Jealousy
I suffer from dreadful jealousy which is ruining my life and stretching my poor husband’s tolerance to the limit. I have had counselling so I now understand why I react this way and this has helped alleviate the shame and guilt I used to feel, however the jealous feelings are just as strong. I cannot spend the rest of my life feeling this way.
You sound as if you need a break from your inner turmoil and whatever the reason for you feeling this way, you would definitely benefit from one of the more gentle, less intrusive therapies. I’m thinking of reflexology or aromatherapy and the important thing, whichever you choose, is to find the right practitioner. A word-of-mouth recommendation is always preferable to taking potluck - but if you have to start from scratch, you can contact the governing bodies to find accredited practitioners in your area.
The Bach Flower Remedies will also help to keep your emotions in check as you begin to put the past behind you and move forward with your life. Stephan Ball, the author of the newly-published Principles of Bach Flower Remedies, (Thorsons, £5.99), is a consultant practitioner based at the Dr Edward Bach centre in Oxfordshire.
He says the remedy he recommends for jealousy is Holly. Most practitioners associate this remedy with feelings of anger and envy and as you mention earlier feelings of shame and guilt, he suggests you take Holly in combination with crabapple (for shame) and pine (for guilt).
To make a combination remedy, mix two drops from each of the three preparations in an empty 30ml dropper bottle which you can buy from the chemist. Top this mixture up with still mineral water and take four drops of the mixture, four times a day until your distress passes. The Bach Flower Remedies cost £3.15 each. You can mail order them from Nelson’s on 0181-780 4200.