I never thought that I would write to you. I am 20 years old and I am having lots of problems. Ever since my boyfriend left me for another girl, I am having a constant headache. And when I go to bed, I can't sleep.

One night, I went to bed and I dreamt that my former boyfriend and myself were arguing over the girl and he started to beat me. I shouted out in my sleep and jumped up. My mother came into the room and asked me what was wrong and I told her about the dream. She told me that I will get over it because I am not the first person that a man has left for another woman.

My mother has two of us for diffe-rent fathers and none stayed with her. And she said that she treated them very well. Both of them left her for other women.

I am glad that my former boyfriend never got me pregnant. I don't know what I would have done.

My ex-boyfriend didn't want to use the condom and I didn't want him to get me pregnant. So without his knowledge, I was taking the injection.

I don't want any man in my life right now, I can't deal with them.

A.S., St James

Dear A.S.,

I want to encourage you to go to the doctor for a check-up.

Evidently, you are suffering from depression and you may need medication to settle you down, so to speak. You are not functioning very well. You know what has caused you to be having these headaches. You love this man who ended the relationship with you, but you have to learn how to live without him.

Your mother had similar experiences. Your father didn't stay with her, neither the father of your sibling. But she has not only learned to survive, she was able to overcome the disappointment in her life. You can do it too. And the day will come when you will look back and thank your mother for encouraging you to be strong.

I wish you well. Be sure to go to the doctor as early as possible.

Pastor