Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

Are hives stress-related or an allergic reaction?

Answer

Hives are an allergic reaction which may very well be triggered by stress, although they can also be triggered in response to an allergen. To be safe, check with your physician before assuming that they are strictly due to stress. Medical intervention may still be indicated.

If your hives seem to co-occur with times of high stress, then, in addition to seeking medical guidance, take a look at the stressors in your life and assess the adequacy of your stress management program. A good stress management program covers all areas of human experience -- physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

What do you do in each domain to nurture yourself? What do you do to relax? How is your nutrition? Rest? What do you do to affirm yourself? How often do you expose yourself to that which gives you joy? What do you do regularly to feed your spiritual self?

Use your hives as a cue to develop a comprehensive stress management program.

07/16/98

Richard B. Patterson is a clinical psychologist in private practice in El Paso, TX. He is the author of three books on psychology and spirituality.