Yes, I do believe stress is at the root of many of our problems. We live in a society where we are surrounded by stressors constantly. I, like you, just want to see the people around me not just survive, but be happy sometimes. But sometimes you find yourself in a situation which makes it impossible for a while. I hope you wife is receiving help? I know it doesn't work for everybody, but yoga helped me more than anything else to cope with daily life. Thank you for your comment and I send my love and prayers to your wife.