like I need counselling but I don't feel that anyone will understand as the disease is so unlike others, it doesn't feel like a usual loss. I have recently started taking rhodiola rosea which I heard helps with depression, but I don't feel much better. Do you know anything about rhodiola? I used to take St John's wort until I heard about bad side affects. Answer David writes: This must have been absolutely terrible for you. I'm so sorry to hear about it. It's a bit sad that you came away from your GP feeling 'silly'. I hope he didn't make you feel this. It's obvious that -- like the majority of people who are exposed to terrible sights and events - you would benefit from some sort of counselling . I don't know anything about rhodiola. The only herbal remedy which has been shown to help depression is St John's wort . But what you need now is urgent counselling. Christine adds: I can't imagine how awful it must have been for you to see your brother die of this horrible disease. I am deeply sorry that this has happened and also about how desperately sad you feel. I agree totally that you need counselling. You mention meeting up with other families who have been affected by this awful disease. I wonder if any of them could recommend some experienced counsellor to you? In any event, I do feel you should go back to your GP . He/she must