I have been dealing with physical health problems for three and a half years. Doctors have told me that stress is a factor. I have an unhappy marriage and homeschool two young boys. Lately, I've been running to appointments with doctors, acupuncturist, massage therapist and naturopath in the hopes of finding some relief. That's stressful in itself. I also started to see a therapist last week to discuss my marriage and how to deal with stress, but her office is 45 miles away, and I don't think I can continue to see her. Do you have any suggestions?

Mary

It certainly sounds as though you are under a lot of stress. I commend you for trying to take care of yourself emotionally as well as physically -- but I know that sometimes the effort of getting to various appointments can seem like it adds to, rather than decreases, our burdens.

I encourage you, though, not to give up entirely on therapy ... at least, not yet. While acupuncture, massage and naturopathy can be very helpful in addressing stress-related physical and emotional conditions, therapy may help you get to and address the source of your stress. In other words, what's ultimately more efficient -- to keep repeatedly addressing the symptoms, or to resolve the core problem, whatever that may be?

One possibility might be (with your physicians' permission) to cut down on the number of doctors' appointments for a while so you can focus your time and energy on therapy. Because you mention that your doctors have said stress is a factor in your physical ills, I suspect they'd agree with that course of action. You could also talk honestly with your therapist about the stresses of driving to her office, and explore your options. She may be able to refer you to a therapist closer to home or support you in cutting back on other activities to free up time and energy for therapy.