Do I have a mental illness? If so, what should i do about it?

Question

Hi,

I'm a 12 year old guy, but recently, i've been feeling really depressed. My mum FORCES me to exercise everyday and signed me up for THOUSONDS of sports activities such as running, and I feel really bad about myself, ecspecially that i have a twin, and my mum, my dad and all of my friends compare me to him . My mum has been cutting down our meals too, which upsets me even more.I feel really bad about myself, and I no longer eat lunch scince I'm constanly keeping the money my Mum gives me and I'm starting to skip meals, and whenever i do eat something, i try to throw it up. It doesn't always work, but i regret eating it. I like to be alone, and I hate it when people touch or hug me, and I often find myself in my bedroom twirling around a kitchen knife, i sometimes even consider stabbing myself, but I know i wouldnt. My self esteem is very low, I can't change it and I don't know what do..

Answer 1

You do sound like you're severly depressed and you should talk to your parents and see if you can get some help. If for some reason you don't feel that you can do that go to your school counselor and make sure that they truly understand what you're dealing with. Do this tommorow because the faster that you tell someone the faster that you'll be able to get help!!!! If for some reason you can't get the counselor to listen to you either than make sure that you talk to one of your teachers keep looking until you find someone to help you. Help is out there if you're willing to look for it.

Answer 2

Depression is a normal emotion; one of the 6-8 we are born with. We all feel depressed at times especially when things don't go exactly as we would like them to go or when some one "puts us down." It passes and we then experience a long period of happiness. It comes and goes. When depression becomes prolonged or the cycles become extreme or regular then we may be "mentally ill."

You don't sound mentally ill, just a normal 12 year old adjusting to the disciplining of your parents. As for self esteem, just type "self-esteem" and "low self-esteem" into Yahoo! web search for a number of links describing it and how to improve it. Wikipedia has good summaries. Be grateful you have a twin to share your problems with. Not many of us do.

Good luck with your depression, good mental health, peace and love!

Answer 3

you can let your mom know that you don't like being compared to your twin brother, and that you don't like being force to exercise and not eat. you can exercise and eat at your own pace as long as it's at a healthy level. she needs to let you be unless you are doing truly harmful stuff. but you seem okay but she's too forceful on you.

Answer 4

You need to talk to somebody, anybody about your problem, in person ASAP. Preferably get counseling from a skilled professional.