Depression?

Question

Lately, I've been feeling more down and quiet than I usually am. And even then, I'll be pretty upbeat with my friends. Though, recently I've been just quiet and things. I'm dealing with normal problems any teenager would; sleep deprivation, self-esteem, stress, heart-aches,etc. I just don't know how to organize it . I feel like I'll break down at any moment. My life seems normal enough, but I'm aware of when I feel really sad or depressed, but I don't do anything to make it better. Is this just regular stress and hormones or is it really depression?

Answer 1

It's very normal to feel depressed when you're a teenager due to hormones and the pressures of life. But you have to assess how long the depression has been going on, how it has affected your life and how severe it is. I am 34 and was diagnosed with clinical depression when I was 23. But looking back on my life, I realize that I've had it since I was 13 years old. A lot of what I had thought was a normal part of growing up and "normal depression" was in fact clinical depression. And I feel that if I had seen a psychiatrist in my teens, I could've prevented myself a lot of needless pain. My point is that it's difficult for an outsider or even yourself to assess whether you have clinical depression or just a normal bout of the teenage blues. I highly recommend that you see a professional and have he/she help you figure it out. If you do have clinical depression, you can benefit from the medications that are available. And if you don't, you can still talk to the psychiatrist to help you deal with your issues. You don't have to be clinically depressed to seek help. If you feel overwhelmed in any way, if you're unhappy or need someone to talk to, there's nothing wrong with getting therapy. Just b/c your life is "normal" does not mean that you can't benefit from therapy. It is at least worth a try. You can continue if you feel it's helping or you can stop if you feel that you're OK. You sound like a very intelligent girl who is very in touch with her feelings. If you think that you are unable to do anything to make yourself feel better, then get some help. Sometimes it's easier to confide in a stranger/professional than in your friends or family. I wish you well and hope you feel better soon.

Answer 2

I must admit, that as a teenager I Never felt this depression that the teens today feel. I think you guys are under alot of stress. Whatever is bothering you, you must somehow change into a positive. In the real world, where you have car payment & mortgages & a family to feed, you must not let depression get to you. Its one thing if you loose your job and then think about how the bills will be paid. But you are young, living at home & really you should just worry about homework & what college you will go to. Forget organizing your depression, organize your priorities. Leave the heartaches behind you. Self esteem? Maybe get new friends! Dye your hair? Get a new wardrobe, buy new lipstick. The sleep thing? Stop worrying about the little things and change your focus to a brighter future. Get a new hairdo! Make your self look better and your esteem will rise!

Answer 3

The best thing for you to do is to get checked out by a psychiatrist. They specialize in mental health issues just like a neurogist specializes in headaches. You may feel funny and awkward seeing a "shrink" but it can save your life. Depression is nothing to laugh at and is a serious illness. This doesn't mean you are "crazy" it means your brain is not functioning properly. A regular doctor is not as qualified to diagnose depression and you should take this as serious as a heart attack. Good luck! There is hope! Also, go before you become so depressed you no longer have the will or energy to even fake a smile. I know, I've been there, many, many times and have seen "shrinks" since I was 16. God Bless you!

Answer 4

I am not a doc, but from my experience many teens that have never had symptoms before start to develop them for the first time in their teenage years. Don't put off talking to someone about it. You are much better off seeking help now than trying to get help later on when it gets worse. Start by just talking to your family doc and then go from there. Good luck. Noone has to feel the way you are feeling. That isn't normal.

Answer 5

honey, clinical depression occurs over years, and no doctor will diagnose you as depressed with what you have described. I suspect you are a thoughtful and sensitive young person, and this is a rough time in any person's life, perhaps a bit moreso for you, It will pass, things will clear up and get better. Keep getting out with your friends, and when things feel like they are building up talk to a counsellor or a trusted teacher about your feelings, if only to vent them, that too helps you to deal and cope. Hang in there, this too shall pass.

Answer 6

there is a lot of hormonal changes during your teens=you are also supposed to be more responsible with things at home=peer pressure is likely out of this world for you,so no wonder you feel down=just take one day at a time and do the best you can=if you have a goof up =tomorrow is another day\good luck

Answer 7

Hi there, It sounds like depression. I write in my journal that seems to help. Give it a try! Good Luck & Take Care!

Answer 8

I would say try to do something about it when you notice yourself feeling sad, if you do and it works then its just normal teenage stuff.

Answer 9

it depends on how frequent depression strikes. If it happens constantly ask your doctor for help. if not its just hormones

Answer 10

Use the techniques at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 2.