DESPERATE TIMES
Hi, my nickname is Nun, and I'm 21 years old. Right now I seem to fail a lot and, everything is bad. I don't know what to do. I feel sad, tired and lonely. Now the world is blue, and I have nobody to share my thoughts with. I even hate myself, and I think everyone hates me, too. I really need encouragement. Please pray for me to have strength and help me. Nunthakorn Saenkla, It sounds to me like you're facing some pretty serious depression, Nun. The feelings you describe are classic symptoms. I'd urge you to visit the hospital to see a specialist. Unfortunately in Thailand there is a real stigma against mental health issues. Being depressed doesn't make you crazy. Your brain just works differently, and getting some help via talk therapy and/or antidepressants can really turn your world around. I know what I'm talking about, too. I've suffered from depression all of my life. I can tell you that getting treatment can really change your life. Please get some help, and remember that no matter how bad you feel, there are people in the world who want to help you feel better. I'm one of them. Please take care. — Editor |
FEEL THE FORCE
I have seen the trailer for the new Star Wars movie. It looks like it will be a very good and exciting movie.
I am really looking forward to seeing the new Star Wars movie. I can't wait till it's December, and the movie comes out.
Earl,
via email
I've seen the trailers for the new Star Wars film, Earl. I'll admit that they look pretty exciting. But the trailers for the prequel trilogy looked good, and I hated those movies. So I'm being cautiously optimistic right now. I guess we'll find out in a few months. — Editor
MEDITATION FIXATION
I like meditation. I was taught relaxation strategies and methods to help cope with external examinations by a teacher at school this year. The activity was very helpful.
It helps set my mind clear of when I should revise and when I shouldn't. For example, not to overwork at night and not to over-stress before the exam day.
Meditation makes a person calm and healthy. I think this is useful for everyone before undergoing pressure with anything.
Teera Siribunsuk,
Bangkok
I know what you mean, Teera. I've had times in my life when I practiced meditation. The first time was at an intensive 10-day Vipassana, silent meditation retreat. It's hard to explain the benefits of meditation — it's one of those things that you really have to experience for yourself. I'm glad that it's helping you to focus and feel better. — Editor
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Vocabulary
- encouragement (n): the act of giving somebody support, courage or hope
depression (n): a medical condition in which a person feels very sad and anxious and often has physical symptoms such as being unable to sleep, etc.
symptom (n): a change in your body or mind that shows that you are not healthy
therapy (n): the treatment of mental illness by discussing somebody’s problems with them rather than by giving them drugs
antidepressant (n): a drug used to treat depression
meditation (n): the practice of thinking deeply in silence, especially for religious reasons or in order to make your mind calm
retreat (n): a period of time when somebody stops their usual activities and goes to a quiet place for prayer and thought
trailer (n): a series of short scenes from a film/movie or television programme, shown in advance to advertise it
