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  • With Mayo Clinic oncologist

    Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

    read biography
Please read: Important 2013 cancer research update from Dr. Michael Camilleri

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  • Stress blog

  • Oct. 10, 2012

    The power of being there

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

7 comments posted

How can you help a fellow traveler who is suffering? Be there.

Need more help?

If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room
  • Call your physician, health provider or clergy
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
    www.nami.org
    1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

I'm reminded of the old line, "80 percent of life is just showing up." To me, this means the power of being present and available.

You don't have to have all the answers or say something profound. Your physical presence has a healing dimension.

You magnify that power by being totally engaged with and attentive to your loved one or friend in need.

Reaching out to others has an additional benefit. When you reach out, you feel better. You become less self-absorbed and less focused on your own problems.

We need one another. It's not rocket science. Please weigh in.

Follow me on Twitter at @EdwardCreagan. Join the discussion at #Stress.

7 comments posted

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MY02251 Oct. 10, 2012

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