Perspectives

Dear Heloise: I have moved many times and invariably lost at least one box of goods. I now have a solution. Be sure to mark each box numerically, i.e., 1, 2, 3, etc. Then when all the numbered boxes have been loaded and confirmed on board the truck, have the driver sign off that all boxes are on board. Bet you won’t lose one box coming off the truck. -- Sharon W., Beaumont, California

People say that the first step to fixing a problem is admitting that there IS a problem. That is a good starting place for some problems but when someone has gone through a horrific trauma or loss, saying that they might have a “mental health problem” is exponentially more difficult to admit. In this world of political correctness versus our rights to free speech, admitting to crippling anxiety, deep dark depression or significant alcohol or drug abuse stops many from seeking help that could be life-saving. That which holds many people back from getting help is the stigma that is placed on people with mental health disorders.

In elementary school, a teacher advised us to “Face the world with a smile.” I discovered that might not be the best plan.