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    Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

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  • Stress blog

  • Nov. 7, 2012

    Don't try to go it alone when adversity hits

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

3 comments posted

It's important to remember that we're all in the same boat and we need to reach out to each other during the good times and the not-so-good times. Let me share some thoughts on this topic relative to recent blog comments:

  • To intelligently access the health care delivery system, we need to have a primary care doctor or other health care provider who can open the doors for us. To wind up in an emergency room or an urgent care setting is often not optimum. We need someone who knows us, someone who cares about us, and someone who can act as an advocate to help us navigate through the bewildering maze of options.
  • For those of us with disabilities of our own and yet struggling with the care of elderly individuals, we cannot go it alone. Social service agencies and other professionals are available to provide guidance. When we are tired, frustrated and discouraged, our view of life becomes distorted and cloudy. We need help to find our way out of the fog.
  • It is clear that it is not possible to "pull ourselves up by our bootstraps" when we are struggling and overwhelmed with depression and grief. A thoughtful listener — whether it is a member of the clergy, health care provider or a friend — can often help us get through times of crisis.

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

3 comments posted

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MY02272 Nov. 7, 2012

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