At Highlands in Bloom (HiB), we believe the human body works like an ecosystem. Your mind, body, and spirit form a deep, dynamic connection. When one part struggles, the whole system feels it. Many of our clients come to us facing both autoimmune disorders and mental health concerns. These two challenges often go hand in hand as there is a connection between autoimmune and mental health. That’s because the immune system and nervous system are constantly communicating. If one becomes unbalanced, the other often follows.
What Is an Autoimmune Condition?
Autoimmune conditions happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s own tissues. Examples include lupus, Crohn’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can cause pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and other long-term symptoms.
However, while the physical symptoms often take center stage, the emotional impact is just as important. In fact, many people living with chronic illness also experience depression, anxiety, or a deep sense of isolation, which can further complicate the healing process.
Why Chronic Illness Affects Mental Health
Waking up exhausted. Struggling with digestion. Feeling overwhelmed. These are common experiences for those with autoimmune conditions. Over time, these symptoms create emotional distress.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explains this connection well. In TCM, practitioners link the liver to anger and the spleen to self esteem. When these organs work in overdrive, the related emotions often rise to the surface.
What Modern Science Confirms
Psychoneuroimmunology is a growing field that studies how thoughts and emotions affect the immune system. This research supports what traditional systems have long recognized-physical and mental health share a powerful, interconnected relationship.
For instance, when the body experiences chronic stress, cortisol levels can rise significantly, affecting both physical and emotional well-being. This weakens the immune system and raises inflammation. In turn, inflammation in the body often causes changes in the brain. These changes can lead to anxiety, depression, and more.
This creates a feedback loop. When your body is inflamed, your mind feels it. And when your mental health suffers, your immune system can’t function properly.
Our Integrative Approach at Highlands in Bloom: Connection Between Autoimmune and Mental Health
Located in peaceful Agoura Hills, California, Highlands in Bloom offers a safe space for people ready to heal from autoimmune conditions and mental health challenges.
We take a unique approach. Our program blends modern medical care with holistic healing practices. That includes therapy, psychiatry, nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine, meditation, energy work, and more.
Each meal is prepared with purpose. For example, we incorporate fresh garden herbs that benefit mental well-being i.e. alleviate inflammation and boosts energy, vitality, and supports digestive health.
Why Community Matters
Chronic illness can make people feel alone. At Highlands, connection is a key part of healing. With only six beds, our setting allows for individualized care and meaningful relationships.
Each day includes group sessions, mindful meals, and time for reflection. These shared experiences help clients feel safe, supported, and truly seen.
What Makes Highlands in Bloom Different
We don’t believe people are broken. Instead, we see them as individuals responding to deep stress-physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our goal is not to fix, but to walk beside you as you heal.
Our services include:
- Individual and group therapy
- Psychiatric care and medication support
- Functional medicine testing
- Nutritional therapy based on Eastern principles
- Sound baths and massages
- Cold plunge, sauna, and PEMF sessions
- Daily mindfulness and movement
Everything is designed to calm the immune system and restore emotional balance.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Even if you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, know this: you are not alone. Healing is possible—and it doesn’t have to be done in isolation.
Highlands in Bloom welcomes individuals from across the country who are ready for true, whole-person healing. Here, you’ll find compassion, clarity, and care.
Let your body speak. Let your heart be heard. Allow yourself be supported.
You deserve to heal.
Highlands in Bloom
Residential Treatment for Autoimmune + Mental Health
Agoura Hills, California
(805) 892-6313
Licensed by CDSS • Certified by DHCS • JCAHO Accredited
