Final answer:
Theresa is likely experiencing significant stress and feelings of helplessness due to her recent unemployment and her daughter's health condition, which may be linked to environmental toxins from a nearby chemical plant. Such situations can lead to both mental and physical health issues for Theresa.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given Theresa's experience of being laid off and her daughter's diagnosis with an autoimmune disorder potentially linked to a chemical leak from a nearby plant, it is most likely that she is feeling a loss of control over her environment. This lack of control can lead to significant stress, and possibly even feelings of helplessness. This stress, if chronic, can adversely affect Theresa's physical and mental health, potentially leading to issues such as anxiety and depression.
Exposure to toxic chemicals has been linked to various health issues, and Theresa's case might remind us of historical incidents like the Love Canal disaster where residents suffered due to chemical exposure. In Theresa's situation, the association between her daughter's autoimmune disease and the environmental chemical leak, while not definitively established, echoes broader concerns about the impact of environmental toxins on health.
Moreover, the stress caused by such environmental health concerns is compounded by the economic uncertainty following Theresa's job loss. This multi-faceted situation represents how individuals can feel overwhelmed and powerless when faced with economic and environmental crises, affecting both their psychological well-being and their ability to respond to health challenges.