Question about depression and anxiety.?

Question

The past month, I have noticed many things in my life that seemed like I could be suffering from depression and anxiety disorder. Sometimes I just break down and cry because I feel so worthless. Im always worried that I am never good enough. My friends no longer hang out with me but I dont care because I have lost interest in hanging out with them. I have even lost interest in watching sports which was my FAV thing to do. I talked to my mom about seeing a doctor but she said that it was just a thing I'm going through because I'm an adolescent. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that I feel depressed and have an anxiety disorder. There are days/periods of time (3-4 hrs) when everything is fine and I don't really feel sad. But then I start to feel the same way again. I really want to speak to a psychiatrist and get medication to help me because I'm tired of living this way. Do you think im imagining the situation to be worse than it really is? Or should my mom let me see a doctor?

It will be hard for me to pick the best answer. All of you have been SO helpful :) Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. It feels good to know that people care.

Answer 1

I think you should see a doc. You've stated all the classic signs- the crying, losing interest, feeling worthless, and the cycle. BUT- there are a lot of side-effects from teens using anti-depressants. They only prescribe them for extreme cases and are closely monitored, as they can actually may make the depression worse.

Maybe you could try counseling. It has been proven to work for some people. Also, if you can, try getting out of the house. Volunteer, exercise, take a class.... it will help to build your self-esteem up- not to mention the endorphins and energy from the exercise. Another thing that causes depression symptoms to worsen is too much sugar in your diet. They give you a high-like happy feeling, and then leave you feeling like crap until you eat more.

Don't let anyone tell you how to feel. You're old enough to recognize when your body is out of whack, and you seem like an intelligent woman. You're mom might be trying to support you by telling you you'll be fine, but there's no harm in merely talking to a doctor. If you've got the guts- which a lot of people with depression don't- then go for it.

Answer 2

I don't think what you need is to go on medications, they would only suppress the real problem but not solve them. Your mum is right to an extent you know. Adolescent react this way just when they start developing and becoming a woman, your body is changing, and i am telling you, it could cause some form of anxiety.

And at the same time it might not be. It could be an emotional disorder that you need to deal with. Pray about what you are going through and seek counsel. Make up with your friends again and try going out. Do things you think you can enjoy. I believe with time, you will overcome this.

Answer 3

I think when you feel this way, it is important (especially when you feel the need to talk to someone), to talk to someone about how you feel. If you think it will help, then it will. Unfortunately depression even though it is different for everyone creeps up on us unexpectedly. Doctors (or general Practitioners as they're called here) can help you with general things, but sometimes it is better to see a counsellor (if you have someone at high school) as they often deal with students and have experience in that area. Psychiatrists are good too, if you find the right one for you. Sometimes just talking about your problems or how you feel about yourself to sisters, best friends helps a lot. It helps them to understand you and your problem better. Young people go through this a lot, and you shouldn't try to ignore if it keeps coming back up. Medication is not necessarily the best way to go, as your mother may be concerned about that aspect. Depression is a state of mind, and a condition set by yourself. If you can let others help you, you can help yourself :).

Answer 4

Definitely see a doctor. Crying is fine but feeling worthless is a sign of deeper problems. Your mom should be worried if you've stopped spending time with people you like and doing things you enjoy. The whole "going through a phase" thing might be true, but it could be something more serious. If you think seeing a doctor will help, there's no reason your mom shouldn't let you.

Answer 5

Its not your imagination hunny. You do sound like you would benefit from talking to a psychologist and possibly taking some medication. If your mother in unrelenting in not letting you see a doctor to talk about this, this is a bit of a white lie, but could work.

Complain of a sore throat for a few days and tell your mom you think you have strep. You have to go to the doctor to get a strep test and medicine for that, right? While your there, admit the fib and talk to the doctor about your feelings. Regular doctors can perscribe anti-depressants and maybe if he or she talked to your mother she might be more understanding.

As I said, its a bit dishonest, but getting treatment and feeling better is much more important. Good luck to you, my dear. And, (cheesy as it may be) Remember that it is always darkest before dawn.

Answer 6

Some sadness in teens is normal, its part of puberty etc. Ever heard of growing pains? No joke. Too much is bad for everyone. Medication isn't always the best solution but a doctor could help you figure out other ways too. Try reducing stress in your life, by eating right, creating a schedule to balance homework etc, excersinging regularly, and sleep regulary. If none of this helps you may want to talk again to your mother about seeing a doctor. Good luck!

O! Almost forgot there is a cool site you should check out. http://www.bbc.co.uk/teens/ Its the bbc's site for teens, it has a lot on it about depression, puberty, anxiety as well as games! :D

Answer 7

Good to recognise when you might need help before things get out of hand. We have a condition that causes others to feel uncomfortable. They reduce their discomfort by using denial, belittlement and minimisation on the seriousness of our situation. While most of this denial is due to their fear concerning the possibility our illness, a part of it has another source. They may also have had or be afraid of having bad periods in their own lives, and their denial on our vulnerability to depression helps them deny their own vulnerability. Seeing a doctor can put yours and your mothers mind at rest that this is a period of your life that you will with help and time recover from, If you feel that you need to talk to someone a good thing to do is Email the Samaritans there web site is here http://www.samaritans.org/ and their email address is [e-mail] They do not judge and what you tell them will not be told to anyone else.
Things do get better but only if you seek help

Answer 8

First off, how old are you? These medications are hard on teens. I was diagnosed with Generalized anxiety disored this year. I was a mess for about 4 weeks. I was in a constant state of worry, and had a few panic attacks. It was weird I was happy all my life and wham! I have been on Celexa for about 6mo now and I feel great again. I do have bad days but who doesn't? I eat healthy, exercise everyday, and cut out alcohol and pot. My life has changed dramatically. Please get some help. You are not alone, and no one deserves to feel like you do. You are going to be O.K. It feels better to talk to people, don't hold it in.

Answer 9

I suffer from anxiety and depression. It took me along time to get help for myself. I always thought it would go away, or I could help myself. I had the problem for over 20 yrs before I just could not take it anymore and went to see a therapist. She recommend that I see a Psychiatrist to get on meds. I am a new person now.

Answer 10

You could just be going though a hard time and are feeling sad about it, but it cannot hurt to see a doctor anyway. Go to a good doctor that will take you at your word and tell him or her in detail how you have been feeling and that it has been bad enough that you wanted to go see a doctor about this issue alone.