Dear Dr. Archer,
I'm a 19 year old male in my second year of engineering. For the past year and a half I have been skipping classes. I don't take the exams and hardly talk to anyone; I'm just not interested in doing anything anymore.
I have thoughts of abusing myself physically, and have even considered jumping off of a roof or stepping in front of a car to end it once and for all.
My parents expect much out of me. I'm their only son, but I keep disappointing them. I feel like something is holding me back and I need help.
My parents have decided to bring me back home and give me a chance to start over again. This might sound good to you, but the thing is my parents will not let me live for even a minute in peace if I go back to them - I would be a failure.
I have thought of running away and never seeing them again, but I cannot abandon my sisters. I only have a week to come to a decision, so please help me out because clearly my life has run out of my control.
Jawwad
Dear Jawwad,
You sound depressed, and I would like for you to talk to a therapist. Since you're in school, make an appointment with the school counselor and let him or her know exactly how you are feeling. Immediately start implementing the suggestions I offer in
How Can I Snap Out Of Depression? to naturally overcome how you are feeling.
These are simple, healthy changes in your daily life that are good for anyone, but especially someone who is depressed. If, Jawwad, you find that things are not getting better, then you need to see a psychiatrist.
Depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and you will need the right medication to take care of that. Tell your parents; this is not something that you can just snap out of on your own; you need help.
Dr. Archer
