Gurus, My father passed away when I was 27 years old, I was not employed before that, now I am employed in a field I don't know much about and the work is giving me anxiety and depression, also I need to stay away from my wife and child. Do many people go through these feelings ? I feel as I was shielded from people and work environment i am finding the work grind too harsh and feel like giving up, i have accepted my situation but can't find guts to work against these feelings What should I do ?

Ans: Dear Praveen,
It is unfortunate the way things have turned out in your life; but it does not mean that it has to be that way even now and in the future.
Brooding over what you don't have will only make you feel miserable. Rather than tell yourself that you don't want to be lonely, why don't you tell yourself that you want a life filled with people and interesting experiences. The brain then starts to search for ways to keep you with people and surround you with experiences.
Now all you have done is fill it with miserable thoughts of loneliness.
SNAP!
You are only as lonely as you think you are! This is a Digital age and you know this that you are connected with people from across the world in a moment's time.
What you have not chosen to see is: How can I make an effort to connect with people so that I feel a sense a belonging?
So, see this clearly and move to answer this question.
Hobbies within a circle, Trekking groups, Music groups, Social movement groups? Name it, it's there!
Pick what you can identify with the most and know that you can find like-minded people...
If there is a hobby that you had to leave mid-way, pursue that NOW!

So instead of anticipating the future and living there, come back to the NOW and focus on what you can do to feel happier with a sense of belonging.
Making sense?

All the best!

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am truly very sorry for your loss. It might have been very difficult at not having that closure right at the end to process your loss your way. I can only imagine what you must be going through even now.

This heavy heartedness has most likely caused you to lose interest in many things in life including your work life. Even things that were simple to handle might have become too much to deal with. You need to heal by grieving and slowly going into acceptance. Is this hard? Oh yes, but with the help of someone who specializes in grief counselling and therapy, you can heal through this. This doesn't mean that you have to forget your father; it only means you process what has happened to transition into a better mind space. This will help you get a grip over your life for what it is now and like all of us, you deserve to be happy and at peace. Do consider this option and see an expert; it will really help you...

All the best and do know that this too shall Pass!