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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

  • Dec. 21, 2012

    When is self-help not enough?

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

3 comments posted

Life is complicated. Sometimes things don't turn out the way you expect and problems arise that you can't solve on your own.

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)

One of these difficult areas is anger management. When you're at risk of injuring yourself or someone else, self-help books and websites are simply not enough. You need to reach out for professional guidance.

Likewise, it's not always possible to tough it out and pull yourself up by your boot straps when dealing with depression and other mental health issues. This is a common misperception. Many of these emotional disorders stem from a biochemical imbalance that can't just be willed away.

The bottom line is clear: The lone ranger — the hero who saves lives in isolation — is a myth of the media. There are times when you need to ask for help to ensure your own safety and the safety of those around you.

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

3 comments posted

blog index
  • April 26, 2013 8:09 a.m.

    My sister has suffered from Bi-polar disorder for 25 years. Her medications stopped working in December. She has tried many medications in the last four month, but sadly, none have worked. She is being hospitalized today. There comes a time when specialized treatments are needed. Mental illness is such a complicated and difficult illness for the patients and their families.

    - Michele

  • March 27, 2013 5:19 p.m.

    This can't be repeated too often. I've never heard anyone tell a diabetic they need to just buck up and pull their blood sugar down by will power. But I constantly hear people say that to those who suffer mental illness.

    - Diana

  • January 2, 2013 6:00 p.m.

    I'm so grateful that NAMI is working to reduce the terrible stigma of mental illness, which inhibits people from reaching out for help.

    - Alma

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