Answers are the opinion of the author(s) and not necessarily that of your health care provider, the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation or Sutter Health. This information is provided for your general information and education only, and should not be relied upon for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you feel like you have an illness or need emotional support for a problem, please contact you personal physician NOW.
Questions about suicide? Call the NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
Navigate:
FAQ Home Page
>>
Depression
>>
Q&A
Posted on:10/23/2007
Question
I am a student of a japanese exchange program and I think I am suffering from a mild depression. I started to hate myself for the really bad results i get even though i put in so much effort, starting to think that people hate me and now my classmates never care about my existence. While I am desperate for someone to talk to, I do something really immature or embarrassing just to get someone's attention and it ends up worse.
I felt that my japanese teacher is my only saviour but she keeps telling me that she can't be my friend because of the school's rules. she's a young hearted teacher so i thought i could open my heart to her, but as time goes by, she starts to remove herself from me and it hurts me a lot. I started to think that I am a bother to her since I always tell my troubles to her, but the more she knows about me the further our relationship becomes.
All in all, i feel so useless, troublesome, and my existence is a bother to everyone...
I really don't know what to do and my very last and important exam is less than one month from now. With this result and thinking, i can never get anywhere...PLS HELP ME!!!!
Answer
|
You are in a very stressful situation as an exchange student far from your family and friends and facing a challenging school program. It sounds as though you are blaming yourself very harshly and beginning to believe that others are blaming or rejecting you too. I think you're worry that you are depressed is realistic; the thoughts and feelings you describe reflect a significant level of depression. Fellow students or teachers may not be able to give you the support you need, but a trained counselor could be very helpful in guiding you through this difficult time. Sometimes people think that they must be crazy or really disturbed if they need to see a mental health professional. This is absolutely not true. Anyone can become overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, particularly if they have a lot of stress and little support. I hope that you do not delay in finding out how you can see a counselor promptly (maybe through the student health program). Asking for help does not mean that you are a burden.
|
Answered By:
Judith Wilson
, Ph.D.
|
|
|
