Chronic untreated pain is debilitating, it dramatically affects a patient’s ability to participate in regular routines and in some cases takes away their will to live. Tragically, many people are suffering chronic pain unnecessarily. This in part, due to them not being made aware of the importance of pain management and being shown the simple tools needed to achieve it. Lack of knowledge regarding the benefits and side effects of available medication is also a factor. Many patients subordinate morphine and methadone with drug addiction and are unwilling to take it due to their belief that it will cause them to become “high” or sedated, this and their attempts to brave down the pain, results in their pain spirally out of control. This could be prevented if they were informed that degenerative pain effectively “uses up” medication and that these drugs when taken for the relief of pain associated with cancer, can dramatically reduce both the occurrence and intensity of pain, without causing sedation.

Debra Gorin, M.D. Depression is a disorder marked by sadness, low energy, impaired concentration, and feelings of dejection. Some people believe that depression is normal. Hectic regular activities and the conflict between family and career cause constant stress. Yet depression and anxiety as a response to stress are not normal. They can be signs of illness, which may worsen and result in physiological symptoms or an inability to function. Life was untold simpler for the last two generations. Father worked; mother stayed home. This is no longer the model. whatsoever now view families as an “endangered species.” There are more single mothers working than ever before. There is greater stress and competition for well-paying jobs. The result: long hours at work, away from the family. Children are raised with limited supervision. Thus we see much children with soulful problems derived from a lack of knowledge as to who they are and what their role is in today’s society. Similarly, adults suffer from the loss of nurturing that family time should provide. Until recently, psychological health was not discussed openly. However, there is a growing awareness that choosing therapy can be helpful, equal necessary, to cope with today’s life. Psychiatric help is often sought for the entire family. Today, being well-preserved means not single having a reasonable body, but also a sound mind and spirit. People exercise their bodies daily, yet they neglect to “exercise” their feelings and emotions. Young men are taught to hide and deny emotions. Women are reluctant to seek help in coping with their depression, anxiety, or troubled relationship. The unvarying fitness fanatic who exercises daily, eats right and has two physicals a year will neglect the mind until a crisis is reached. Emotional problems don’t just happen, but are additive and they can be avoided at times with the same “daily fitness” and “annual physical” approach we use when caring for our bodies. The Chinese say “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a several step.” Just same it’s better to maintain a well-preserved heart than recover from a heart attack, dealing with emotional issues is easier before the chaos of a crisis breaks. Think about “exercising your emotions" and give your mental health professional a call. About The Author