Donna

I am extremely happy that you have brought this issue up. It took a lot of courage for you to do it. I am a 23 year old male with SWCAH so I can relate to your situation somewhat. I do believe my case is more severe then yours, I almost died as an infant because the doctors had no clue what was wrong with me, my heart even stopped beating for a short period period of time. I have no clue what having your adrenal glands taken out could do to a person emotionally. You are correct to say that every person goes through depression at one point in their life. I am interested what you mean when you say that you have panic attachs. I guess I am not 100% what you mean by that. What kind of rapid thoughts do you have. I have to admit one thing to you, it seems like through my entire life I have never had a moment when many thoughts were going through my mind. I am constantly thinking about everything. I have never been to a psychiatrists, but I think it is great that you have gone to one. I think it takes a lot of a person to admit that they need help and there are a lot of people who are too afraid to ever do something like that. I think it is good that your medication has put you at ease. Do you feel that the medication has supressed you and turned you into somewhat of a zombie? If not and you are feeling better and living a more normal life then why would you stop taking them? Parents and people all over the world have a hard time accepting the fact that not everyone is the same. Not everyone is naturally balanced and I don’t think it should be looked upon the way it is today with such a stigma.  You have been through an extremely rare situation where you had to have your adrenal gland removed. Try to think of something positive that has come out of it. I think something about it has had to make you a better person. Don’t look at it as something that holds you back look at it as a gift that you can use to your advantage. If you do have a problem and are able to control it with medication that is great. I hope this letter did something I am not sure what the point of it was. I am concerned about you and hope that you can take a more positive outlook on life. I know a lot of things suck but you have to look at the good. For instance I have 4 internship offers for this summer which is great right? Well, I have found myself looking at it in an negative way at times just because I have to make a choice. I should be looking at it in a more positive light. I have went through periods of depression and I think I could somewhat relate to you and I would love to try to help you. My e-mail is gottfrip@purdue .edu. Where are you going to school next year? Try not to worry what people think about you, just do what makes you feel good.

Paul