Son’s Anxiety and Depression Linked to Mother’s Abortion

Abstract

Anxiety and depression frequently co-occur and are associated with substantial functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Conventional interventions, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, can improve symptoms, yet many individuals continue to experience persistent or chronic illness. This suggests that the underlying causes of these diseases remain incompletely understood. In the framework of Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door, mental disorders may be influenced by spiritual and karmic factors that are not addressed by conventional approaches. The case presented in this study involved a young man who developed severe anxiety with comorbid depression, resulting in social withdrawal, functional decline, and prolonged disability. According to the mother’s spiritual experiences and Buddhist interpretation, the condition was associated with the spirit of an aborted fetus, representing an unresolved karmic debt. Through sustained Dharma practice, the mother resolved the perceived spiritual cause of her son’s illness. The son experienced a gradual and substantial recovery, ultimately regaining social functioning and independence. This case is presented as evidence supporting the hypothesis that spiritual and karmic factors may contribute to certain presentations of anxiety and depression and that addressing these factors through Buddhist practice may facilitate recovery. Further investigation is warranted to explore these proposed mechanisms and their relationship to mental health outcomes.