About three months ago, I moved to a new city about five hours from home, left a boyfriend of two years, started a new job and began working on my master's degree, all at one time. I have yet to smile. I have found no friends due to the hours that I work. I feel alone and scared, and I find it difficult to keep focused. I cry every day. I have lost 15 pounds and spend money that I don't have impulsively on items that I don't need. What is going on? I feel lost and empty and look for ways to end or get out of my situation. I feel like a zombie, just going through the motions of living in a place I hate. What should I do?

-- Lisa

I can't say for sure what you're experiencing without a complete assessment, but you may be having a depressive reaction to the many stressful changes in your life. It sounds like you've become overwhelmed and miserable, and that you have a serious shortage of things in your life that could give you pleasure. You may be trying to fill your emptiness with the "things" you're impulsively buying ... but intangible needs can't be met with material objects.

One possibility is to try to make some friends through work or school. What about asking a co-worker or classmate to go to lunch or dinner with you sometime? (No matter how busy you are, you DO have to eat sometime.) Or seeing if there's a school-related organization or committee you might join?

Overall, try to think of -- and put into action -- things you might enjoy doing, whether by yourself or someone else. Even little pleasures, such as a bubble bath or a nature walk, might help replenish you.

You might also consider talking to a counselor at your school for support in navigating your life transition. Such help might be available through the student health service or campus counseling center. Good luck.