I'm a good kid...?

Question

but the winter screws with me. I get depressed, and yes all teenagers get depressed but i get to the point where all i do is cry and get stress knots all down my sholders and back. The past two witners i end up cutting (no im not proud). I've talked to my mom about it and we've had coversations about seeing someone but my moms never made an appointment. I'm really afraid of winter and i already have stress knots in my shoulders already. I'm not sure how to bring it up with my mom either so should i just see what happens? I'm really lost and not quite sure what to do.

Answer 1

It sounds like you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. The fact that you get worse in the winter time but feel better in spring and summer is a key indicator. You also say you have no 'good' reason to feel more depressed in the winter time, like bad memories or anything like that.

Ask your mom to take you to your family doctor-he or she may be able to help you out. If you're old enough (say, 16 or older), you may be able to make an appointment for yourself if your mom doesn't.

Treatment can entail medication or a special light to help replace what you're missing with winter's low light levels and dreary days. You may also find going out for a walk during the day may help you get a bit more light into your system.

Also, talk to an adult you trust, like the school counsellor and ask for help in coping with the sad, scared feelings and the urges to cut.

I've included two links; one talks about SAD, what it is and how it is treated and the other gives ways to distract yourself when you have the urge to hurt yourself.

You're not a bad kid and you're not crazy. While I'm not a doctor, what you describe does sound like Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a common problem, and can be fairly easily treated.

Best wishes.

Answer 2

Why don't you try talking to your school psychologist or counselor? Usually those folks have referrals for therapists that are familiar with the issues particular to teenagers. As far as I'm concerned the cutting is a huge red flag. I'm around teenagers every day (I'm a hs teacher) and I'm wondering why your teachers haven't intervened yet. We are mandated reporters, which means that if it seems that you're hurting yourself we have to say something to CPS or the authorities. My advice then, would be to seek real help-- if your mom hasn't made an appointment it may be that (a) she is in denial or (b) doesn't think it's a serious issue. You know in your heart that this difficult period is coming up. So, get some real help. You might start by talking to a teacher or counselor at your school.

Answer 3

I'm sorry you feel like this! Please don't feel alone though, I have the same problems!!! I'm 20 now, it just keeps getting worse and worse, but I see the doctor now about it, and they've diagnosed me with anxiety problems. You say you are a teenager, how old are you? I started having the anxiety/depression problems when I got in high school to. I was always the one that tried to be the perfect kid, I didn't smoke pot EVER I still haven't, I didn't go out and party every weekend and hoe around. I was happy most of the time... untill I started getting to stressed out about things. Whether it be my boyfriend at the time, or school. School is still my major problem. I'm in college now and in the fall I quickly get into a state of anxiety, I don't usually take my anxiety medicine in the summer because I don't need it. But just this week I woke up Monday morning itching horribly, I had hives... and 2 tests on that same day. I figured they'd go away by Tuesday but they just got worse, I went and saw the doctor (with my mom) and she gave me a steroid shot to get rid of the hives and told me to start taking my Lexapro again. Which I was going to anyway because Finals are coming up next month.
I would advise maybe talking to a doctor, I think psychaitrists are wonderful if it is a real mental underlying thing, but I believe ours to be more of a chemical imbalance. My doctor put me on Lexapro, he told me it was extremely safe to take, I could get on and off of it when I think I needed, he said it's not advised and but it can be taken during pregnancy if it's an absolute necesacity.
Of course everyone is different and sometimes during the teenage years some medicines aren't advised because they can make things worse. But your doctor can easily diagnose your problem, don't feel bad about talking to someone. People go through these problems all the time, especially this time of year! Good luck with your depression, I know how it feels!

Answer 4

You can make your own appointment, just call it in and when you go bring your mom or get a note signed by her saying that it is okay. also if you can't see a doctor try to go out in the sun that helps, my grandmother is depressed and she takes lots of meds and can not take the anti depressants so the doctor has us take her for a drive or a walk out side and he said that the sunshine helps. good lick hope everything will be well for you this winter

Answer 5

Hey Breanna, go ahead and talk to your mom again and stay with her while she calls your doctor for an appointment. Hopefully you have a pediatrician who knows you. The doctor may know just what to do, and if not, they can refer you to someone who can help. If Mom won't call, have a chat with your counselor at school. They are there to help. There are effective and simple treatment options for you. I get stress knots and stay achy in winter myself. Hot lavender baths (with Batherapy, I get it at Wal Mart) at night help me a lot, too!
Good luck.
Lacysmom

Answer 6

You better take matters into your own hands and try and make your own appointments with doctors. If your mom isn't going to help you do that then get a move on and contact someone!

Answer 7

Winter is a blast, go skating, skiing, snowmobiling, nice hikes on a snow covered trail in the woods, winter is so beautiful, It's my favorite season ! crunching across fresh NY snow, crisp clean air, the sound of wind through the pine trees ! horseback riding in the snow, it's natures carnival, enjoy the gift !

Answer 8

Yes you need to talk to your mother again,and if she dosen't make a doctor's appointment for you then go to another family member like your father. Cutting yourself is no joke and you need to see someone about it.

Answer 9

Make the appointment yourself through school or a community group.

Answer 10

If you really want help go to your guidance counselor and tell them about this situation and they will make sure that your mother get you some help.