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OLD SCHOOL NFL FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARE WRESTLING WITH PERVASIVE PAIN AND ADDICTIONS TO PILLS.
SOME SAY NFL OFFICIALS LOOK THE OTHER WAY.
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| Terry with Simon and Max, June 2006. |
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| Some of the Meiners family at Christmas dinner 2006 |
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| My mother, Norma Jean Meiners, passed away on December 12, 2005. My life prism shifted on that day. |
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The one-two punch that nearly killed me
Trauma, grief, and depression can touch any life. At the bottom of this page, I will link you to some experts who can offer you coping mechanisms that can improve your life immediately.
Since we're all wriggling around on the griddle of life together, I don't mind sharing with you some basic details about my life. Perhaps some part of my life can serve as one of the guideposts in your own quest to overcome adversity.
During December 2005, I was faced with two catastrophic events that sent me into an emotional tailspin from which I have not fully recovered.
On December 12, 2005, my mother passed away after twelve weeks of attempted recovery from brain surgery. Our family was told that her signs looked great for full recovery albeit slowly.
Adding to my woes only ten days after my mother's funeral, I was shocked to learn that my marriage was disintegrating.
My wife moved out on Christmas Day, returned a few days later, then moved out again on January 9, 2006, never to return.
I didn't sleep for about three months, lost 25 pounds, cried uncontrollably at work, and wondered how I was going to reassemble what I always believed was an awesome life.
My family, friends, and a few close co-workers all grabbed onto me to keep me from drowning. On occasion, I was shaking so badly that a co-worker would place his/her hands on my shoulders to steady me as I talked on the radio.
Over the past year and a half, I have spent hundreds of hours talking with two therapists, a psychiatrist, reading self-discovery books, listening to calming audio intended to ease post-traumatic stress syndrome, writing letters, and negotiating the five stages of grief:
Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. Acceptance.
I have yet to graduate to stage five.
Through the tumultuous stages of shock and disbelief, I refused to succumb to stage four.
Millions of people who are overwhelmed by catastrophies are steered toward prescription drugs as the sole remedy for emotional pain.
Unlike actor Tom Cruise, I do respect the need for drugs for depression and anxiety for some people. Clearly, there are people with debilitating issues of depression that cannot be aided in any fashion beyond pharmaceuticals.
However, a large percentage of most people dealing with emotional pain could complement their recovery with devotion to daily exercise.
I am wary of all drugs and have been fortunate not to need them except for a couple days following my two back surgeries.
I've kept my head above my troubles without the aid of drugs by devoting myself to daily exercise. I run 3 to 5 miles almost every day, and lift weights a few times a week. I ride a bike occasionally.
That's it.
There is no overwhelming time commitment. I spend less than an hour every day putting on a good sweat and it pays dividends all day.
Exercise brings a sense of accomplishment, control, and a healthier lifestyle.
Suddenly, my natural urge to eat nothing but garbage food is tamped down. I still eat plenty of chocolate and potato chips as fun diversions, but I am more conscious of eating properly to augment the hard work I've done during exercise segments.
Everyone faces adversity in his/her life, and the one way that I can guarantee a substantial level of relief is by devoting oneself to exercise.
It works. It opens up many new constructive paths in life that lead to a happier, healthier you.
When you are under seige from life's troubles, reach out to friends for support and also reach out for your running shoes.
Lace 'em up, hit the road, and feel better in minutes.
No prescription necessary.
Terry Meiners
June 21, 2007
Try these links for drug-free help in dealing with depression, grief, and trauma:
Belleruth Naperstek
Andrew Weil
EMDR Institute
There are tons of experts who offer drug-free alternatives to cope with trauma and depression. Search the Web and direct yourself down the path that feels most comfortable to you.
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| The contents of these bottles are killing more people than ever before. |
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No prescription? No problem!
Track your family's computer activity if you even remotely suspect someone close has developed a drug dependency. Online rogue pharmacies are enabling addicts via Internet ordering tricks.
The road map to recovery is often buried in the hard drive.
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| Yoga vacations: a journey to wellness |
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A new study backs up what I've been touting: acupuncture works. Even faked acupuncture relieves pain. I used to be skeptical about it, but now that I've had 6 acupuncture treatments over the past year, I am a strong advocate of the ancient practice. It works to relieve overall body pain, especially lower back difficulties.
It's weird, but it works. Break out of the box. Try an alternative pain relief method and then revel in the results. Problem solved.
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| foot acupuncture with modern technology |
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| the real deal...thin pins directly into muscles...ahhh, that feels good! |
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| Study: Driven older people less likely to get Alzheimer's |
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Reflection
In order to move forward with joyous anticipation, free yourself from yesterday's hard knocks. Forgive yourself for previous mistakes. Make a sincere gesture to resolve conflict with a former friend. Send loving notes to people who've supported you in times of trouble.
Then let it all go. Yesterday is over. Tomorrow is a potential bonus.
Today is the day that deserves your attention. Use it wisely.
Today happens only once.
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