Question: How does to brain react to illness?

Helen O'Connor answered on 24 Jun 2011:

It depends on what type of illness really. The brain is not specifically involved in fighting off illnesses (that is our immune system that kicks in). But, we do know now that the brain is involved in helping boost our immune system – this is something called psychoimmunology – people who are happier and less stressed are also usually healther. We can also use the brain to help us cope with pain, by using imagery (imagination) and relaxation techniques.

Some illnesses are quite bad, and we might feel depressed if we are ill for a long time, stuck in bed and feeling a lot of pain. The depression might go away when we get better, or we might need to speak to a psychologist or a doctor if the depression lasts a long time.