DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a problem that I hope you can help me with. I have a good friend at work whom I feel I am obsessed with.
I cannot stand to see him even talking with someone else. I feel that I have to know about everything that is going on in his life, and I want to know all of his personal business. I cannot find myself being separated from him, and when he is out sick, on vacation or working in another department, I am completely depressed.
Should I see a psychiatrist?
DEAR READER: You have already answered your question. You have an obsession that should be addressed before you do something inappropriate or your anxiety and depression worsen. Of course, if your friend is interested in you as a partner, much of the tension may be released. In either case, a psychiatric assessment should be your first step. This will allow you to express your feelings and thoughts to someone, and that alone may help alleviate some of the tension. You have taken a much needed step in admitting that you have a problem, and I congratulate you for it. Now is your chance to go further and help resolve the feelings and regain a normal relationship with your good friend.
DEAR DR. GOTT: My wife says you'll never read this because it isn't typed and it's too long. I hope she is wrong.
We, at the slightest suggestion of a tickle in the throat or stuffy head, gargle with antiseptic mouthwash. We used to have colds and sore throats far too often. We just don't have them anymore. This may be useful, but probably not.
You have written very excellent thoughts about the future delivery and treatment of health care. What if:
1. If you are more than 25 percent too heavy, you pay that percentage as a fine.
2. If you smoke, you pay a fine.
3. If you abuse alcohol or drugs, you pay a fine.
The trick would be deducting these fines from your social-security checks.
One more suggestion: Have you ever considered being cloned? If so, you could be cloned at, say, age 35 or 40, the number of times necessary to supply us with physicians, and the present and future problems of health care would be solved!
DEAR READER: Your wife is wrong.
Your therapy for post-nasal drip appears to be reasonable.
All those fines you mentioned could create yet more unwanted government interference. So I'll say, "No thanks."
No one should want to clone me. I've caused enough trouble already.
Because allergies can cause many of the same symptoms as a cold, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Allergies." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
I cannot stand to see him even talking with someone else. I feel that I have to know about everything that is going on in his life, and I want to know all of his personal business. I cannot find myself being separated from him, and when he is out sick, on vacation or working in another department, I am completely depressed.
Should I see a psychiatrist?
DEAR READER: You have already answered your question. You have an obsession that should be addressed before you do something inappropriate or your anxiety and depression worsen. Of course, if your friend is interested in you as a partner, much of the tension may be released. In either case, a psychiatric assessment should be your first step. This will allow you to express your feelings and thoughts to someone, and that alone may help alleviate some of the tension. You have taken a much needed step in admitting that you have a problem, and I congratulate you for it. Now is your chance to go further and help resolve the feelings and regain a normal relationship with your good friend.
DEAR DR. GOTT: My wife says you'll never read this because it isn't typed and it's too long. I hope she is wrong.
We, at the slightest suggestion of a tickle in the throat or stuffy head, gargle with antiseptic mouthwash. We used to have colds and sore throats far too often. We just don't have them anymore. This may be useful, but probably not.
You have written very excellent thoughts about the future delivery and treatment of health care. What if:
1. If you are more than 25 percent too heavy, you pay that percentage as a fine.
2. If you smoke, you pay a fine.
3. If you abuse alcohol or drugs, you pay a fine.
The trick would be deducting these fines from your social-security checks.
One more suggestion: Have you ever considered being cloned? If so, you could be cloned at, say, age 35 or 40, the number of times necessary to supply us with physicians, and the present and future problems of health care would be solved!
DEAR READER: Your wife is wrong.
Your therapy for post-nasal drip appears to be reasonable.
All those fines you mentioned could create yet more unwanted government interference. So I'll say, "No thanks."
No one should want to clone me. I've caused enough trouble already.
Because allergies can cause many of the same symptoms as a cold, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Allergies." Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.