Seek out therapist for peace of mind

Consider it part of treatment

A: It’s hard to know exactly where people are coming from. Perhaps you are very obviously struggling and your need for support is clear, and the fact that several people are suggesting this should be a pretty loud wake-up call.

Or maybe these folks just happen to believe strongly in the mind-body connection (as do I). Either way, they’re likely on to something, and it’s worth seriously considering.

Chronic pain not only causes stress, but there’s evidence that stress and emotional challenges, in turn, can make pain feel worse.

All pain, from your head to your toes, is felt in your brain, after all. And things like increased muscle tension (increased with stress) can objectively make you more sensitive to it. So, is therapy something you absolutely must try? Of course not.

But it might be helpful to seek out a therapist who specialises in these mind-body issues, and to consider it part of your larger treatment plan in managing your conditions.

A: I can understand your worries, and it’s very considerate for you to be mindful of the lack of quid pro quo (or is it an eye for an eye?) here.

But anyone who bases their decision of whether to attend your shower solely on the fact that you didn’t happen to be at theirs doesn’t deserve a lot of your mental energy (or my word count).

You are bringing a baby into this world – how do you want to commemorate it?

Decide what your ideal celebration would look like. Your friends will get the same freedom to make their own choice whether to attend as you did; that’s how you make it up to them.

(But my bet is that since these friends all have babies now, they’ll be more than happy to show up, if only to get a chance to trounce you in the “Name That Pureed Vegetable!” showdown.)

Bonior, is a clinical psychologist and is author of The Friendship Fix.

– The Washington Post.