What are ways to combat teen depression?

Question

What meds are there to help? Don't copy Tom Cruise by saying 'exercise and nutrition' or say 'mind over matter'. I'm looking for an answer better than that. Oh, i'm 14 and a female.

Okay, I have definetly considered the fact that i'm a teen. Duh. We get depressed. But i've had a VERY traumatic life. My dad's a recovering alcoholic. I moved to a different state earlier this year then moved back to my original state, but different town a month and a half later. I live with my parents in a bedroom with our relatives. I was verbally harassed when I tried homeschooling here.

Just so you know.
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Oh, I tried a therapist but she was full of ****. I felt better though, knowing someone could figure out what was/is wrong with me.

Answer 1

Wow - you are having a difficult life. Depression is a normal response to the crap you have had to deal with. But knowing that does not make you feel better. I get it.

Here is a short list of things to try, followed by a lot of background on depression from my life experience:

1. Get support from friends, family, or a community agancy.
2. Exercise - I know you don't want to hear it, but read on and I'll explain how it works for you.
3. Get more social interaction. Join an activity with other teens - sports, dance, drama, music,crafts, gaming - pick something you like to do and then find a group that does it.
4. Read an inspirational quote or story every day. Here's a couple links to get you started:
http://www.inspirational-quotes.info/, http://www.inspirationpeak.com/

Background info on depression:
There are 2 kinds of depression :
1) Situational -- where life circumstances are traumatic and make you depressed. This can happen when a loved one dies, parents get divorced or there is a serious medical problem with a close family member, to give a few examples.
2) Chronic - where you feel depressed for no apparent reason, and its usually due to a chemical imbalance. This kind of depression can run in families, so it's always a good idea to check your family health history when treating depression of any kind.

I am NOT a doctor, but from the limited info you have given, your depression sounds situational. It sucks to be where you are right now, but you will recover (if you work at it) when your life circumstances improve.

BOTH kinds of depression respond well to counseling or psychotherapy , IF you hire a good therapist. Teens usually hate going to a counselor, though. I know I did when I was a teen and my mom sent me. Big waste of time. But I have to say, going to a good therapist is worthwhile if you are willing to do what you need to do to feel better.

As a person who has battled depression for many years, with and without medication and therapy, I can tell you that there is no "magic pill" that cures depression. The best you can hope to do is manage your symptoms so that you have more good days than bad days.

Be aware that the meds used to treat depression have a long list of side effects, and some of those side effects are pretty scary.
Exercise does wonders for all forms of depression because it releases endorphins - a brain chemical that makes you feel good. When you understand HOW your treatment is supposed to work, it often works better for you.

By reaching out you are showing signs that you want to overcome your depression - I hope you get support from family or friends in your effort to beat this depression.

Answer 2

Antidepressants and teens do not mix very well and there is research now to back this up. Unfortunately like any depression medicine is not a cure all because without therapy it does nothing. What any depression sufferer needs to do is to go and find what triggered the depression, so it is unlikely to happen again and if it does you will know how to deal. Therapy will give you skills on how to get through this, so get a good psychologist. Depending on how bad your situation is, medications may have to be prescribed, despite the risks. If they are then take them as prescribed because it can take up to 14 days before one can feel the effect from some drugs. The medications are endless because there are drugs from Zoloft and Prozac to Welbutrin and ssris like celexa and paxil. There are newer drugs like effexor and older ones like elavil. The list goes on and on, but each medicine does the job in a slightly different way. Exercise is very important because it causes the release of endorphins which is a natural chemical in the body that combats depression. Endorphin production is key with depression patients. The medications are there, but don't think of them as a quick fix because they are not intended to be used that way. There is no cure for depression only treatment.

Answer 3

Robin, I am not sure you are depressed, sounds to me like your life stinks right now, being bummed about it is the only thing I can think of that would be normal...really...give yourself a break.
There is nothing wrong with you it is your life, the cards you have been dealt....
If it s at all possible, try really hard to concentrate on what is good in your life, you are healthy, young and clearly smart enough to know that things aren't great for you right now. I wasn't always mother of the year and put my kids through some bad stuff, all my fault...they are grown and fine, it made them stronger...it can make you stronger too. remember you won't always have to be with them...it may seem like forever right now but it isn't...
Hit the books hard, do well in school, get involved with activities that interest you..try and hang with kids who have happy families...hang in there, it is gonna get better...good luck to you.

Answer 4

Antidepressant medication are very dangerous for teenagers. They can cause suicidal ideology. Meaning they can make you MORE depressed and think you want to die. There are warnings on every antidepressant stating this.

Let me tell you something......you are a teenager. ALL teens experience depression. Even the ones who seem to have it all. We all go through it. And it seems like then end of the world. When I think back on the things that I was sure were reasons to end my life over...I laugh. You couldn't pay me to be a teen again. That was hell. It DOES pass.

Answer 5

One of the best ways is to go to a daycare center. A day there with the kids will allow you to take stock of your own self. Otherwise, be a clown to the oldies in retirement homes.

Answer 6

Here is an excellent place for you to read, for yourself, about this. http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=medications+used+for+depression&rs=0&fr2=rs-top&search=medications+for+depression&ei=UTF-8&ico-yahoo-search-value=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DAu80EMS8tuECK9pAjCjxOKQazKIX%2FSIG%3D111gjvvgj%2F%2A-http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch&ico-wikipedia-search-value=http%3A%2F%2Frds.yahoo.com%2F_ylt%3DAjVtDXsFYL8E9gx3L6mQpvYazKIX%2FSIG%3D11ia1qo58%2F%2A%2Ahttp%253a%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSpecial%253aSearch&fr=ks-ans God's Speed!