The Bandage Approach.
As a Mohs surgeon, I’ve had plenty of experience with bandaids and bandages.
A bandage is intended to protect wounds and help them heal. But if neglected, bandages can make the problem worse.
For example, a bandage can initially protect a wound and minimize bleeding. Immediate problem solved.
But if the bandage isn’t changed, if the underlying wound isn’t monitored or regularly evaluated and tended to, the wound will probably become infected or the bandage will become stuck the wound, creating more pain and making it difficult and more traumatic to remove.
The same goes for the “bandages” we use for mental or emotional stress as well.
Sometimes, quick fixes to stress involve leaving the “bandage” in place and carrying on (the “power through” approach, which can work but isn’t intended for long term application).
Other times, it might be occupy yourself elsewhere in order to “forget” there’s a problem. (Enter: overworking, overeating, overdrinking, binge watching TV or scrolling social media, etc.)
Much like you can assess a wound on your skin, you can assess what’s going on in your thoughts and with your emotions. It starts with an honest and neutral evaluation: What am I thinking about this circumstance? What are the primary emotions I’m feeling today, or lately,…and why?
I’m all for a bit of DIY when it comes to bandaging wounds as well as feeling better. Bring it on.
But please assess the results of your DIY approach. Do you like these results?
As physicians, we are called to “first, do no harm.” And it’s written: Physician, heal thyself.
Feeling better can be learned on your own, and doing this in a way that doesn’t bring about greater harm to yourself is key.
So I invite you to check in with your brain periodically in your “bandaging process”, and with loving curiosity and honesty.
Ask yourself: am I just keeping the original bandage on and hoping this situation gets better on its own? What are the legitimate interventions and self-treatment I’m employing in order to feel better? Are my interventions and self-treatment actually helping me?
Let me know if you think you need a second opinion!
