Ask Dr. Taz MD: March 3rd, 2014
I am 36-years-old and have been going through a custody battle for 6 years. Over the years, I have noticed my health has taken a toll (i.e., body pain, chest pain, stomach pain, lethargic feeling). I am also moody, short of patience and irritable. I don’t know what to do since my tests are negative. Do you have any advice on how I can overcome this with my health? I want to be healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.
Answer:
I have seen so many friends go through this personally and I know well the toll it takes. A custody battle is one of the most heart wrenching things for any family to go through. I usually advise my friends and patients to create a plan of action to take care of themselves physically, mentally and emotionally. I would budget 2-3 hours on personal care per week- include exercise, massage, and acupuncture as a part of this plan. Create time boundaries during which you are willing to deal with the custody battle; maybe you tackle the lawyers and your ex every am from 8am-10am and then head straight to the gym. This may not be the perfect timetable for you, but create your own. Finally, build a support system that includes as many people that love you to help buffer you and your children through this time. All your symptoms are the result of excessive stress- and grief-so they will not show up on regular conventional tests but will show up as shifts in your Chinese orAyurvedic medical diagnoses, which are based on energy and constitution. Chronic stress does lead to disease, so keep up your doctor’s appointments even if lab tests are “fine.”