Hi to all on this thread . . .
I have been reading your views on how to treat the various levels of depression, following your collective returns to reality, back to your home countries. My first trip to Phuket (Patong) was in 2000, although I had been to other parts of Thailand on a couple of occasions before that.
I was totally obsessed with the place and returned home after my two week holiday, in a very depressed state. So much so, that after two weeks at home I went back to Patong for a further two weeks!
In hindsight, perhaps I shouldn't have done the second trip so close to the first, as my small circle of friends were becoming quite concerned for me, as I no longer had any conversation in me at all, apart from things 'Thai'. My female friends became very wary of my advances, and worried about my liaisons with ladies in Patong.
It got to the stage that my friends were avoiding me, lest they be subjected to another evening of totally Thailand related conversation. The females were talking about me amongst themselves and collectively put up a 'no go' barrier, which meant that my usual avenues for a bit of c*nt in NZ was all but removed.
One of my long-time mates sat me down over a few drinks and explained the above situation to me and told me that I had to consciously avoid reference to anything Thai whilst in their company. It worked! After a short while, it was they that were asking me various quesions about my trips, and I made sure that my answers were short and to-the-point, leaving room for more questions.
Gradually, and after an HIV test around 3 months after the last trip, I managed to reverse any fears that existed amongst the ladies. It was hard work, but because I was determined not to lose my small circle of friends, in a country that I have to spend 48 weeks a year in, it was necessary.
I guess what I am saying is that my attitude towards my trips to Thailand has changed from one of a 24 hour / 7 day a week obsession, to one of working towards an annual goal of 3-4 weeks holiday in Thailand.
Most of you are already planning another 1-2 trips this year. For those able to do so, I applaud you all, but to say I am envious, would not be strictly true. I think that a lot of your common depression problems stem from the fact that you are not giving yourselves a chance to come down to earth between your trips.
The idea of another trip to Phuket, is over-riding the reality of where you are living, and earning the money to enable you to travel. I know that if I had continued with my obsessive attitude, I would have very few friends left and would probably have to be celebate for 11 months of the year.
I know as far as myself is concerned, that my once-only annual holiday has gained a lot more importance and excitement for me, than if I was visiting there every 3-4 months. They say that 'absence makes the heart grow fonder', and in my case this certainly applies to my attitude towards Thailand.
Just an opinion !!!
Cheers
Pdm3
