i dont know if im depressed or just upset. anyone know anything?

Question

iv been trying to figure out if im depressed. i dont think i have any reason to be but sometimes i get very down. i hate my high school and i hate home. the only place im happy is with my friends but even still i get upset when im with them and either dont show it or just automatically suppress my feelings without even trying. i have a few suicidal tendencies. i try to talk to my friends but they have their own problems and i am forced to help them instead. I've harmed my self a few times when im really upset. but i still dont feel im depressed because in public i tend to act happy without trying almost as if i am happy but the second i am alone i want to fall on the floor and cry. someone just tell me am i being a teenager or is there something wrong with me?

Answer 1

Sorry. That must be hard. You do sound depressed though. A lot of people , and I mean A LOT of people try to hide their feelings. They call these people "stuffers." Short term gain, Long tem pain. I am also very concerned about your "suicidal tendencies." People that are depressed tend to have that kind of behavior if it is severe.Depression is a disorder that affects your thoughts, moods, feelings, behavior and even your physical health. People used to think it was "all in your head" and that if you really tried, you could "snap out of it" or just "get over it." But doctors now know that depression is not a weakness, and it's not something you can treat on your own. Depression is a medical disorder with a biological and chemical basis.

Sometimes a stressful life event triggers depression. Other times depression seems to occur spontaneously with no identifiable specific cause. Depression is much more than grieving or a bout of the blues.

Depression may occur only once in a person's life. Often, however, it occurs as repeated episodes over a lifetime, with periods free of depression in between. Or it may be a chronic condition, requiring ongoing treatment over a lifetime.

People of all ages and races suffer from depression. Medications are available that are generally safe and effective, even for the most severe depression. With proper treatment, most people with serious depression improve, often within weeks, and can return to normal daily activities.

**Two hallmarks of depression — symptoms key to establishing a diagnosis — are

-Loss of interest in normal daily activities. You lose interest in or pleasure from activities that you used to enjoy.

-Depressed mood. You feel sad, helpless or hopeless, and may have crying spells.

In addition, for a doctor or other health professional to diagnose depression, most of the following signs and symptoms also must be present for at least two weeks.

Sleep disturbances. Sleeping too much or having problems sleeping can be a sign you're depressed. Waking in the middle of the night or early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep are typical.
Impaired thinking or concentration. You may have trouble concentrating or making decisions and have problems with memory.
Changes in weight. An increased or reduced appetite and unexplained weight gain or loss may indicate depression.
Agitation. You may seem restless, agitated, irritable and easily annoyed.
Fatigue or slowing of body movements. You feel weariness and lack of energy nearly every day. You may feel as tired in the morning as you did when you went to bed the night before. You may feel like you're doing everything in slow motion, or you may speak in a slow, monotonous tone.
Low self-esteem. You feel worthless and have excessive guilt.
Less interest in sex. If you were sexually active before developing depression, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your level of interest in having sexual relations.
Thoughts of death. You have a persistent negative view of yourself, your situation and the future. You may have thoughts of death, dying or suicide.
Depression can also cause a wide variety of physical complaints, such as gastrointestinal problems (indigestion, constipation or diarrhea), headache and backache. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.

Children, teens and older adults may react differently to depression. In these groups, symptoms may take different forms or may be masked by other conditions. Kids may pretend to be sick, worry that a parent is going to die, perform poorly in school, refuse to go to school, or exhibit behavioral problems. Older people may be more willing to discuss the physical manifestations of depression, instead of their emotional difficulties.

Types of depression
The main types of depression include:

Major depression. This type of mood disturbance lasts more than two weeks. Symptoms may include overwhelming feelings of sadness and grief, loss of interest or pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. This type of depression may result in poor sleep, a change in appetite, severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Severe depression may increase the risk of suicide.

If you show little interest in once-enjoyable activities, if you feel sad, helpless, tired or worthless, and if your eating and sleeping habits have changed greatly, see your doctor to determine if you have depression.

Depression is a serious illness that can take a terrible toll on individuals and families. Untreated, depression can lead to a downward spiral of disability, dependency and suicide. Women attempt suicide more often than men do, but men are much more likely to succeed in killing themselves. The rate of suicide is four times greater for men. Men over 70 are the most likely to commit suicide.

Certain warning signs may indicate serious depression and the possibility of suicide. Take any threat of suicide seriously, even if the person is already being treated for depression. If you see any of the following danger signs, call a doctor, mental health clinic or suicide hot line immediately:

-Pacing, agitated behavior, frequent mood changes and sleeplessness for several nights
-Actions or threats of assault, physical harm or violence
-Threats or talk of death or suicide, such as "I don't care anymore," or "You won't need to worry about me much longer"
-Withdrawal from activities and relationships
-Putting affairs in order, such as saying goodbye to friends, giving away prized possessions or writing a will
-A sudden brightening of mood after a period of being depressed
-Unusually risky behavior, such as buying or handling a gun or driving recklessly

I would definetely seek some treatment, before it gets worse, believe me, it will sooner or later creep up on you when you think you are happy.

Alot of "teens" express anger , but it really is depression. They are scared, or embarrased, but I would talk to somebody.

Treatment: Therapy or Medications. Or both....most effective.

Take Care!!!

Self-help organizations have become potent allies for people who are coping with mental illness or who care about someone with such an illness. For depression or other mental illnesses, self-help groups include:

National Mental Health Association (NMHA): [phone]; or, in a crisis: (800) SUICIDE (784-2433)
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI): [phone]
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: [phone]

Answer 2

I would try talking to your counselor about this. It sounds like something abnormal. The people I hung out with and myself as well did not encounter this-to me knowledge my friends were happy. I don't understand how one could say this is normal including the fact that you self harm. I don't think that is something to be taken lightly. I think you just need someone to talk to and make sure you get mentally better. Find the source of your problem and try to work on it.

Answer 3

You could be depressed, but I'm not a professional so talk to a doctor. I think you should get help for the SI (self harm). High school is the hardest. And your friends are jerks mine are like that too you could bleeding to death and they would be worried about their stuff like hair cloths, they don't care much about me unless i do somethen stupid. But talk to someone a school teacher counselor or your parents and they'll take care of you. I hope you feel better soon.

SPIKE

Answer 4

Get connected with God and have a good healthy life.

God loves you, and you are precious to Him. Son of God died on the Cross to save us from condemnation, and qualifying us to Heaven. Just come to Jesus with genuine repentance and faith, and you will find peace, hope and meaning for your life. Heaven is wonderful beyond descriptions and forever without end. Never miss Heaven for anything of this troubled world. Life on earth is short and uncertain. Get right with God before it is too late. Best wishes for happiness and Heaven! (www.spiritlessons.com)

Answer 5

Yes, you're being a teenager. That is, it's nothing abnormal. Teens are quite prone to depression. I do suggest you try to talk about your own problems sometimes. If you could find one friend, boy or girl, that will hear, you'll be fine.

Answer 6

You need to find an outlet. Like working out or a hobby you enjoy. It gets your mind off things and motivates you. . Working out it my outlet, if I don't work out I feel like crap, and I get negative.

Answer 7

Sounds like normal teenage hormonal moods. Info on depression here though if you are interested in reading:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm