Dr. Enobong Okon looked around the tumultuous scene. Mrs. Atadiaha, a tornado of fear, sat on the edge of the examination table, her face flushed, her breath coming in quick, sharp gasps. The man by the door was her husband, a stoic man with grey hair, his brow furrowed in worry. Their teenage daughter, unaware, was browsing through her phone while wearing headphones clamped over her ears.
"Mrs. Atadiaha," Dr. Okon said in a steady, calm voice, "I know you have been feeling lightheaded and having palpitations. You have also talked about feeling overburdened.
In a panic, Mrs. Atadiaha nodded. "Doctor, I feel like my heart is about to burst from my chest! Additionally, the world simply revolves.
Dr. Okon had performed a comprehensive examination that included blood work and an ECG. The results of all the tests were normal. The dizziness and palpitations, she suspected, were signs of something else.
Dr. Okon paused to give the statement some time to register before saying, "Mrs. Atadiaha, you are physically excellent." "But I think stress and anxiety are linked to your symptoms."
Mrs. Atadiaha's face flashed with incredulity. Stress? However… I am not under any stress.
Everyone reacts differently to stress, Dr. Okon gently retorted. "The cumulative effect it has on our bodies is sometimes even unknown to us."
She looked at Mr. Atadiaha. Additionally, I have noticed that you appear to be quite tense, Mr. Atadiaha.
His posture became slightly defensive as he straightened. "My wife is my only worry."
Dr. Okon responded, "Of course, but taking care of someone can also be stressful." Additionally, she said, "I know teenagers have their own unique stressors," turning to face the daughter who had finally taken off her headphones.
A faint flush crept up the daughter's neck as she shrugged.
"So, what should I do?" With a slight tremble in her voice, Mrs. Atadiaha asked.
The doctor grinned. What I am ordering is for the family to go on daily walks in the outdoors. No phones, no interruptions. I also suggest having a weekly family dinner where you can discuss your feelings and the day you had. And I want you to try mindfulness exercises, Mrs. Atadiaha,” she added, speaking directly to her. It only takes five minutes a day.
She gave a guided meditation pamphlet to Mrs. Atadiaha. Maybe you could also pick up some relaxation skills, Mr. Atadiaha. You might even consider going on those walks with your wife. "And young lady," she said, turning to the daughter, "I am telling you to put down your headphones and speak to your parents during dinner."
The family looked at one another in confusion. "That is it?" "What?" Mrs. Atadiaha asked in a disbelieving tone. “No medication?”
The best medication is not always in a bottle, according to Dr. Okon. It is in communication, connection, and a small amount of solitude. It is in keeping breathing in mind. Additionally, it involves keeping in mind that we are a family.