![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Summary of Question: | Report Cards Depressed Me |
Category: | Health |
Date Posted: | Saturday, 2/08/2003 6:38 PM MST |
Hi, I am in junior high and I am a nerd (being as blunt as possiable). The term that just passed was not my best. I won no awards and my marks dropped a bit. I really wanted to get an 89% in science but instead I got a 85%. I am so dissappointed in myself. Everything I used to do has lost its fun. I don't feel like playing my flute, I don't want to play badminton, and I have lost the want to do everything. Infact the day we got report cards I just sat on the couch staring into blank space for two hours. I am so depressed. I would stay up till 11:30 pm drinking coffee and studying, then the next day I would wake at 5:00, drink coffee and study. What should I do to get over this depression, drinking coffee, waking early, and studying; its destroying my body (I think). Please help.
***********
REPLY
***********
Sat Siri Akaal. Sorry to hear about your marks. Report cards do not define you, though schools make it hard to remember this. YOU are a son (or daughter-- don't know your gender) of the Guru. THAT is who you are. We all have bad days and the 85% (a respectable mark anyway!) just tells you that the subject isn't your best or the manner of testing your knowledge in it didn't work for you. You know, school systems are a challenge all their own. Not everyone is cut out for learning in a traditional academic system, but that DOES NOT mean you are stupid! Also, it's OK to be a nerd. The nerds I knew in highschool went on to become scientific, political, and business successes!
Anyway, the best thing you could do to move your depression is exercise. You might have to force yourself the first time but you'll feel better for it. The same with your flute playing as an emotional release. And I would be remiss if I didn't tell you to practice the Naam. Sit straigh and breathe long and deep through your nose into your diaphragm while mentally chanting Waheguru. The deep breathing will relax and recharge you (better than coffee) [so will exercise]. Even better is to do any of the above with friends and classmates, because the groupenergy will help you also.
If after a few days of trying these things you don't feel better, please see a school counselor. They are supposed to help you and they are also supposed to keep your issues confidential. That's why they are there. Some depression is more chemical than emotional and can get WORSE if not treated. This you DO NOT WANT.
ALSO, exercise, expression, and naam simran are tools for stress management that you should make a daily part of your life, starting now. Guru ang sang,
-DKK