Name: The science behind how sickness shapes your mood
Uploaded: 2023-11-27T15:58:10Z
Duration: 13 min 55 s
Description: Your immune system is more socially aware than you think, says social neuroscientist and psychology professor Keely Muscatell. Investigating the interconnectedness of your mood and your inflammatory system, she offers an evolutionary reason as to why being sick may make you feel depressed — and vice versa.

Your immune system is more socially aware than you think, says social neuroscientist and psychology professor Keely Muscatell. Investigating the interconnectedness of your mood and your inflammatory system, she offers an evolutionary reason as to why being sick may make you feel depressed — and vice versa.

The science behind how sickness shapes your mood

The immune system does more than fight infection; it powerfully shapes mood and social behavior. Inflammation triggers not only fever and fatigue, but also feelings of sadness and a wish to withdraw from others. Even everyday stress can activate the body’s inflammatory response, making people want to stay home and seek comfort from close friends or family. These patterns reflect deep evolutionary reasons, helping the body conserve energy and recover, but can become harmful if prolonged.