You know how I feel about suppressing symptoms.

Symptoms are messages … little alerts from your body that something needs attention. When we silence them too quickly, we miss the opportunity to tune in, respond with care, and allow real healing to take root.

But sometimes … even I reach for a symptom suppressor. 

Earlier this week, I had a dental procedure that stirred up some serious nerve pain. A couple of hours after it was over, my teeth started pinging with sharp, electric discomfort. 

I expected some discomfort but this pain was intense … far beyond what I could manage with natural remedies alone.

Did I say it was intense? Extra-strength pain relievers, topical gels and energy medicine just took the edge off for a few moments. Nothing made the pain manageable.

Eventually, I took one last dose of pain reliever in the middle of the night. It dulled things just enough to let me sleep … and, more importantly, it gave my body the quiet it needed to begin the deeper work of healing.

By morning, the pain was a fraction of what it had been.

But here’s the key part: I chose not to take another dose, even though there was still some lingering ache. I wanted the feedback my body was giving me … to monitor the healing, not mask it.

And that’s the difference. It’s not that symptom suppressors are “bad.” They have their place. If you have a raging infection, you need an antibiotic. No question.

But they should be used like fire extinguishers … sparingly, and only when truly necessary. Otherwise, we risk dousing the very signals that guide our healing.

This week, I invite you to pause before you reach for that quick fix. Ask yourself: What is this symptom trying to say? And is now the moment to listen, or the moment to soothe?

Maybe it’s time for a reboot. The level of stress I experienced this week definitely needs some extra help to clear from my system.

As always, you are your own best PCP (primary care person). It’s a big job but you’ve got this!