Depression: Teens, Symptoms, Help?

Question

Depression runs in my family. I think i might have it. I use to think it was seasonal thing but its summer now and i live right on the ocean and the summer is usually the best time of my life. but i just dont feel like going out, or if i do i just think of bad things rather than think of the fun im having. I just want to know some of the symptoms. Also what are somethings that will help. I finally mentioned it to my mom and doctor but all the doc. does is recommend someone to talk to. Im shy and i hate the idea of talking to someone especially about this. Idk what to do. I use to have a really good friend that i could talk to about all of this kinda stuff but we have kinda gone our different ways and i dont really talk to her that much any more. But any ideas that would help would be great.

Answer 1

Your doctor is right, finding the right counselor to discuss this with is important and you must put aside this "shyness" and do so to help yourself. Everyone has some degree of shyness, but when the situation warrants, you must act to help yourself or you will be miserable.

First, you sound like you may have a down mood. This is different than depression. Depression runs from situational (an event happens and person goes through a couple of weeks of sadness or depressed mood) and clinical depression when a person is like a zombie and requires professional help.

Second, you can help yourself by pushing yourself every morning to do some activity. Plan for something with a friend or your family, being around others is important. Being by yourself you can brood and become worse in your thoughts. Here is the key, your thoughts, you can control them. Next, check what you eat; healthy foods low in fat, high in fiber, water, no sodas or sugary foods. Get daily exercise, it boosts the "happy" hormones in your brain. Get sunlight daily, it does the same with Vitamin D (you need calcium so the D is assimilated into the body). Find something to do to help others; volunteer at a kids camp, help out at a food bank, etc. Helping others makes us feel good and benefits the community.

Third, if you notice that after really doing what I suggest you are not improving, seek out a counselor you like (you can interview them). I suggest a younger female for you. Many people seek out help, it is a sign of a healthy person who knows when they need help. If you want to try out free counseling online, there is one woman who is on blogsource that is a free counselor.

Answer 2

The first thing you need to realize is that most teens feel depressed a lot, so chances are that you are quite normal. just get out into the fresh air, and find something constructive to do. Maybe you could find an elderly female neighbour you could help this summer. Just the act of helping others actually sends good hormones throughout your body and makes you feel better. A side bonus is that that neighbour will also listen to your problems, and give constructive suggestions on how to over come them. After all, she's probably gone through much worse in her life and knows exactly how you feel. .

Answer 3

Well you did the right thing by discussing it with your parent and doctor. Recognizing that we have a problem is the first step to recovery, so you're moving in the right direction. If you have a history of depression in your family chances are you've inherited it. The good news is, there are several solutions for dealing with depression, and not all require medication. My advice is to go and talk with a therapist, I know you may not want to do this but it will help. Also, fitness really helps with depression so create a good routine that you can follow everyday. Good luck!

Check out this website:

http://www.depressionhurts.com/index.jsp

Answer 4

You sound healthy & intellegent, you live by the ocean, probably close to a beach with pleanty of interesting people and places. I don't think your depressed, your probably just bored. Get out and do things. Have fun, meet new people and make new friends. If your shy, it makes things a little harder, but you can do it.

Answer 5

The following 11 warning signs indicate that a person isn't dealing with normal, transient emotions but with the illness of depression. Note that symptoms vary by individual.

1. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
2. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or helplessness
3. Frequent crying episodes
4. Increased agitation and restlessness
5. Fatigue and decreased energy
6. Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once pleasurable
7. Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
8. Sleeping too much or not enough
9. Poor appetite or overeating
10. Expressing thoughts of dying or suicide
11. Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that don't ease with treatment.

Answer 6

one thing you can do is make a hobbie that you like to do as in create stuff make stuff or do wat makes you very happy inside.

Answer 7

Please go to your doctor or join a medical school.