Because the brain is involved in the regulation of the body’s systems, mental illness is intricately tied to the physical health of your entire body. The same neurotransmitters and hormones used to run the body on an everyday basis also come into play when fighting disease, whether physical or mental. The CNS, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, immune system, and lymphatic system are linked in the fight to rid the body of disease and to maintain homeostasis of the body during the disease-fighting process. This same type of interaction applies to mental illness.

When an imbalance develops, serious health issues can arise. People with depression are more likely to have heart disease, possibly because of depression’s effects on the autonomic nervous system, and to have reduced immunity to infections.