Recently, my husband, Roberto, was fortunate enough to have survived a heart attack while in the Emergency Ward. Where else would you want to be at such a time? Soon after, I heard him tell a friend he was glad he’d trusted his feelings and asked me to call an ambulance the night before. This meant he was already in the hospital when he was seeking help. After 34 years together, this was music to my ears. Finally, feelings, albeit physical, were being respected!
Rather than minimising his pain and toughing it out, he had paid attention to his body and responded accordingly. So often we do the opposite, don’t we? Although I didn’t get to bring him home the next morning as expected, we were grateful for the pain that was the warning sign of what was to come. Thankfully, the help we sought was readily available. And, after undergoing the necessary procedures, he is now feeling better than he has in a long time. How blessed we are!
As a couple, our ability to see the funny side of things has helped us navigate many challenges. This would be another of those times. As we sat together in the hospital, Roberto told me that when the pain was at its peak, he shouted, at the top of his voice, ‘I’m not going to die today!’. A declaration he was able to fulfil that brought both laughter and gratitude. I mean, we have a ‘contract’ that says we’re not leaving this planet for some time to come. And when we do, we’ll be holding hands as we fall into a deep, peaceful sleep. So, this would definitely have messed with that!
On a more serious note, I’m sharing this to express my gratitude to those who’ve been so supportive over the past month or so. It’s also a reminder to pay attention to the warning signs, especially when you’re unsure of their meaning. Remember to ask for help… sooner rather than later! In the current climate, our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being is often compromised. Therefore, it is imperative that we start noticing and responding sooner! This is the mantra I recommend my clients apply to what concerns them, in their relationship and family lives, at work or play.
So now, what is your help-seeking strategy? What do you do when something doesn’t feel right, causes you pain, or is not okay? Do you tough it out and keep it to yourself, or ignore it and hope it will go away? Or do you pay attention, put up your hand and ask for help?
Does your strategy give you the relief you need? If not, what could you do differently? Help is there from family, friends and professionals, and it is a shared responsibility to give and receive it! If what you’re doing isn’t working for you, then try something else. And if you’re a parent or interested in the well-being of our youth, you might want to check out this article about the Help-Seeking Patterns of Young People.
I was so impressed by the staff at Gold Coast University Hospital for their level of care and their positive attitude toward Roberto. They validated him for taking preventative action and checking in when he felt a little unwell soon after returning home. They reminded him that this was a time of readjustment, to always trust his gut, and to seek help when in doubt. It would seem sage advice for all of us in these ever-changing times.
Whatever the issue, if you trust your feelings, trust your gut and take positive action, you will not only help yourself, but no doubt, lighten the load for all who love you.
July 8, 2020
Perhaps the signs we least want to acknowledge are those which indicate that our physical well-being is compromised. Pain and discomfort are the body’s way of telling us that all is not well or that there are changes we need to make in our lives. If we ignore the symptoms in the early stages and don’t take responsibility for our well-being, things can potentially worsen and develop into illness and disease. By paying attention and recognising the warning signs, we will be in a much better position to seek the help we need and minimise the harm that might otherwise eventuate.
Chapter 25 – Warning Signs Travels with Buster – A Journey of Unconditional Love
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Thanks for sharing!
