Barbara J. Hamby

Self-Help Rehab

Since I’m convinced that my chest pains were caused by stress or indigestion or both, I called the Mental Health Department of my health insurance carrier. I had a conversation with a therapist, who said I probably don’t need counseling and recommended a self-help book. I got the book and began working my way through it.

At the end of each chapter, there are workbook type suggestions that I’m working with. The tone of the book is pretty incriminating. But the message is clear and I should be able to deal with stress much more easily by the time I finish it.

For almost fifty years I had a wooden plaque that I purchased at Knott’s Berry Farm the only time I visited there with the motto, “You are never too old to learn; there’s some other reason.” The wood finally started falling apart and I tossed it recently; but I still remember its lesson.

So I’ll see how well I learn at this late stage of life.