[stern]

I thought I overcomed it. And yes I had. But my enthusiasm seems to be failing. I feel tired all the time, can't concentrate on work. Like all my energy is drained out. Every night I see nightmares and awake disturbed in the morning. It had taken much efforts to cope with it, I can't afford to lose control. Not again! But how? I'm losing it day by day

[Leed]

Hi Stern ~ Are you in therapy? Have you BEEN in therapy? In not, I'd strongly suggest that you ask your doctor to refer you to a good therapist -- it sounds like you're struggling with depression, and need a therapist badly.

If you can't afford a therapist, at LEAST call your doctor -- he can put you on an antidepressant temporarily until you CAN afford a therapist. The antidepressant will help you stabilize your depression so you don't have these terrible lows -- it will keep you on an even keel, and you'll feel more "normal." Can you do that? It's really IMPORTANT that you call him. You just can't go on like this. Please call your doctor, okay?

I'm concerned about you, so let us know what happens, will you? God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee

Please get some bloodwork done, Stern, to determine what's happening chemically in your system. There are all kinds of things that could be going on in your system, and it's best for you to find out before rather than after something happens.

Take care.

[stern]

Thanks for your concern and reply. I've never been in therapy even though I'm survivor of suicide. I belong to an asian country where having therapist and personal doctor is not common. I know I might need therapy but for various reasons I can't have it. I don't want to let others know what I am going through. Are there any anti-depressants that I can take without subscription? Isn't there any way to manage it on my own? Your suggestions mean a lot to me

The only country that I know of where one might just walk into a pharmacy and order a psychotropic medication is England.

You don't really know what the chemistry is for yourself, so it would be very difficult to even attempt to self-medicate. I wouldn't do it. The best and safest way to manage your illness is to see a physician and have a private talk about your feelings and let him diagnose and medicate you.

If you fear what other people think you still have a lot of growing up to do, in my view. Be strong and go for the right things that will bring you health and maturity. That way you'll be able to enjoy life and help others who need your guidance in how to become mentally and physically healthy and have no fear of others knowing that you had a difficult time once with chemical imbalance.

Remember, we're all more alike than we are different, so you'll have a lot
of friends out there looking for your advice.

Good wishes.