is it possible that depression could weaken someones immune system?

Question

i think its possible. but im not sure

Answer 1

Hi, the answer is that it DOES lower your immune system.
There are a cascade of events which occur to change our normal biochemistry to a very undesirable state, which in turn leads to cellular and bodily sub-function.
Under conditions of stressand depression, your adrenal glands are instructed to secrete cortisol..to prepare your body for the natural response of "fight or flight". This is the way we were developed to fight or run from the chasing T. Rex.
How depression affects the immune system is a decrease in the production of blood cells, gamma globulins (which are protein based molecules..and there are different forms..) also called antibodies and an inhibition of the inflammation cycle..(which you need to fight daily exposures to things like chemicals, virus and bacteria).
Basically your body's biochemistry shifts from daily maintenance and repair to "defense" all the time and this wear's out some vital functions..resulting in chronic immune deficiencies and degenerative disease. (heart, diabetes, arthritis, etc.)

Answer 2

Depression is a whole-body disorder. There’s accumulating evidence that the illness has deleterious effects on the heart, the brain, the bones and metabolism. Now comes proof that it undermines the immune system as people age and long-term changes take place in the immune system
Women with mild to moderately severe depression show alterations in their immune systems, according to researchers at Carnegie-Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

"We also found that depression was associated with greater tobacco and caffeine consumption, less physical activity, and poorer sleep quality," said Gregory E. Miller, PhD, lead author of the study.

Answer 3

Definately! During my longterm depression my body began having all sorts of problems. Strong allergic reactions, aches and pains, illness, pneumonia, head and back pain.
Dr.s explained to me that the stress of my depression was too much for my body to take without breaking down and having physical symptoms.

Answer 4

Yes, there's little doubt. You can find various things on this if you do a Google search, but here's one for starters: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20031015/even-mild-depression-harms-immunity

Answer 5

Yes it can especially since you might have stopped eating regularly. It can happen if you have stopped exercising and you cry all the time.

Answer 6

The opposite is true . Endorphin highs will keep you healthier too But the germs we get from sex eventually will kill us. LOL cant win.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

Of course it does.

Answer 9

Yep, it can.