anxiety award

So, I read something today that said immune system functions are inhibited by anxiety... and that made me wonder if somehow, my body is naturally fighting this autoimmune disease (a disease characterized by the over-activity of the immune system) with a constant state of anxiety. Perhaps my anxiety is what has kept the disease so minuscule for so long. I'm certain I've had symptoms of autoimmune disease at least since I was a teenager, and I actually believe I started having symptoms when I was eight, which is the same time I remember beginning to experience anxiety and depression.

I suppose it is possible the disease biologically causes the anxiety, and the anxiety was just another symptom. But I kinda like the idea that the anxiety is a response from my body to suppress the immune system... it's a bit comforting - like something is being done. Like someone is paying attention in there and doing something.

Arg. But this just plays into me finding ways that my biology is responsible for my emotions, rather than my life experiences being responsible for my emotions, which means I just get to feel better (emotionally) because "it's not my parents fault"... huh. It's a damn chicken and egg. If my childhood had been "perfect" would I still have an autoimmune disease? Perhaps if we had heat and I didn't get pneumonia when I was two years old. Perhaps if I wasn't constantly breathing second hand smoke. Perhaps if there weren't drunk and high strangers in my face making me uncomfortable. Yet, if I didn't have an autoimmune disease that wouldn't change my childhood experience.

Okay okay... this doesn't mean my initial idea is false... I just may not win a science award ;)