ArcaMax

Younger child will beg to go with you. He will promise to be good. And you'll respond, "Well, I don't know if you're ready. I'll think about it."

Dear Amy: About two years ago, due to the stress of a move and taking a new job with much responsibility and little support, I had a nervous breakdown.

I tried to go back to work in that same profession twice, but I had to quit due to mental health issues.

I am currently on disability. It is so hard to think about doing something else after 20 years in the same profession.

I feel that no other job will be as challenging or interesting as my original position.

My confidence is extremely low and despite new medication and very little stress, I feel that I am floundering. I take classes and volunteer, but it's not the same as a paid position. Please help!

-- Paralyzed

Dear Paralyzed: It must be hard to continue to concentrate on your mental health and healing when you are also (quite naturally) jumping at the bit to dive back into your profession. Your challenge now will be to manage your stress and paralysis, to put one foot in front of the other (no leaping!), and to see each day as a discreet unit. Looking too far ahead creates too much pressure and might make you relapse. Talk this through in therapy.

There is a job for you. It won't be the job you had. As you continue to recover, you will shift and open yourself to new possibilities.

Dear Amy: "Caring Husband" reported on his frustration with his wife, who continues to claim that he "never listens."

Amy, you missed the most obvious solution! Dude needs to get his hearing checked.

-- Been There

Dear Been There: Yes! Although this man's hearing issues seem to be selective, I agree that this is a possibility.

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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: ASKAMY@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)