a broken heart...

11th october, 7.00pm.
As i prepare to end the day, and move into weekend mode, walk's in this fragile, sad-looking, dejected youngester...must be between 18-22 from the first impression. And 100% he is depression case.
Young depressive clients are a big enigma...you never know what is causing the pain...you never know what is hampering there mind-thought-body. But at the same time they are the most professionally satisfying, coz the recovery rate is extremely high. In fact counseling shows maximum benefit with them.
hmm.. now coming back to reality... As this young chap walks in, i see a gentleman coming along with him. A presume its his father or elder brother.
They sit, the well-groomed gentlemen introduces himself... "hello doctor, I have come along with my son. He seems to have this problem.Since past few days he isnt concentrating in his studies, seems to be sleepy and fatigued thru out the day, doesnt like to interact with anyone, is loosing all interest in studies, and his grades have started decreasing. (typical indian parent, concerned with studies and grades only!!!! but cannt blame them, with the tough competition out there..everyone wants their son/daughter to be the best...but if they only asked their son/daughter what they want)...anywaz...going away from the moral policing...and coming to the point...
After the gentlemen took the pains to tell me his part of the story ....it was my time to come into action. I quickly sensed that there was some under-line reason for all these depressive symptoms. I asked him to leave us alone.
We started talking...infact i was stareing at him, as looked towards the floor...for 5min (it was geting to my nerves...)..then i said the magic words "i wont tell your dad"...
he believed me...and then started the sad story of new age romeo- new age juliet...
he was 22yrs old, finishing his graduation in science subject, since the 1st year of college he feel in love with a girl. The lady reciprocated to his affection. Soon they started "going around". He feel more and more in love with her... i.e. he became more and more dependant on her...And took her omni-presence in his life as the central focal point of living. (now cannt blame him... "love is blind")... 2 months ago, as they approached final semester, he decided to prop the question of marriage.!!! and since then she started to distance her self.. a couple of weeks ago, she finally broke off the relationship. leaving mr.romeo heart broken, and sinking into the deep sands of depression. ( evil has no face!!!!)...
it was a sad story..but then it can happen to anyone...
Since that day...he had "lost it"...sleep, appetite, regular daily activities all had lost the regular schedule. He lost all desire, motivation to excel in his studies and get a good job... Was even contemplating self-harm.
i called his father back into the consultancy. Explained him that it was depression. Told him it was education-stress related. The young romeo did get a slight smile for a second (..sometimes a lie can help bring smiles...) Father dear was most cooperative in accepting the problem and going ahead with the treatment.
I knew he would respond with few sessions of counseling..But PAPA di great...wasnt intrested in counseling.Just wanted him back on the studies track earlier than possible. With a heavy heart had to start on non-sedative, non-addictive anti-depressants... Now lets wait and watch..as within 3weeks he should start showing the effects....

for the moment time to pack-up...and head straight into the weekend :)