Is this depression?

Question

I'm a teenager. For the last month I've felt depressed and about a couple of weeks ago I realized it might be depression. I don't know if this counts or not but I became a vegetarian two and a half months ago. I feel sleepier lately. I can't sleep at night or I usually don't get to sleep until late. When i come home from school I fall asleep, because I'm so tired. My heart feels heavy and I just feel sad all the time. I feel isolated from my family. I stay in my room most of the time because it seems like every time I come out I end up arguing with my family. I have been craving a lot of junk food and just food in general, I gained 5 pounds this summer. I'm just hungry all the time, even if I'm not hungry i usually eat anyways. I have no interest in things I used to and I just feel sad instead. Some days are better then others which sometimes leaves me thinking I'm stupid for thinking I am depressed. Sometimes it's even same day. Could this be depression, and I'm not suicidal.

Answer 1

There are different levels of depression, but obviously, you are not happy.. I would suggest talking to your family about your problems, and trying to get closer to your family. I know it probably sounds hard, but you just have to remember that life is short, REALLY REALLY short, and your family will be gone before you know it :/ I used to fight with my mom all of the time, it would literally turn into fist fights, but I realised one day how much she has sacrificed for me, so i told her i how sorry i was for not trying to see her side of things, and we haven't fought since. I also have MAJOR depression problems, and as far as that goes, you really just have to keep reminding yourself to look at the brighter side of things, and remember that there are ALOT of things that you cannot control and you just have to let those things go. And try not to dwell on things like someone making fun of you, or what people say about you because what good will that do? basically, you can dwell on the bad and go downhill, or you can be sad for a minute, move on, and get where you want to be, or be what you want to be, which is happy. Don't know if that helps or not, just thought i'd give it a shot :]

Answer 2

Obviously, no one on a website can give you a definite answer. However, as a psych nurse, the mother of 3 teenagers and a 21 year old, and someone who very clearly remembers her own teenage-hood, I can say with pretty much confidence that no, you aren't depressed. At least, not any more than most teenagers. (I remember thinking, maybe I'm bipolar - sometimes I cry, sometimes I'm happy - when I was like 16 or so. Guess what - most 16 yo's are like that, only nowadays they're put on medications.) Anyway, here's what's probably going on: Your sleep cycle is messed up. This happens because school is set up for teachers not for kids. Teenage brains don't usually wake up until about 10am or so. (My kids' pediatrician told me that.) They naturally go to sleep later because their melatonin levels are timed differently from adults. Being sleep deprived makes you cranky, forgetful, and miserable. It also makes you crave sweets and salty things which can make you cranky, forgetful...you get the picture. Maybe your sleep evens out on the weekends and you feel better but worsens as you start getting up early again. Arguments with parents are ridiculously common; I remember avoiding my father because it felt like EVERY time I saw him, he found something to criticize or complain that I did.
So, what do you enjoy doing? Or what did you enjoy doing before? Try it again...you don't have to feel like doing it, just do it anyway and see how you feel. Just the activity alone might help you feel better or it might be that you've outgrown that interest and need a new one. Do you like music, like to draw, or read? Maybe a yoga class, modern dance or ballet, Pilates? (It's definitely good to move around a little.)
I'm a vegetarian and it's never been a problem for me but a few of my friends tried becoming vegetarians and said they felt like they knew they needed more protein. So, I don't know about that. Do you eat stuff like soy burgers and other vegetarian food with enough protein?(Two of my sons drink protein shakes cause they're vegetarians and aren't sure if they get enough protein - especially cause they lift weights.) If you think it might be a protein problem, try the boca burgers or morningstar farms cheddar burgers or protein shakes or egg white omelets. All very high protein. But you have to see how you feel - maybe you do need to eat meat from time to time. Good luck. Namaste.

Answer 3

It could be depression brought on by nutrition deficiency. To become a vegetarian, you must understand nutrition. Your food cravings could be happening because you're not getting enough protein and vitamins. Your body needs enough protein to produce new cells. If you're a teenager, you're still growing, so it's very important that you get the proper nutrients.

If you're eating lots of breads and pasta to take the place of meat, this can actually cause you to feel hungry and to gain weight. Carbohydrates are very easily digested and pass through your body quickly; therefore, you get hungry sooner. You end up eating more than you would if you were eating foods high in protein. This can cause weight gain.

I suggest that if you're serious about a vegetarian lifestyle that you go to your doctor and get information about what you need to eat every day to keep yourself healthy. Tell your doctor about your symptoms. He'll want to do a depression screening and evaluate your diet and general health.

I wish you good luck. A vegetarian diet can be very healthy if you follow the proper dietary guidelines.

Answer 4

No.. I don't think so. Depression will usually make you want to do nothing but sleep and rarely eat. but then again it's different for a lot of people. but if you are happy some days, and others not.. It can't be depression.. although I heard it can come and go.. but don't think it's that often.. I think it would come and go about a year or so at a time, not a day or so at a time.

I'd think you are more tired then anything, you are over worked mentally and need to get more rest. What you described with your family is what happens to most people in their teens with family.

If in doubt see a doctor, if anything he can at least subscribe something for you to help you through this.

Another thing to think about is you 'could' even be anemic, not eating right or not enough iron in your body.. the doctor is your best friend in this matter.

Answer 5

+Your body is cleansing itself right now.
To make up for the proteins meats gave you, eat soy meats and nuts or any variety.
Read up on being a vegetarian. Things can make you tired, for many reasons. What's hard becoming one, is now you try to avoid what you ate and where you eat, Sometimes your friends tease you or leave you out because they feel you want to be different from them and that you may not have much in common anymore because you stop going to the places with them.
You can be depressed because of this,
My family has been vegetarians for a long time now.
We also use cheese and egs to make up for what you lost from eating meat. you may need to eat more now because the meals now dont fill you up like meat did.
Find new activites , get out and exercise, do things in nature to take in the fresh air. that can help your moods and freshen you up.
Keep up your positive reasons as to why you chose this path. There are vitamins supllements you can take, to help out as well. Or take some protein drink, not too much though.

Answer 6

Wow thats intense maybe you are very stressed out this happens to m all the time i always feel depressed and I'm only 13 so im guessing teenagers go through this all the time try to take some herbal tea before going to sleep or put candles in your room and think of happy things and think of why you are in this world you are a teenager have fun!

Answer 7

Listen you are not depressed as in you need to take meds. But you may still need to talk to someone. Obviously your life is not where you want it to be, and you may just be emotionally drained. Please dont generalize your situation by comparing it to the commercials you see on TV remember thats just advertizment used to sale a product. Speak to a professional about whats going on in your life. And mabe through talking youll figure out some of the things you need to change to make your life better. But I repeat dont let Meds\ drugs be the solution, because its only a temporary solution