Thursday, Lafayette, Indiana

Every Mental Health professional knows that during the holidays each year there is a spike in the number of individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. This phenomenon is generally attributed to the stress that attends this time of year. Whether it’s worries about money, anxiety about family travel or simply disappointment about unfulfilled dreams, millions find themselves emotionally overwhelmed.

What about you?

Is the pressure of living getting to you? And of so, what do you do about it? Professionals recommend a combination of talk therapy and medication if advisable. When you reflect on this advice, it tells us that if having access to a strong support system of family and friends is more than simply a luxury. Close friends are therapeutic and a reliable defense against the tendency for depression and anxiety when under abnormal pressure.

This is the essential message of our book Refrigerator Rights. Read it and you will be convinced that a lifestyle of individuality, independence and isolation is the exact formula for becoming depressed.

Special Guest Column
Dr. Florence Evengale: Haughty Therapist

Dr. Evengale was a student of Dr. Will’s who graduated despite suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder. In her final evaluation she was described as "brilliant yet aloof, egotistical and unconcerned about the suffering of her patients."
Nonetheless, her diagnostic abilities are considered outstanding. I would not recommend that she treat anyone, but she is an excellent freelance diagnostic consultant.
Here is her offering about stress:

How can you tell if you are an unbalanced person? In general when you find that your reactions are at odds with most of the people around you. If so, there are only two possibilities:

First, you might be, as it is in my case a remarkable individual who has no peers; or

Second, You are indeed out of sync with the norms of behavior and are at least unbalanced.

For example, do you find some things funny when others do not? Or, do you feel sad when those around you are laughing? If your answers are affirmative perhaps you are questioning your own stability. It could be that you are experiencing high levels of stress. Take the following quiz in order to discover what might be wrong with you.

1. When I enter a room full of family or friends, conversation stops. Y/N

2. I sometimes become hyper-focused on a small object (e.g., an insect or the pattern on someone’s tie) and lose track of what I had been doing. Y/N

3. Routine errands to the store cause me to fear for my life. Y/N

4. While watching television, I sometimes talk back to the screen. Y/N

5. In order to remain calm, I often have to breathe into a paper bag. Y/N

6. Bathing has become exhausting. Y/N

7. When sitting alone in a room, I find myself staring blankly with my mouth hanging wide open. Y/N

8. Without any prior experience or preparation, I have begun a dangerous new hobby (bungee jumping, e.g.). Y/N

9. At least once each week, I spend one hour hiding under a piece of furniture in my home. Y/N

10. In spite of my awareness about the negative consequences, I am consistently, physically attracted to individuals with whom I have little or nothing in common. Y/N

11. I routinely make calls to Homeland Security reporting on the activities of my neighbors. Y/N

12. I routinely make calls to Homeland Security reporting on the activities of my spouse. Y/N

13. I have developed psychic abilities Y/N

14. I completely understand the meaning of my dog’s barking as if it is human speech Y/N

15. My clothing is perpetually camp from perspiration. Y/N

0-5 You are in excellent shape! There are few indications of serious stress in your life. If, in spite of this low score, you still feel that you are seriously stressed, the problem may be unconscious. Speaking with a trained psychotherapist about your past life experiences may help you unlock the key to your distorted sense of reality.

6-10 You are experiencing moderate stress. Obviously enough symptoms are present to warrant your attention. Try a new regimen of physical and deep breathing exercises, and consider seeking the help of a trained metal health professional about strategies for relaxing, recouping energy, and regaining perspective.

11-15 You are very stressed out! You are near the edge if not the ledge. CALM DOWN! You will be fine. But it is imperative that you regain your composure and reconnect with other people to regroup and reassert your boundaries. You should schedule an appointment with your physician and also a trained mental health professional. There are excellent treatments available and you can feel better in before you know it.