Son surrenders to crippling anxiety

Dear Annie: I have a son with serious anxiety problems. He gets it from his father. That entire side of the family has so much anxiety that they never take vacations because they can’t deal with the stress of leaving home.

When my son was in his early teens, I tried to get him into counseling, but we live in a rural area, and there are few resources. He also has incredibly bad luck. He is now in his early 20s and went to college this semester at a local university. His schedule was messed up, and he ended up with some oddball classes, including one that requires a lot of public speaking. This class made him physically ill, and he decided not to return to school.

My son is a smart kid, and it’s killing me to watch him go through this. He seems to be spiraling downward and has had some bad experiences with medication and counseling at school. He is not willing to try either again. This kid is no slacker. He’s worked since he was 15 and has held two jobs since high school. Please help. – Scared Mom

Dear Mom: Your son has accepted his anxiety as something he cannot change, which means he’s given up. Anxiety issues can be crippling, but there are ways to work on them – including counseling, medication and support groups. But your son has to want to work on his problems, and that motivation must come from within.

Please suggest he contact the Anxiety and Depression Association of America ( adaa.org). Sometimes, one small step in the right direction can help.

Dear Annie: I have been a registered dental hygienist for the past 32 years. I assure you that part of my sterilizing routine between each patient includes sterilizing the overhead light, light switch and handle.

If a patient has any concerns about the equipment not being sterile, he or she should address them. – Professional and Hygienic