Focusing on the brighter side of life, while not bad advice, does not account for the numerous biochemical malfunctions that prevent those with depression from doing just that. The impact of depression extends beyond disrupting work and personal relationships. It also can influence the development of a whole bounty of serious illnesses. Stress, depression, and the persistent immune response of inflammation can influence the development of chronic and autoimmune illnesses that permanently alter the direction of a person’s life. With stakes as high as these, the manner in which stress and depression manifests in the body to impact the immune system cannot be underestimated.
For this Application Assignment, review this week’s Learning Resources including the Chronic Disease and Autoimmune Disease sections of the “Stress, The Immune System, Chronic Illness, and Your Body” handout. Then select an illness that has a high co-occurrence with depression. Finally, consider teaching strategies that may reduce the effects of the stress related-illness.
The Assignment (3–5 page APA-formatted essay)
- Describe the connection between depression and the illness you selected and explain the factors of the disease you selected that account for its high co-occurrence with depression.
- Explain the role of stress hormones and inflammation in this depression related illness
- Explain at least three teaching strategies that might reduce the effects of the stress related-illness you select.
- Explain the methods you might use to encourage the adoption these strategies to reduce the effects of the stress related-illness.
Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the Learning Resources for this course.