If It's From the Neck Up

by Todd Matson

Have you noticed that when we’re sick,

if it’s from the neck down, people will tell us

to seek treatment, see a doctor, take our medicine,

and if it’s serious, see a medical specialist.

If it’s just skin deep, a dermatologist.

For diabetes, an endocrinologist.

For kidney disease, a nephrologist.

For liver disease, a hepatologist.

For heart trouble, a cardiologist.

For respiratory issues, a pulmonologist.

For stomach trouble, a gastroenterologist.

For autoimmune disorders, an immunologist.

For muscle and joint pain, a rheumatologist.

For blood diseases, a hematologist.

For cancer, an oncologist.

Why then, if it’s from the neck up, when we’re

feeling anxious, afraid, insecure, sad, stressed,

depressed, lonely, discouraged, confused or

overwhelmed, do we get a different message?

“Suck it up.”

“Get over it.”

“Shake it off.”

“Stop your whining.”

“Don’t be a crybaby.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Put it out of your mind.”

“Stop feeling sorry for yourself.”

“Put some dirt on it and move on.”

Stereotypes.  If it’s from the neck up, societal

stereotypes may cast a shadow over any genuine

understanding of our actual needs.  Ignorant people

still subscribe to old stereotypes.  They may shame

us for being “weak,” for wallowing in self-pity.

Never mind that our brain, that three-pound soft tissue

organ in our head, the hardware of our heart, mind

and soul is as much a part of our body as our beating

heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, stomach, pancreas, eyes

and ears, arms and legs, muscles, bones and joints.