Unseen Burden: How Human Emotion Shapes Mortality Rates

Abstract

The goal this comprehensive review is to examine the adverse effects of emotions, especially depression, anxiety, and overthinking, on human mortality. We investigate complex physiological and psychological pathways by which emotional states can affect health, from cardiovascular disease to impaired immune function. We link current scientific knowledge to provide an alternative way of conceptualizing how mental health impacts longevity and health in everyone. Our objective is to provide meaningful information for scientific and non-scientific readers alike, and to demonstrate the need for addressing pathogens of emotional well-being. This review provides insight into how pathways from mortality can be significantly altered based on how we cope with acute and chronic stress, demonstrating the interdependence of life sciences to combat a national and global health crisis.