Why Are We Sick?

Disease is thought to be a pathological process, such as schizophrenia, throat infection, etc. The degree of deviation from a biological norm is the factor used to quantify a disease. Another similar term, illness, is thought to be an unhealthy feeling that is internally rooted in a patient. Sickness is the external expression of a state of unhealthiness. It can be chronic or acute – the latter being more serious. It is considered to be a societal recognition of an illness. If your illness is recognized by the society you live in, it will be considered sufficiently important for sickness benefits, such as excusing absenteeism, reimbursement for treatment expenses, etc.