Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

My wife has delivered her third child. Since the delivery, she has become quite tearful and wanders the streets at times. She has a history of mental illness but is not on medication or under a doctor's supervision. What can I do?

- Mark

Dear Mark:

Post-partum mental illness is a common condition that affects some women after childbirth. Sometimes it is a relapse of an old illness which the mother had before.

Take your wife to the emergency room of the nearest hospital because she needs to be seen by a psychiatrist and possibly admitted to the hospital.

Post-partum illness is easily treated. Your wife will need support to help her to look after the baby and the other children. She will need to be taking the treatment for a long time. Encourage her to take the medication and keep her clinic appointments.

Many individuals become depressed after an episode of mental illness. You need to ensure that she is taking the medication as prescribed.

Anxiety attacks

Dear Counsellor:

I get very worried and nervous at times. My doctor said that I have generalised anxiety disorder. I tend to worry about everything and panic easily. How can you help me?

- Jennifer

Dear Jennifer:

There are many psychiatric diagnoses. Generalised anxiety disorder is just one of them. We all worry about our future and the problems that befall us daily. Some therapists believe you should schedule half-hour worry-time every day.

You should, therefore, check yourself daily to ensure that you don't worry at other times. Counselling will help you cope better with life's challenges.

The 12-step principles, as used in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, are helpful for many individuals. The principle of accepting a higher power in your life, and accepting that you are powerless to deal with life challenges, will transform your approach to life. You also will need a mentor to help to guide your path in life.

Many of the things that we worry about are really out of our control. We need to accept that there is a God, who is in control, and will direct our path. We need to set goals, plan our actions and strive to be successful at whatever we choose as our passion. Depend on God and reduce your stress.

Contact Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8062 or email questions to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.