14 and depressed?

Question

For probably a 2-3 years I have been feeling increasingly depressed. There has been no trigger for the depression to start, nothing bad has happened to me, and yet I feel so unhappy. My depression is interspersed with extremely happy moments, almost too happy, but the depression dominates. I get irritated or tearful very easily, it takes nothing to make me cry. I don't want to meet my friends anymore, I have completely gone off food, I don't have a problem with my weight (like anorexia or bulimia), I just never ever want to eat. I either don't need any sleep, or need too much, I can no longer be bothered to get up for school, around 6 times since September I have pretended to be physically ill because the thought of social interaction is just to much, and I have contemplated death a few times, but have never actually attempted to end my life. I don't self harm and I haven't tried to. I am scared to speak to my parents, as my sister is dyspraxic, and my parents always expect me to be the 'normal one'. I have told one close friend that I have been feeling depressed, but I couldn't tell them the extent of my depression, I made it out to be much less severe than it feels to me. I am scared of seeking medical help, as I am scared of my parents reaction. I am only 14 and I feel like my life is falling apart around me.

Answer 1

Sounds like Bipolar Disorder

Answer 2

14 And Depressed

Answer 3

It's normal for teenagers to feel this way. I've even gone through it and had no triggers for my depression either.

As you get older and mature, these feelings will go away eventually unless if we're talking about manic depression. But, first stop and try to think why you're feeling this way? Is it from school, friends, popularity, family, your sister, you might not know it but it might be a combinations of all those. Only you can cure yourself, and the way you look at life has a heavy impact on how you live it.

I really hope you get better, and if things get really desperate, try talking to your school counselor or even consult your parents.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
14 and depressed?
For probably a 2-3 years I have been feeling increasingly depressed. There has been no trigger for the depression to start, nothing bad has happened to me, and yet I feel so unhappy. My depression is interspersed with extremely happy moments, almost too happy, but the depression dominates. I...

Answer 5

A lot of life can feel over dominating and almost trapping when you are younger. I experienced depression when I was around 14 and began to seek medical help. Personally, I found that the medical help didn't do much for me but that is different for everyone and I would recommend giving it a shot. Medication can work wonders far beyond what therapy can do for you. It is not rare to be depressed at that age ... looking back almost everyone I knew at that age was in therapy or something. A lot of depression can be fixed by just forcing yourself to have a better outlook on life. If there are things you do not like about your life than try very hard to change them. If you are not looking for social interaction (same thing happened to me at that age) then find a hobby and start something you enjoy. For me that was guitar and camping, both of which have stuck with me in the long run. A lot of my depression I later figured out was because of school. It's weird because I never had a problem with anyone at school or anything I just straight out didn't like it. When I was 16 I got my GED (against my parents wishes) and began going to community college. I am now at university and beyond a year ahead of where I would have been had I continued in school unhappy. Like I said this is just my experience. But basically it's important to know that this will not stick around forever. I would try talking to your parents about how you feel because they may be more understanding than you think. Or if you have a sibling you feel you can confide in try to talk to them. Best wishes ---

Answer 6

As someone who has suffered from depression off and on for the past few years (now 19 years old) I can say that medical attention and medication has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. My life felt the same as yours, but when I started taking Welbutrin (anti-depressant) my quality of life improved greatly. I would say that your parent's will be more understanding than you think, especially because mental illness is often hereditary, they may have suffered in the past from similar difficulties they have never mentioned to you. At your age a lot of doctors will not prescribe anti-depressants because sadly, they can make your depression much, much worse. The best way to combat all of this whether or not you go to your doctors is, in my opinion, to get more exercise, interact more with your family and friends, and get as much sunlight as possible (or light-box light that creates artificial sunlight). It's never easy, I know, but trying to do these things may help your body return to normal, they helped me a lot at times when I needed it.

Answer 7

If your parents love you (They do a whole bunch I bet) they will except it. And being depressed is just a part of life sometimes. Everybody gets depressed sometimes. Tell your parents about it. Sometimes it helps to tell people you are depressed. To get it off your chest, you know?? Tell your parents about it. Being depressed doesn't mean you're not normal. Depression is just a part of every bodies life. Don't worry about it. Everything will be okay!! Don't worry about it. Sometimes hanging out with friends does help to not be depressed. That's what I do when I'm depressed. It always helps. Going to church helps, too.
Don't worry. Everything will be okay!!!


Much love,
JesusFreak

Answer 8

To me it sounds like bi polar also known as manic depression, I say that because you mention the "almost to happy" spells, this is abnormal for standard depression, if it is manic depression you really do need to get help, as it will only get worse (not meaning to frighten you) People with this go on and live perfectly happy and normal lives, but without the symptoms.
Also if it is clinical depression, you will need help, as both of these types of depression are chemical imbalances in the brain, and not something you can just pull yourself out of or get over, you will need medication for help.
I know you will hate this comment, but remember too, that you are 14, there is alot going on in your body and life, not to mention you have a ill sister and even though it might not feel like it or be intentional your parent are putting pressure on you to be the normal sensible grown up one, that maybe they expect to take care of herself?
I would talk you your mother or father (whoever you are closest with) look up a health site and do a bit of research on bi polar, see how many symptoms match, print the info out and highlight the ones you have, your parents might listen a little more if they can read something, and if you tell them you have been coping with this on your own for as long as you can, but now need their help. Failing that go to your doctor, and talk about the avoiding people and suicidal thoughts, that way they are less likely to dismiss it as "typical teenager"
The other important thing is to talk to someone, does you school offer counselling?
It is all very well talking to a friend, but you probably feel like you dont want to tell them everything, or dont want to burden them, or may be even woried it wont be 100% confidential, where as a counsellor is there for you.
This is not due to you, dont be scared of anyone as depression is an illness, you cant help it any more than your sister can help having dyspraxia.

Answer 9

Between the ages of twelve and fifteen the body goes through several changes which are, generally hormonal but are sometimes psychological. You will eventually get through this stage in your life and be a better, stronger person for it. In the meantime try to focus on all that is good for you. Look around at third world countries and feel glad that you do not live there. Share how you really feel with your parents. You may be surprised how much they already know about what you are going through.

Answer 10

Hi, I'm Hayden. I have also suffered from depression.

I used to cry every five minuets, I cut off all my hair, I used to self-harm, I never used to sleep until the point where I’d actually pass out during the day!
I had no friends, I locked myself in my room day after day, I was bullied, I was failing all my classes, and I was anorexic. (In fact I'm still struggling with anorexia.)

Honestly, I never spoke to my parents about it either, nor did I seek or receive any help from 'professionals.'
People used to tell me I was depressed all the time…
I used to think, depression? What? That’s for dumb attention seeking people! But it was then I realized that I actually was depressed.

One of the main culprits for my depression was my music. I used to listen to heavy rock and emo stuff… So that was the first thing I changed.

Next was my social life. I joined a drama group, scary I know, but I did. I made friends and went out shopping etc. =]
It really helped! It gave me a kind of motivation to get out of bed, to fix my hair, to make myself look nice.
It helped me regain my self pride, gave me something to look forward to, goals etc.

Lastly, was my bedroom! Sounds so small, but living in a dark, depressing environment really drags you down. So I changed the whole room around, cleaned it from top to bottom and brought a new lamp. LOL!

These all must sound ridiculous to you. But they really changed my life!

Hope this helps in some way. YOU CAN BEAT THIS! =]

Answer 11

Try doing this, it might help determine how serious this is.
http://teenadvice.about.com/library/teenquiz/7/blsuiciderisk.htm

Here is a forum you might like where you can discuss these issues with other teens your age.
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?webtag=ab-teenadvice&nav=start

A great place to find support and information...created by someone who's been there. From Wing Of Madness.
http://teenadvice.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.wingofmadness.com/teens.htm

I hope I could help and that you're holidays are bright because to be completely honest with you, I'm 15. I've been there. It was like a hole I fell into. Every day was a challenge and for reasons I couldn't comprehend my social life was draining. I feigned sickness for a while and when my parents stopped believing me I skipped school. I've never felt so low and humiliated. A lot of teens have this.