Only a qualified professional, after
personal contact with and evaluation of an individual, can validly suggest the
type of treatment that would be most suitable. But the point is this:
Unresolved emotional problems are the basis for much mental anguish and for
much physical torment. That fact is very clear today. And society's attitudes
have changed, too; there is no longer any shame (there never should have been)
in having an emotional problem and in seeking help for it. Help is increasingly
available, and effective, and quite often relatively inexpensive. Few people,
if any, would not be willing to spend the time and money to be cured of
tuberculosis or to have an operation to remove a cancerous growth.
Surely, it is worthwhile to invest the same
amount of time and money to overcome a crippling emotional illness; It is
important to emphasize that such an illness-even when the person suffering from
it feels that he can take it-can have serious effects on others, especially
spouse and children. Also, it is hardly wise to put off getting help in order
to save money, since delay usually in- creases the amount of treatment needed.
It is true, of course, that some people just do not have the money for
psychiatric treatment.
Yet there are clinics at large hospitals and
medical schools, and mental hygiene clinics operated by various social
agencies, which often can provide therapy you might not otherwise be able to
afford. Your family physician usually can provide information about such
clinics.
