How Does a Stressful Lifestyle Damage Our Body and Mind?
When I face intense mental or emotional stress, my body immediately “screams out.” The first sign is herpes—it appears on my lips in an instant, as if someone had punched me in the mouth. My joints become inflamed, my eczema flares up, and that’s when the real nightmare begins. Nights turn into endless struggles because I’m unable to sleep. I wake up in the morning feeling like I’ve fought a grueling battle with my own body all night—only to find that the day offers no relief either.
Stress quickly takes an even greater toll. My stomach tightens into knots, I lose my appetite, and my metabolism kicks into overdrive as if my body is burning through every last bit of energy just to survive. I can lose 1–1.5 kilograms (2–3 pounds) in a single day (while others may gain weight under stress). Meanwhile, my head pounds, my muscles cramp, and painful knots develop in my back and neck. Dark thoughts and a gloomy mood are inevitable, making it almost impossible to communicate normally or patiently with others. It feels like the Hulk inside me has awakened—a raging, uncontrollable force wreaking havoc both physically and emotionally.
And that’s not all. As stress rages on, it drains you energetically. It feels as if life itself is trying to consume all your reserves at once. You don’t just feel physically exhausted; your spirit is drained too. It becomes nearly impossible to pull yourself together because you’re completely depleted, both mentally and physically.
This isn’t just my story. Many people experience similar symptoms as a result of everyday stress, even if not as intensely. The constant demands, relentless pace, and unending stream of challenges in modern life take their toll on everyone. Science increasingly shows that stress doesn’t just place emotional and mental burdens on us but also physically destroys our bodies. The inflammation it triggers doesn’t only attack the joints—it can contribute to depression, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis), digestive issues like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and even certain types of cancer over the long term.
The Connection Between Inflammation and Depression: When the Body and Mind Both Suffer
The Effects of Inflammation on the Brain
When stress becomes chronic, the body’s defense mechanisms become overactive. This process affects not only physical health but also brain function. The biochemical processes triggered by stress and inflammation directly impact the brain’s neurotransmitter system. This is a key factor in understanding how prolonged stress can lead to depression.
Inflammatory cytokines—such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)—are present not only in the body’s tissues but also in the brain.
These inflammatory molecules influence brain function in several ways:
- Neurotransmitter Production: Inflammation reduces the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play a role in regulating mood and maintaining feelings of joy. Lower serotonin levels are particularly significant, as this neurotransmitter helps foster optimism and manage stress.
- Inhibition of Neurogenesis: Inflammatory molecules inhibit the formation of new neurons in certain areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus. A reduced hippocampal size is often observed in people with depression, leading to memory problems and a lack of motivation.
- Amplification of the Stress Response: Inflammation intensifies the activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s stress response. This creates a vicious cycle, further exacerbating inflammation and depression symptoms.
Research on Inflammation and Depression
Numerous studies have confirmed the link between inflammatory markers and depression. Elevated levels of inflammatory molecules like IL-6 and TNF-α are often found in people with depression. These markers correlate with the severity of depression and the intensity of emotional symptoms.
A 2021 study revealed that anti-inflammatory medications—such as aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—can improve depressive symptoms in certain cases, especially in individuals with high levels of inflammatory activity. This suggests that depression isn’t solely psychological but has a biological basis in which inflammation plays a key role.
Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Depression Caused by Inflammation
Depression triggered by inflammation manifests in both emotional and physical symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue: Chronic inflammation depletes the body’s energy reserves.
- Sleep Disorders: Inflammation disrupts sleep cycles, causing insomnia or excessive sleep.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Neurotransmitter imbalances impair focus and memory.
- Anhedonia and Lack of Motivation: The brain’s reward system shows reduced activity.
- Physical Pain: Joint pain, headaches, or muscle aches often accompany inflammation-related depression.
What Can Be Done About Inflammation and Depression?
Treating inflammation-related depression requires both psychological and biological approaches. Lifestyle changes can effectively reduce inflammation.
Among Lost Garden’s products, BODY is specifically designed to reduce inflammation, alleviate related symptoms, and relieve pain.
