i am 17 and i think there is something wrong with me?

Question

recently i have felt like complete garbage. i dont see the point in anything anymore and am not excited or happy about anything. i am a senior in high school and under a lot of pressure of getting into college. this whole year i have been saying once im into college i will feel better. but even this, now, is something i dont even care about. my mother asked me today why i dart my eyes around when i talk to people? and thinks its not normal. everyone i know thinks im miserable and negative and i very often feel that way. i smoke cigarettes and when i quit cold turkey i was so unhappy but then i started feeling better but never to the point i used to. i used to worry and care about things but im starting to not care about anything. i just truly dont see a point in anything and it really worries me. i work in a clothing store and get depressed when i see the people i work with who have been there for a long time and tell myself that i could never do that.

i feel that everyone around me thinks theres something wrong with me and that i have problems or something. i feel that there is nothing to look forward to and that nothign is worthwile. im never really happy and hate it. i also have a really messed up sleep pattern (well actually its not a pattern thats why its so bad) during the week i often get 4-5 hours of sleep and try to make up for it on sunday by getting 8-9. i have been eating less lately but not to a point where i am worried. i look at people like i think they are stupid because they do things that i just dont see any reason behind. things that are related to school make me feel this way when peopel are doing assignments that are due like a week from then. i do very well in school but dont understand how someone can have the motivation to do this. i usually leave assignments to the last minute for a reason i dont know. i am sorrry for whoever has to read this and thanks for any responses.

Answer 1

You should talk to your Dr about this.

Answer 2

Don't worry about everything so much. It is normal to go through ups and downs in your life. You should try to have some fun and enjoy yourself - but don't get into any trouble. High school should be a happy time in your life that you will one day look back on with fond memories (hopefully). College is not for everyone right away - maybe take some time off and travel the world, then go back to school if you want. Just set some goals for yourself and then be sure to be true to yourself. A lot of people never end up going to college if they do not go right away after High school and "take time off"-so be careful and just don't get caught up in some dead end job that you are miserable at - i'm sure you can do anything you want. I had all sorts of jobs and I have traveled all over the place - I think life is all about the different experiences you have -- it is what you make of it!
Don't smoke - it's a waste of money and does nothing good for you. Looking people in the eyes and having a firm handshake are good qualities to have - work on it a little bit.

Answer 3

It sounds very much like you are suffering depression. That feeling of hopelessness and not caring. The negativeness you feel. Its classic depression symptoms. You should get an appt to see a therapist. It could mean you need some medications to help you get through this stage.
I suffer depression myself and am in therpay and on medications. It defenitely helps me and im sure it can help you.
There is nothing wrong with having depression. If you dont seek help, that is where the problem is. I know many young people in therapy and on meds. Its amazing the difference it can make.
I hope you will try this. It can make the difference between being happy or sad.
Good luck.
I run a depression support group now for 14 years. If interested. email me at [e-mail]

Answer 4

John let me clue you in Most of us when we are 17 are on a downer Its a time your leaving school and every thing you know Major changes Not to mention The war and the way the world is.

At least you know where your going most kids will end up in dead in jobs not even trying to better them selves
John You don't have to work in a clothing store the rest of your life your going to collage and will make something of yourself .Don't judge others by what they do but make sure you change so you will never be like them . You will feel better in college

One thing you might try is taking vitamins and some B stress tabs helps a lot.The nicotine is a stimulant that is why you feel better when you smoke but then it robs your body of other things So later just ween your self off One or 2 less each week.
Make sure you eat right not just junk food and exercises play basket ball or something you like to do Take up running It will get your endorphins going and your outlook will be better mentally and otherwise.

I have worked with a lot of youth your age and this is what we did for them in our program .You may also want to talk to a counselor if it gets too bad.
Just remember life is up and down mine was really down at age 17 I didn't care either I really didn't want to live . But I am so glad I did because just arround the courner in collage I had a blast I saved money I traveled went to collage learned new things .I had a great life.You will too if you just wait and see.

Answer 5

Sounds like a classic case of depression. Depression is caused by chemical imbalance. It's best to speak about this with a doctor there is no reason to suffer. Most people who have depression once they get help they wish they had done it much sooner.
If you were a diabetic and had a sugar imbalance you would get insulin or other medication for it right? I hope that you will seek help, you can't just 'snap' out of it as some people think. or that it has anything to do with a choice to be down. Many people experience depression have good jobs, good grades, family and friends, etc. That is because it has less to do with circumstances and more to do with an imbalance of serotonin.
You have a lot of life and living to do, don't suffer needlessly.

Answer 6

John, it's very common for us teenagers to feel exactly like you do. Saddly, it's puberty! It's all these hormones being introduced to us for the first time and we don;t know how to deal with it. I'm in the exact same boat as you. My doctor said I'm just experiancing pressure from school and everything else. I told him how I feel unmotivated and lazy and uncaring twards every day life. Quite frankly, I'm sick of every day life... in and out and on and on.

My doctor said I just need some more time to think about things and to start getting myself active. And no, smoking again won't solve the problem, it wuill just start the process over again, but the fall back down will be worse the second time around.

Simply put, you need to fight through it, find a hobby or something to interest yourself in. I myself have taken up video games in a more dramatic affect. Also I've been playing with model airplanes and enjoy my time flying them.

I hope things go well for you John, I knwo they will. You and a lot of other teenagers, such as myself (also 17) are going through the same thing!

Have a great night John,
-Alex

Answer 7

It's pretty normal to get depressed every once in a while, especially as a teenager. If you continue to feel this way or have any "suicidal (yeah, nasty assumption, right?) feelings" you should definitly talk to someone. If you have a check-up soon, you could ask your doctor about an antidepressant, or get his advice about ways to quit smoking. Sometimes, though, there isn't anything that can be done. Just look for motivation in everyday things and remind yourself that you ARE valuable.

From my personal experience, just try to get through high school, but don't push yourself to where you aren't enjoying life itself. What you're living now should be just as enjoyable as ever- you're in the prime of your life.

Answer 8

You sound as though you are suffering from depression I have felt like this myself It's easy for people to say just get over it but it's not so easy to do when you have it especially when you don't care .
I recommend as some of the others have to see a doctor and describe your symptoms they may want to prescribe some medication some meds help people differently so you may need to try more than one kind the doctor will know . keep your chin up and I know it may seem hard or pointless but take that step and see a doctor .

God bless you

Answer 9

I understand what you are feeling, but you have to understand you will get over this. You might have a chemical embalance. Did you ever try working out? I have anxiety and when i work out I feel 100x better, I do cardio every day. Take a walk for a 1/2 hour, in about 2 weeks you will start to feel like your self again. you can't mope around thinking about this, you have to set your mind to movitation.. I promise things WILL get BETTER!!!! Try to stay away from sugar and coffee and ciggerattes, that's a stimulant and when you come off it you feel down.. or maybe you should talk to a counselor....Good Luck..

Answer 10

This is pretty normal, but also it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor. A very good idea. Tell him everything you said here. If you are depressed and start taking an anti-depressant, I promise you things will get better. You will be happy and think that life is worth living. But don't put yourself down too much, it is very common to be confused about things this early in life.

Answer 11

Check out www.hufa.org. It sounds like you may be having episodes of low blood sugar. See how many of the symptoms noted at the symptoms link you have had or are having.

If you suspect this to be part of your problem, start eating more lean protein and fresh foods, and less pre-packaged stuff. You may see results in as little as 2 weeks.