Dear Readers,

A.B. is a 21-year-old who writes lifeline from St. Elizabeth. A.B. has a number of problems, some more serious and yet, some of A.B.'s problems are shared by many at this time.

A.B. is not working, is low on funds and has several physical and emotional problems but feels ashamed to talk about them face to face with a doctor, or counsellor. A.B. feels surrounded by negative people and finds it hard to focus. Having failed some local professional entrance exams recently, A.B. is depressed and is experiencing a really low self-esteem.

A.B. sometimes feels suicidal, and knows that some professional help is needed. A.B. 'trusts' lifeline and is looking forward to our reply. A.B. is also experiencing chest pains and pain when passing stool but feels afraid to visit the doctor.

Lifeline will attempt to guide and counsel A.B. but strongly suggests that A.B. seek the help and guidance of a physician, counsellor, church elder or other person in the community who A.B. thinks is trustworthy, open in attitude and capable. Concerns which A.B. is experiencing need to be dealt with face to face.

Problems need to be identified as well as possible solutions to the problems, and medication to help ward off and control depression needs to be prescribed.

A.B. needs to know and to accept that life is 'bigger' than failing exams or not having a job at this time. Many people do fail at exams or other enterprises along the way as they develop only to thank God for new and better opportunities which emerge at a future time which, indeed, eventually help shape their lives.

Also, many of the professional entrance exams are often based on a quota system where only a certain number of persons are allowed to pass. At age 21, the opportunities still to come to A.B. are possible very significant and not yet even present in A.B.'s life.

Lifeline encourages A.B. to embrace his moments of despair, let us know that we 'live' and that we have been blessed with this chance to experience many different situations and emotions good and bad.

It is hard to fail exams, especially when passing those exams could provide new opportunities for us, but there is usually another time we can sit the exam. After more determined efforts to study, A.B. should eventually resit these exams.

Fighting spirit

There are several prominent doctors, lawyers, politician, soldiers and other professionals in our own communities who did not pass their exams after their first or even second tries, but their determined fighting spirit kept them trying against the odds until they achieved success.

Growth and maturity

The fight to achieve the success in turn strengthened their spirit and made them more capable of dealing with whatever life experiences they may face. This is called 'growth' and 'maturity'. Lifeline encourages A.B. to 'love life', give it a chance and to 'fight back' against the negative. Our spirit will always need nourishment and strength, religious individuals find much hope and strength in reading and 'living' the bible.

Much encouragement can be found within its pages, especially within the Psalms of David.

Identifying a good, capable individual who is willing to listen and give advice and encouragement can also be a source of strength to an individual whose spirit is weakened by life's 'low blows'. A.B. should make an effort to identify and speak with such a person in St. Elizabeth.

Chest pains and rectal pains when passing stool can actually be related to stress.

There are, however, a myriad other conditions, some serious, which can also produce these symptoms and an examination by a medical doctor is very important to determine cause and management.

In another article lifeline will speak to chest and rectal pains.

Lifeline closes by encouraging A.B. to talk with a trusted person and to seek help.

Truly, the night is always darkest before sunrise and many people just need extra help in overcoming a particular crisis before getting on with their lives

Write Lifeline

P.O. Box 1731

Kingston 8

Jamaica