"LONG-TERM STRESS WEAKENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM"
In a talk organized on the social media account of Manisa Mental Health and Diseases Hospital, the effects of stress on the immune system were discussed. During the session, which focused on the impact of stress on immunity, suggestions on how to cope with increased stress factors during the pandemic were also addressed.
The discussion, organized by Manisa Mental Health and Diseases Hospital, was moderated by psychiatrist Dr. Arzu Dalmış from the same hospital, and her guest, Associate Professor Dr. Duygu Sağ, a faculty member of the Department of Immunology at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine. They addressed the effects of mental health and stress on the immune system.
Emphasizing that stress hormones suppress immune system cells and that this becomes harmful when chronic, Associate Professor Dr. Duygu Sağ from Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine said, “Short-term stress is important because it activates the immune system. While short-term stress helps keep the immune system alert and functioning more strongly, long-term stress weakens it.” She added that practicing mindfulness is recommended to live a more fulfilling and productive life and to reduce stress as much as possible. Psychiatrist Dr. Arzu Dalmış from Manisa Mental Health and Diseases Hospital said:
“It means thinking only about what we are doing at that moment, living it, and staying with it. Not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, but simply experiencing the present moment. For example, not thinking about grocery shopping while hugging a loved one. In fact, life is the present moment. We cannot affect the past, and we can only make predictions about the future. That is why living in the moment is very important. These are a kind of life exercises and can be done anytime, anywhere, by anyone.”
Comparing the immune system to an army and the individual to its commander, Duygu Sağ explained that the placebo effect also works in this way. “How we feel is how our cells feel. If we are happy and positive, our cells are also positive and actively fighting. If we are sad and negative, our cells become weakened and suppressed, and cannot function properly. So if what we believe comes true, then let’s activate our cells in a positive way so they can fight well,” she said.
Addressing how to cope with pandemic-related stress, Arzu Dalmış emphasized the importance of acceptance: “To cope, we first need to recognize, define, and accept the problem, and then go through an adaptation process. The pandemic happened, but it is not something that affects only you; it is a global situation affecting the whole world. In fact, the more global the problem is, the easier it becomes to accept. First comes acceptance, then taking quick action for adaptation.”
Duygu Sağ noted that melatonin, secreted during sleep, is a hormone that activates cells: “Various studies show that melatonin plays an important role in fighting viruses and bacteria. It also has a regulatory role in inflammatory diseases. If inflammation is harmful, it balances and reduces it. Melatonin acts as an immunomodulator.”
Take up a hobby to cope with stress
Dalmış stated that having hobbies has a calming effect on individuals: “You should have periods where you set aside time for yourself beyond your job and obligatory responsibilities. You should have areas where you discover yourself, reward yourself, and express your creativity. This could be growing plants, painting, or knitting. You must have a hobby. Perfect is the enemy of good. We do not have to do everything perfectly. We should know our limits and what we can and cannot do.”
Highlighting that loving relationships increase the secretion of serotonin, which strengthens the immune system, Sağ noted: “When we feel bad and negative, cortisol levels increase, which suppresses the immune system. When we feel good, our immune system is strong; when we feel bad, it also becomes weak.”