Marlene Buckler,MD, FACEP

     Each of us, from time to time, experiences fears, anxieties and uncertainties in life.  Sometimes things happen which are beyond our ability to control. At other times, events result because of choices, good or bad, that we ourselves have made.

     Although we cannot always influence what happens to us or to others, the one thing that we can always control is the way in which we respond or react to things that happen in life.  Each of us has a choice in every situation and that choice is whether to allow a particular event to get us down or whether, instead, to deal with it and learn from it.  In other words, it is not so important what happens to us but rather how we respond to what happens.  The same rainy day that is a huge disappointment to the vacationing beach goer could very well be a blessing to the farmer.  It is all a matter of perspective.

     Victor Frankl, a European psychiatrist who suffered unimaginable hardships in Nazi concentration camps, not only survived his unbelievably horrific ordeal, but went on to enlighten the world with his realization that no matter what anyone did to him he was always free to choose how he would respond, how he would interpret the significance and meaning of events.  His book, "Man's Search for Meaning" is a chronicle of his life as well as a wonderful insight into the ability each of us possesses to ultimately control our own lives.

     You have a choice to enjoy life or not.  We are each granted a little ride on this planet and then it is someone else's turn.  Life is short and truly is what we make of it.

     Generally speaking it is healthier to learn to deal with life's stresses than it is to take a pill.  There are dozens of medications on the market that can affect how we feel.  All medications have potentially unpleasant and sometimes serious side effects.  The greater the number of different pills a person takes the greater the likelihood of adverse reactions.

     Many medications prescribed for anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain are addictive.  Of course there might be times when your doctor will feel that a short course of a particular medication would be beneficial.  But usually, if you are having trouble coping with situations in your life, you do not want to become addicted to a medication.

     Dependence on drugs just adds to your problems.  Pills do not change your life situation.  Only you can do that by making a conscious effort to do so.  Exercise, relaxation techniques, getting out of unhealthy relationships and life style changes can help immeasurably.

     Taking time to read books that teach coping skills is especially beneficial.  After all, if a person were illiterate no amount of medication would allow him to read.  He must be taught and learn to read.

     There are many excellent books available at local libraries and various bookstores that can be extremely helpful in learning how to deal with life and its never-ending challenges.  I have personally found a number of these books to be helpful to me and to my family.  Your local library has dozens of such books, free for you to borrow. Many are also available on cassette tapes and CD's for listening to while you drive, walk or jog.

     So read a book or two and learn how to take control of your life.

     No one and nothing should control your life, but you.

Marlene Buckler, MD, FACEP      www.StayOutOfMyER.com