Dear doctor;

I recently broke up with my boyfriend and the world seems to be meaningless. Friends say I am suffering from hysteria, what would hysteria mean? Is it like a disease too?

Joselyn, 22.

Dear Joselyn,

You have not specified as to what kind of problems you are suffering from since the break up. Is there loss of sleep or sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, not feeling like talking to anybody or doing any work, suddenly losing interest in music and dance, among others. If yes, these are due to the situational depression. Is there feeling of weakness, sudden awareness of heart beats, breathing trouble, dizziness, among other physical symptoms? Is there excess crying or emotional outbursts? This could be hysteria. Hysteria is usually like psychosomatisation, mimicking some illness for attention seeking or some personal gain. The term is loosely used for excess display of emotions.

The situation causing hysteria could be real or imaginary. The features and intensity depends on the mental attitude of a person and how strong they are to face problems. It is not a disease in the  technical sense, but when it is excess or beyond logic, it is like a mental sickness, needing attention. Try to keep busy with creative activities. If possible, change of place or job also would be useful. If still some problem is experienced you can consult a psychiatrist. A f ew days of professional counselling, along with low doses of tranquilisers and sedatives can help you overcome the grief and prepare to face life anew.