Dear Abby letter on 09.30.19

[All_alone]

I just finished reading Dear Abby today and was rather appalled by her response to a college student who was obviously struggling with depression and anxiety regarding the future. Abby's first sentence in her reply was "it has been some time since I have seen a letter filled with as much negativity and depression as the one you have written. " She urges the student to seek counseling, professional help and an attitude adjustment. SERIOUSLY!!!!! Yes the student does need help but I think her reply could have been worded with more compassion and understanding. This writer already seems to feel so down and I hope the reply does not do more harm than good. I truly hope that the student finds the much needed support they deserve.

[Dolphin14]

That's awful. What's up with the attitude adjustment? Was the writer being rude?

High school and college are loaded with stress for young people. They need to be taught coping skills in school.

It's very sad to me to hear struggle in their voice. They need support not anger.

I hope the person does ok.

[All_alone in reply to Dolphin14]

No, I didnt get rudeness from the writer. What I did get was that they were in such a bad place that they didnt see any light or anything remotely good. Correct, an attitude adjustment as we know when one is so dark is not going to help. That is my issue with the way others respond to mental health issues. That person was reaching out and the response is your depressing and negative. Get some help and change your attitude. If it was just that simple. My heart goes out to the writer. I hope they will be ok......

[Dolphin14 in reply to All_alone]

I agree

Not a very good way to treat someone in a delicate state that's for sure

[Kkimm]

Hi

It is very concerning that this attitude was displayed by who I assume is an agony aunt of some sort.

Best wishes

Kim

[All_alone in reply to Kkimm]

Hi. Did you mean angry aunt vs agony? This was actually in the newspaper today. Dear Abby is an American advice column that is printed daily in many papers. I cant believe that was her "advice".

[Kkimm in reply to All_alone]

No I meant agony aunt. It is obviously a case of lost in translation. In the UK an agony aunt means someone who answers people with various person problems in advice columns, magazines etc.

It seems really odd to me that you guys have never heard of it as it is a very common term in the UK.

[All_alone in reply to Kkimm]

Oh my Kim. Now I'm quite embarrassed. Yes I have never heard of that term. When I worked, I worked with many people from different countries and I always found it fascinating how something is referred to differently or even does get lost in translation. I took German in high school and remember then that some phrases fell short of translation. You taught me something today and I thank you. 🌻🌻