Characteristics of the Disease Prone Personality

Research has established a relationship between personality type and susceptibility to heart disease. People with personality type A seem to be more prone to heart disease, are typically more driven, impatient, energetic and ambitious. In contrast, people with personality type B, seem to take life more slowly, are usually more relaxed and less likely to develop heart disease.

Psychologists have now identified a "type C." (cancer-prone) personality which may be characterized as someone who responds to stress with depression and a sense of hopelessness. Type C personalities have a tendency to be introverted, respectful, eager to please, conforming and compliant.

There has been some evidence to suggest that your personality type may have some relationship to your chance of surviving cancer. Those who respond with a "fighting spirit" or sense of denial seem to do better than the type C personalities who seem to accept their fate passively. A Stanford University (in the USA) professor named David Spiegel discovered that cancer patients who joined a support group which fostered a "fighting spirit" had a tendency to live on average, 18 months longer than those who were not in such a group.

Disease Prone-Personality

A disease prone personality appears to be well supported. Reseasrch has suggested that personality has effects on disease (specifically cancer and heart disease). For example, percieved stress can lead to health health problems, as well as depression, anger, and feelings of helplessness. Several studies have demonstrated long-term disease incidence could be significantly reduced by implementing a treatment that aimed to promote healthier stress behaviours (emotional expression) in individuals characterised as having unhealthy personalities.
http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/2123/915/2/02Chapter1.pdf

Coping with Mental Illness in a Family

According to the text "depression has been called the common cold of mental illness". Also neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine are chemicals in the brain and when they are at abnormal levels, depression can result. Symptoms can include unpleasantness, fear and loss of control. (Mind Body Health, 200)

Although depression can be inherited, there are no direct lines from family member to family member. "Whether one has a genetic vulnerability or not, episodes of depression often are triggered by a stressful life event: the loss of a job, the end of an intimate relationship, the death of a loved one" (Shape, April, 2003 , Annie Murphy Paul). However if one does has a family history of such illness, they must be diligent in the way they react to situations.

Trying to adjust to a mental illness in a loved one can be devastating, and can cause great tension and anxiety in a family. However, over time one can gain knowledge and learn skills to more effectively cope with a mental illness in a family.

· One of the most important and helpful things a family member can do to support a loved one with a mental illness is to learn as much about the disorder as possible.
· Remember that you cannot cure the disorder, and that no one is to blame.
· Despite your best efforts, the disorder may not get better or improve. Just remember that you may have to renegotiate your emotional relationship.
· It is not okay for you to be neglected. You have emotional needs as well.
· Acknowledge the courage your loved one has in dealing with their mental disorder.
· Love them but hate the disease
· Always remain positive
· Praise all progress
· Confide in other family members and work as a team to help your loved one.
· Remember, you can’t take care of another when you are not taking care of yourself.
· Make sure to encourage your loved one to seek help.
· Be understanding. Remind you family member that you love them, and are there to help.

Here are some links:

http://www.namidupage.org/support/coping_tips.html
http://www.epigee.org/mental-illness-tips-4family.html

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_family_friends_support.htm