Dear Counsellor:

I was diagnosed with cancer and have had surgery. I am feeling depressed and fatigued. I wasn't able to enjoy the Christmas festivities as I am concerned about my health.

- Anthony

Dear Anthony:

Christmas is a time for fun, sharing and giving of gifts. There is also the spiritual side to Christmas which you should also consider.

Being diagnosed with cancer is bad news. However, with improvement in medications and surgery, many individuals are able to live long lives and function well. It is natural to feel sad and concerned. In times like these, you need a spiritual connection with God to give you the strength, courage and perseverance to cope with your condition.

You can speak with family members, friends and co-workers about your condition. Speak with your doctor about your depression. He will recommend counselling and medication. The medication is useful and will relieve the depression. You need all your energy to cope with the cancer.

Nutrition and nutritional supplements are important in your fight against depression and cancer.

Dear Counsellor:

I am 36 years old and have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. I was taking the injection, but I developed tremors. I am now taking the tablets and I am doing well.

- Michael

Dear Michael:

At least one per cent of the population has schizophrenia. You are not alone with the illness. The injections facilitate the patient because he will need to take tablets. However, all medications have side effects. Some of the injections can cause tremors in some patients. The newer injections are not associated with tremors at the doses given.

You can speak with your doctor about the latest injections and make the decision about restarting the injections. If you take your medication every day, maybe you can do without the injections. We tend to give injections to individuals who are non-compliant with oral medications. Sometimes you might get busy and forget to take the medications.

Schizophrenia is a chronic illness like diabetes mellitus. You need to take the medication daily so that the illness is kept under control. Many individuals are taking their medication and functioning at the top level. As long as the illness is under control, no one can identify the individual with schizophrenia.

Mental illness has a bad reputation, partly because individuals are non-compliant with medication and office visits. Many individuals are homeless and without family support. Patients with strong family support do well. To improve the image of mental illness, the business communities and the family members and friends should take an interest in the street people. If these individuals are treated and rehabilitated they can function as normal human beings