Posted by noa on February 11, 2003, at 19:06:06
In reply to Re: Depression and break-up of the extended family » bozeman, posted by FredPotter on February 11, 2003, at 15:53:50
My view is that it is not one or the other (loss of support or biological illness). Losses are extremely stress-inducing, and stress can trigger all kinds of reactions, coping mechanisms, adaptations, or illnesses. I think it would be normal to have depressed mood in reaction to a major stressor, such as what you have been through, but if the illness lingers or is severe, I don't think of it as just a stress reaction. I think some of us are more prone to certain illnesses, and stress can trigger these illnesses. Then, the illness itself also becomes a stressor in itself and the feedback loop goes on and on. That is one reason treatment as early in the process is so important.
poster:noa
thread:2558
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030203/msgs/2590.html