FIGHTING THE MONKEY I’m sure you’d be surprised to discover - TopicsExpress



          

FIGHTING THE MONKEY I’m sure you’d be surprised to discover that you may have been clinically affected by depression and panic attacks at least once in your life. Statistically, the possibility of such an occurrence is almost as strong as the occurrence of periodic indigestion – and this is not a joke. At any given time, anywhere from 23 to 25 million Americans are clinically depressed and/or being treated for anxiety and panic attacks. This is an enormous number. The impact on daily lives, family stability, social cohesion, and the economic condition is vast. Unfortunately, the reaction to this crisis is fragmented and ill-conceived. Mental health continues being the pariah of health systems, both public and private. Read any private insurance contract to get a taste of how our various “health” insurers and providers propose that we deal with a crippling condition that can put a person out of commission for months or years at a time (that is, if it does not lead to more ominous outcomes, like self-harm and, even, suicide). Our “concerned” providers are obviously more concerned about costs. Who cares about lives, right? “Feeling weird” for any prolonged period of time is the unmistakable sign that something is wrong in the top floor. I don’t care how “tough” you think you are. The “monkey” doesn’t care either; it will wallop you so effectively you won’t recognize yourself within days. The secret is to react immediately. But how can you do that? It is critical to be honest with whatever “support system” you have in place: family, good friends, understanding coworkers, a doctor you trust. If you are not strong in this department, hope is not lost. You must TALK to somebody, even if that somebody is a counselor on the other end of an emergency hotline. Isolation is the worst approach when the “monkey” begins to dance. It does want you NOT to find a helping hand. Many people are surprised discovering, if they are lucky, that the horrendous period they experienced some years back, which cost them a bundle in unnecessary medical tests, was actually the result of a really intense panic attack. I say “if they are lucky” because such discovery is almost always the outcome of having a good talk with a competent psychiatrist who can actually explain to you what did indeed happen WITHOUT having to listen to every minute detail of your ordeal. Chances of having this talk are not high, unfortunately, and depend on many independent factors. But, once you do have the talk, this is really the moment of truth. Your life will be different (for the better) after such an encounter. The monkey will retreat angry and disappointed that you found a weapon, a “force multiplier,” so to speak. Whatever your circumstances, it is important, again, not to isolate yourself. The monkey wants you alone and defenseless. Don’t offer him the opening to destroy your life. And you’d be again surprised to discover how many ways there are to fight him and win. Life’s good. (Print this now and hang it over your desk).
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 20:39:19 +0000

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