What does Sasha mean? Sasha [sasha] as a girls' name (also used less regularly as boys' name Sasha) is pronounced SAH-shah. It is of Russian and Greek origin, and the meaning of Sasha is man's defender. Short form of Alexander. The -sha ending may not be feminine in Russia, though it is in America. Associated with: russian, greek, defender.
Depression increases your risk of a number of diseases and other conditions by, for example, increasing levels of stress hormones such as cortisol or adrenaline. Depression can affect the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infection. Vaccinations are even less effective in people with depression.
How Cortisol Weakens the Immune System. Cortisol weakens your immune system for a good reason. During periods of intense stress, as though you were about to face a predator, cortisol is trying to help reduce inflammation by weakening some of the antibodies that can increase inflammation.