Whether you feel Louise Mallard's "afflictions" are mental or physical, or even a bit of both, what is more important is what has caused them. The total control her husband has had over Louise during the course of their marriage has certainly depressed her. No doubt her depression is deep, since she says she had prayed only the day before for her life to be short. Louise probably went into marriage right from her father's home, so she has been under the rule of a man all of her life. For the first time in her life, Louise can think of what she wants to do with her life. To have the hope of freedom taken away in such a short time is unbearable, and she refuses to continue living if she must go back to her husband's control.
Louise is referred to as Mrs. Mallard until she finds out her husband is dead because she isn't seen by anyone as a woman or as a person. She has always been an extension of her father or her husband with no identity of her own. She becomes Louise when she realizes she is going to have the opportunity to be herself, not the daughter of or the wife of anyone.
The "elixir of life" she drinks from the world outside symbolizes her freedom to enjoy everything the world has to offer her as a woman and a person in her own right.
You might read some other stories of Kate Chopin to understand what her writing is all about. You both bring up some interesting points, however. I love when students interact with the story!
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