All the constituents are to work properly for a good output. Take an example of a chemical reaction. When all the reactants are in good and appropriate amounts then the product released is worthy too. Just like this, our body consists of all the different organs and systems which together determine how our health will be. Mental health is linked to other systems of our body. Our digestive system is linked to mental health. Likewise we can say that how our brain behaves determines how our body reacts. Autoimmune diseases are diseases that are caused when the immune system of our own body attacks healthy cells of our body.
Many kinds of autoimmune diseases link to mental health conditions. In this blog, we will explain their connections and explore possible treatment plans.
Most common type of autoimmune disorders.
Let us first discuss the most common types of autoimmune disease. The most common type of autoimmune disorder are as follows-
- Addison disease.
- Celiac disorder.
- Graves disease.
- Type 1 diabetes.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
All these are some very common types of autoimmune disorders.
Symptoms associated with Autoimmune Diseases are-
- Fatigueness.
- Joint pain.
- Rash.
- Fever.
- General feeling of illness.
Research has proven that more than 50 percent of people with autoimmune diseases also suffer from mental health problems.
The main insights of that study are discussed as follows-
- 55 percent of people suffered from depression.
- 57 percent of patients experienced anxiety.
- 89 percent of patients suffered from fatigue.
- 78 percent of patients had some cognitive dysfunction.
This research was published in Rheumatology.
Why are Autoimmune Diseases and mental disorders related?
People believe that autoimmune diseases may affect individuals’ coping mechanisms. The coping mechanisms may not help them to regulate their stressors which may further make it difficult to maintain or regulate daily life problems.
More studies reflect that inflammation caused by autoimmune disorders may affect the brain cells and the mood regulating neurotransmitters of the brain which may give mood disorders.
The relation between PTSD and autoimmune disease.
Post traumatic stress disorder is often related to long term stress. The physical effects of PTSD are known too. PTSD is linked to autoimmune disease. Long term stress can cause many harmful changes in the body.
Long term stress can cause inflammation in the body and it can affect the immunity of the body.
The stress hormone is called cortisol. Long term stress makes the inflammation more and can lead to problems like autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease further can be linked to depression or anxiety.
Stress management for better results.
As it is now clear that stress is related to immunity. Everyday stress can cause many issues and it needs to be managed. Here are some tips for stress management-
- Always identify the reason for your stress and ask yourself how to solve it instead of feeling overwhelmed.
- Make a journal and let your emotions be expressed there. Addressing journals can be of great help.
- Avoid relying on unhealthy stress management habits. Do not smoke or consume alcohol.
- Accept the things that you can not change. People fail to accept things and it can really bother them.
- Reframe your thoughts. Negative thoughts can be really unhelpful. Replace them with more neutral ones.
- Adopt a hobby to work upon. It can be anything- dancing,singing, playing etc.
- Stay away from people that you feel are not healthy for you.
Emotional challenges for autoimmune patients.
People suffering from autoimmune disorder may face many emotional challenges. Patients can feel the following emotional challenges:
- The continuous fear of diseases and their symptoms can cause mental discomfort.
- Long term illness can cause depression and anxiety.
- The distress related to disorder. One may think alot about the disease which may induce fear and worry.
- Sadness or isolation can be some other challenges.
All these are some emotional challenges for patients of autoimmune disorders.
What are some ways which can help to deal with emotional challenges?
The ways which can be helpful in dealing with emotional challenges are as follows-
- Joining a support group can be of real great help. It can help the patient to socialise.
- Do not hesitate to share your feelings with loved ones. Always try to talk with a friend or family member who you think can listen to you.
- Always practice mindfulness. Take deep breaths and prefer doing relaxation techniques.
- Always be grateful. Be thankful for wherever you are and whatever you have.
Therapies for patients.
Experts believe that some therapies effectively address patients’ mental health conditions.
The therapies are as follows-
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of therapy which will help to focus on the thought patterns and it can be helpful as it will help to bring required behavioral changes.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy help by accepting the emotions and finding ways to deal with them.
- Solution focused therapy aims to find the solutions of the problem. It does not dig into the past and just focuses upon finding out ways to deal with issues.
- Interpersonal therapy helps by making the social life of individuals better. It helps by bringing positive changes in the social life of individuals.
- Narrative therapy will help to explore the negative mindsets of people. It helps by reframing the negative thought.
Psychotherapies can be of real great help as they can bring positive changes in lives of patients who suffer from long term illness. One should take the help of a psychologist or a licensed therapist for dealing with mental health issues. One will see changes themselves and will feel how good mental health will affect their body.
Select the best therapist and never feel that you are alone in this. A good therapist will make you feel good and more positive.
Lyfsmile: Best autoimmune diseases and mental health counseling in Gurgaon
Lyfsmile offers the best autoimmune diseases and mental health counseling in Gurgaon, delivering specialized support tailored to individual needs. Their expert counselors focus on the unique emotional and psychological challenges faced by those with autoimmune conditions. Through personalized therapy sessions, Lyfsmile helps clients manage stress, cope with chronic pain, and enhance overall mental well-being. Using a compassionate approach and evidence-based techniques, Lyfsmile commits to improving the quality of life for individuals navigating the complexities of autoimmune diseases.
Conclusion
Prolonged stored trauma can cause autoimmune diseases. Never neglect emotions and feelings. Reach out to a professional counselor and talk about your inner feelings. Get best help and decrease the chances of getting autoimmune diseases. Live a healthy and stress free life!
FAQ.
Is my autoimmune disease linked to PTSD?
There are possible chances that Ptsd can be linked to autoimmune disease. A trained medical professional can examine you well.
PTSD gets better with therapy?
Ptsd can get better by taking therapy. Take help of good therapists and talk about the issue. Get proper treatment for relief.
How to overcome negative feelings while dealing with autoimmune disease?
Deal with feelings by looking at the positive sides. It’s normal to feel low and frustrated. Try to be as neutral as you can. Love and care from closed ones can be your strength.