Sue is completely right in stating that it is possible to discuss the mind-body connection without deciding whether 'mind' exists independent of the physical brain or 'mind' is a convenient shortcut way to talk about brain firing patterns. So if people just could accept that others may have different things in mind when they say
'mind' but that it just does not matter (mind?) for this particular question (as Brucie had already said in other words in his 08 Dec 04 - 04:55 PM post) we could nevertheless have a discussion along the lines of Sue's first post, couldn't we?

Mary, short term stress brings the body (immune system) in a 'flight or fight' state in which we are able to function better than usually. In an extreme stress situation I usually do not get a cold and feel more strength. When the stress diminishes I am much more vulnerable. So a getting worse of a chronic state after a period of stress could make sense.

Wolfgang