Pretty much this time last year, I would have posted almost the same post. One of my best friends had a kind of nervous breakdown over exam stress, combined with the fact that his dad beats him up, combined with depression, combined with a girlfriend who never saw him and was useless in a time of crisis. Over a space of a couple of months he went from OK to having panic attacks, collapsing and being put on Prozac and Valium. I used to call him almost every night at about midnight to make sure he was OK and got myself in what seems to me to be a similar state as you, Andrea.

I was so scared that he would do something scary like suicide and although he would tell me that it wasn't going to happen, every time I phoned him, I would hold my breath for a second until he answered. Anyway, over time things have gotten a lot better for him. For a start, he did brilliantly in his exams so he doesn't have to resit them this year, he split with his girlfriend and they are good friends now, he has reduced his medication and although the family problems are still there, he has got a place to study Creative Writing at one of the best universities in England for that particular course so there is generally light at the end of the tunnel.

I guess what I am saying is that in his case, he was able to work through it and was really grateful to have a group of friend who really cared about him. It sounds like your friend has, in you, someone who truly cares about him. I hope that you manage to get in touch with him and when you do, do all you can to let hime know that you are going to be there for him. I'll be praying for you and your friend.

much love
Liz
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