Fatigue and burnout
Studies show that stress hormones can also worsen inflammatory immune responses, which can intensify autoimmune symptoms (Glaser & Kiecolt-Glaser, 2005).
3. Living With Chronic Illness Impacts Emotional Health
Autoimmune disease often changes daily life. People may lose energy, independence, or the ability to work consistently.
Research shows individuals with autoimmune diseases experience higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with the general population (Matcham et al., 2013).
Several factors contribute to this emotional burden:
- Long diagnostic delays
- Chronic pain or fatigue
- Social isolation
- Unpredictable symptom flares
These challenges can affect a person’s sense of identity and well-being.
When Mental Health Symptoms Require Higher Levels of Care
For some individuals, autoimmune disease leads to significant psychological distress. Mental health symptoms may become severe enough to interfere with daily functioning.
People may experience:
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma-related stress
- Chronic burnout
- Adjustment disorders
In these cases, structured support such as residential treatment for mental health may help stabilize symptoms and restore balance.
A Whole-Person Approach to Autoimmune Disease and Mental Health
At Highlands in Bloom, we focus on the relationship between mental health, nervous system regulation, and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Our residential program integrates several approaches.
Evidence-Based Clinical Therapy
Clients receive individualized therapeutic care that may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- EMDR
- Somatic therapy
- Trauma-informed psychotherapy
These approaches help individuals process emotional stress related to chronic illness.
Somatic Movement and Nervous System Regulation
Physical practices can support nervous system balance.
Our program includes daily somatic movement, breathwork, and mindfulness practices. These activities help calm the stress response and improve body awareness.
Research shows mind-body therapies can reduce stress and improve quality of life in individuals with autoimmune disease (Bower & Irwin, 2016).
Complementary Wellness Modalities
Many individuals with autoimmune conditions benefit from supportive wellness practices that help regulate stress and inflammation.
Examples may include:
- Infrared sauna
- Cold plunge therapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Sound baths
- Nutritional support
These approaches work alongside clinical treatment to support overall health.
Why Autoimmune Awareness Month Matters
Autoimmune Awareness Month encourages greater recognition of the millions of people living with these conditions.
Greater awareness can help:
- Speed diagnosis
- Improve access to care
- Increase research funding
- Support individuals navigating chronic illness
It also highlights the important relationship between autoimmune disease and mental health.
Many individuals experience emotional challenges alongside physical symptoms. Integrated treatment models can address both aspects of health.
Supporting the Mind-Body Connection
Autoimmune diseases affect more than the immune system. They influence the brain, nervous system, and emotional well-being.
For individuals experiencing both chronic illness and mental health challenges, comprehensive care can provide meaningful support.
At Highlands in Bloom, we focus on helping individuals regulate the nervous system, build resilience, and restore balance between mind and body.
Autoimmune Awareness Month reminds us that chronic illness often requires whole-person care.
Greater awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment, and stronger support systems for those affected.
References
Autoimmune Association. (2023). Autoimmune disease statistics.
Bower, J. E., & Irwin, M. R. (2016). Mind-body therapies and immune system function. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
Dantzer, R., et al. (2018). Inflammation and depression. Nature Reviews Immunology.
Glaser, R., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. (2005). Stress-induced immune dysfunction. Nature Reviews Immunology.
Matcham, F., et al. (2013). The prevalence of depression in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology.
National Institutes of Health. (2022). Autoimmune diseases overview.
Highlands in Bloom
Residential Treatment Center for Autoimmune + Mental Health
Agoura Hills, California
(805) 892-6313
Licensed by CDSS • Certified by DHCS • JCAHO Accredited