Questionnaire

It's not important that we all will be dealt with the right cards in our life. Everyone, at a certain point of time has to go through a phase where we feel like our life is way too difficult. But only after going through it all, we realize that those incidents have played a very huge part in shaping us as a person, as a human. We don't know how much we can endure until we actually endure it.

I was sitting in the waiting area when the receptionist called my name. Nervously getting up from my seat and heading towards the only room in the clinic, I cleared my throat and knocked on the door. The room was very neat and systematic with minimal furniture, an instant coffee machine, few books on the shelves and a notice board where I guess he sticks the notes written by his patients. And lastly a desk plate on his table which read 'Dr. Min Daehan, Clinical Psychologist, Therapist and Counsellor'.

"Here, take this form and fill it. I am very tired after having back to back sessions today. I am going to take a walk downstairs so take your time and be honest with your feelings", he said and handed me a sheet of paper and pen.

Name: Aera George

Age: 17

Father's Name: Robin George

Mother's Name: Hana George

Q. How is the relationship between your parents?

A. My parents divorced around a year ago.

Q. How is your relationship with your parents?

A. I live with my mother and we both are very happy and we have our understanding.

Q. Are you in any kind of romantic relationship? If yes, then how is your relationship with them?

A. Yes! His name is Suhaan. I met him in school and eventually started liking him. My friend Nancy set us up and we are extremely happy together.

Q. Do you smoke/ drink?

A. No

Q. How often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed or hopeless?

A. What do you think? Why am I here? Of course I'm being bothered by these feelings for a while now.

Q. Do you feel like you have little interest or pleasure in doing things?

A. Not only about interest or pleasure, I don't even have energy for doing stuff.

Q. Do you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?

A. To be honest, I feel so exhausted all the time even if I do nothing. All I want to do is sleep, sleep and sleep. I always feel tired no matter how much I rest. And also sleep keeps me away from all the stupid thoughts so I sleep to avoid my problems as well.

Q. Do you have a problem of overeating or having a poor appetite?

A. I keep changing between both. At times I eat like a monster and at times I run away just by hearing the name food.

Q. Do you have trouble concentrating on things?

A. Yes. Yes. Yes. I can't concentrate on anything and I often keep forgetting things.

Q.Have you had an anxiety attack (suddenly feeling fear or panic)?

A. Yes I sometimes get so restless and panicked that something awful is going to happen.

Q. Do you worry too much about different things?

A. Yes

Q. Do you feel so restless that it is hard to sit still?

A. Yes I cannot sit quietly for even a minute. I always keep playing with something or the other.

"Are you done?", I flinch with the sudden voice. " No", I nodded. "Just a few left", he just walked past me without saying anything. Not bothering whatever he is doing there I continue with my answers.

Q. Do you feel easily irritated or annoyed?

A. Yes

Q. If you want to share anything else about your problems, write here.

A. Yeah, I often find myself trying to run away from my friends lately. I don't feel like spending time with them. I keep making excuses during lunch breaks or while going back home to avoid them. I am getting obsessed with staying alone. So much that even if someone tries to approach me I speak so rudely that they probably wouldn't come back to me.

Dr. Min kept two cups of coffee on the table and sat on his chair. I handed him the sheet of paper and avoided looking at him. I just took a glance after a while and he was thoroughly analysing my answers sipping on his coffee. After finishing it he let out a deep sigh before he spoke. "I think you are still not able to tell me the root cause of your problems. There is something you are hiding, maybe you are not comfortable to say that yet but you can take your time to open up", he said. " We will be having an interactive session tomorrow evening and discuss briefly about your answers", he continued.

I walked out of the room after bidding farewell to the doctor. I need to rush now to Jieun's house, all the friends were supposed to meet there and I can't avoid it this time since I also have to talk to her about today's session. I am already late. I took a cab directly to Jieun's home.

I stood outside the door finding it somehow difficult to ring the doorbell. I don't want to go inside in that crowd but that is not just any crowd they are my friends, my people. If I keep behaving like this they'll probably get away from me. I mustered up the courage to ring the bell. The door opened slightly and my face lit up in a second looking at the person on the other side. It was Suhaan. What more would I have wished for other than looking at his face after having to admit my hidden feelings in front of a therapist. I jumped into his arms and it felt like home. We both went inside and Jieun came out of her room. She smiled looking at me as if she called Suhaan purposely for me to feel better. No doubt, she is closest friend so she knows me too well.

Jieun and I excused ourselves to go to the balcony so we could talk while others were busy deciding which movie to watch today. "Thank you so much Jieun. You really are a true friend, what would I have done without you?", I gave her a tight hug as she gently patted on my back. " You were always there when I was having a bad time or when I was in trouble. How could I leave you alone in your hardships even if you push me away", she reassured.

"What are you doing? Making out? Come quick the movie is about to begin", Minho yelled from the living room.