OUR EMOTIONS HAVE GREAT INFLUENCE ON HEADACHES
By EDWIN P. JORDAN, M. D.
Written For NEA Service
Many readers will be interested to-know that the medical profession is taking the problems of headaches very seriously indeed. At the recent meeting of the Amercan Medical Association in Philaelphia, for example, four scientific exhibits on this one subject were presented.
The victim of chronic recurring headaches does not need to be told the importance of this complaint, but the headache victim may not realize that headache is merely a symptom and can result from any one of a large number of different causes.
A few are the result of disease or injury to the structures inside the skull.
Some arise from disease in or around the sinuses, eye or ear disorders, or some other localized disturbance.
But probably most headaches are associated with disturbances in the circulalion of blood and practically all are greatly influenced by our emotions.
Thus the approach to the headache problem is first diagnosis, and only then the use of drugs or other technical measures.
Of great importance is Ihe analysis of those menial or emotional difficulties which may be conlributing to the severity or frequency of Ihe headaches.
Some time ago a Cincinnati physician emphasized the personalized and emotional factors involved in headaches. He suggested “Nine Commandments” for the headache patient. They still sound good.
1. This is not a perfect world. Families and, friends have many foibles. Perfection is rarely attained, so be satisfied with less.
2. Tolerance makes understanding the other fellow easier. It sets an attainable standard.
3. Do not be a slave to the clock. Work at your own pace; do as much as you can. Trying to meet too many deadlines only creates tension.
4. You cannot please everybody, so stop trying. Popularity comes by giving your friends and family a chance lo love you for yourself, not for your best performance.
5. Be efficient, yes, but not to the extent that perfection becomes a burden.
6. Speak up if you want to. You cannot please everybody; honesty and directness break down barriers and make friendships easier.
7. Approve of yourself. You are as good as the next fellow. If you are given a compliment, take it and make use of it.
8. Stop being so critical of your negative feelings. Everyone is ambivalent at times, so do not worry so much about loving and hating.
9. Stop feeling guilty. We are all human and we all make errors. Give a little and you will get a lot, maybe even a reduction of that pain in your head.
From The News. Frederick, Maryland. February 3, 1958.
