Apples and Bananas 11/18/2009
 Have any of you heard of the brilliant theory that most people with MS have a type A personality? I've heard this one a few times, and it doesn't really sit so well with me. So in the discussion forum for my psych class, the prof asked, "Are you more type A-ish or type B-ish? How do you know? What diseases or health outcomes have you had, and how does your health history fit with your type A/B category. I thought this was an interesting question, since I've actually taken the time to ponder my health in regards to what my possible "personality type" might be. From what I gather, type A personalities are horribly impatient, quick to get angry, never relax, workaholics, super competitive, and pretty much mega-douches. While I would say that that I in no way embody the type A personality to a "t" there are definitely some aspects of type A that I'm sure I would fit into...especially when hormonal. There doesn't seem to be quite as much info out there about the happy-go-lucky type B's, at least in what I have come across. You'd think type B's lacked any definable personality whatsoever, just lackadaisical beings apparently. So I don't think the whole type A/B theory is total bullshit, because I definitely know some people who in my humble opinion, fit nicely into either/or category. The vast majority of people I know however, including myself, aren't so black and white. If I really had to come up with an answer, I would say I'm a type B personality with a mind that is frequently spinning with type A fantasies. That sums it up pretty well I think. So here I am, a type B living in type A la-la land. Physiologically this might make me even more effed up than a pure type A personality. The stress is still there, it just isn't always completely obvious. It's been a good two months since I lashed out on anyone. Anyway, thanks to the (generally) internalized stress, my brain is releasing shit tons of stress hormones which...supress my immune system? Well with a disease like MS, it would seem like that would be a good thing right? I don't know. Now I'm just more confused than ever. I suppose the one aspect of a type A personality in terms of MS that makes some sense is the physiological impact of stress on your body. If you're a type A, you ooze stress, which is a major energy drain. If you're body is working super hard to maintain itself in spite of stress, than it's taking away from the energy you require to try and battle this MonSter (that was for you Jackie) and it's symptoms. Yeah, that makes sense. However, I'm sure there are plenty of type fricking B's out there who can attest to the fact that personality type in no way determines whether or not you will get MS. Can personality type make you feel even more shitty than you already do, I can agree with this to a certain degree. I think we're going to have what we're going to have regardless, but I do believe that stress impacts our bodies in some pretty big ways. CommentsDana Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:27:25 Haaahahah. It made my head hurt a little too, and probably makes no sense. I thought I was onto something, as usual...and then it all went to shite. Oh such is life with a brain full of holes. Leave a Reply |
