This recording is part of the Medical English For You prototype series. Listen to the recording and follow the script below.
Dear Doctor,
I tried to get hold of you on the phone. Sorry to bother you. I know how busy you are. I suppose we patients tend to think the world revolves around us.
I’m writing because I’m worried my mental state has got worse. I take my medication just as you told me to and I don’t drink alcohol. I’ve even given up smoking. You might remember I used to be a chain smoker, but the cigarettes started giving me an irregular heartbeat and a tight feeling in my chest, and that scared me. It reminded me of the symptoms my dad told me about a few weeks before he had his heart attack. I also read an article about the link between nicotine and depression.
Anyway, when my alarm goes off in the morning, it often takes me half an hour to actually get out of bed. Then I just stand there in the kitchen feeling completely out of it. On bad days, I even have suicidal thoughts at that time of day. Later, once I’ve had some breakfast and done a bit of exercise, the fog starts to clear.
By the time I get to work, I might seem quite cheerful. I’ll joke around with my colleagues and probably look perfectly fine. Being at the office actually makes me feel better because it keeps my mind occupied.
I call my mum and my kids several times a week, but even so, I feel lonely, and that doesn’t help.
I’d really appreciate it if we could have a chat on the phone as soon as you have some time.
