In this episode, Dr. Micah Yu and Dr. Melissa Mondala discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of autoimmune disease: mental health. With depression and anxiety affecting more than half of all autoimmune patients, the conversation explores the deep connection between the nervous system, trauma, inflammation, and long-term healing.

Key Points: 

• One in two people with autoimmune disease also has depression or anxiety.
• Mental health symptoms often appear years before autoimmune diagnosis.
• Emotional trauma, chronic stress, and neuroinflammation can all trigger or worsen autoimmune flares.
• The field of psycho-neuro-immunology explains how the brain, nervous system, and immune system interact.
• Childhood trauma (ACEs) significantly increases the risk of autoimmune conditions later in life.
• Early signs of depression and anxiety include sleep changes, appetite issues, mood swings, perfectionism, joint pain, rashes, and fatigue.

Featured Case Study:

A 60-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis saw dramatic improvement in pain, energy, and inflammation after focusing on nervous system regulation, sleep, and mental wellness. Her care plan included vagus nerve stimulation and lifestyle changes. Within 3 months, she was pain-free, off prednisone, and considering a return to nursing. Her recovery also positively impacted her son, who struggled with mental health issues.

Final Message:

Healing is possible — even after years of trying. When diet and medications aren’t enough, it’s time to address mental health, trauma, and the nervous system. This episode reminds us that what feels emotional is often physical, and that support, persistence, and the right tools can make all the difference.

Learn more or schedule a consult:

• Dr. Yu and Dr. Mondala’s clinic: https://myautoimmunemd.com

• Dr. Yu on YouTube: My Autoimmune MD

• Dr. Mondala on YouTube & Instagram: Dr. Melissa’s Kitchen

About Your Hosts:

Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP
Dr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.

Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM
Dr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women’s wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.

For more information, please visit https://myautoimmunemd.com.