DEAR FRAZZLED: A wife and mother whose behavior and general cleanliness have worsened to the point that she leaves her chewed-off fingernails on the floor where her children play may be experiencing mental problems. Withdrawing as you have described isn’t normal behavior and could be a cry for help.

I’m ready to lose my mind, and my hair is visibly thinning from the stress. It’s like having a third child. What do I do? -- FRAZZLED IN FLORIDA DEAR FRAZZLED: A wife and mother whose behavior and general cleanliness have worsened to the point that she leaves her chewed-off fingernails on the floor where her children play may be experiencing mental problems.