Hey,

I'm 14 and I live in a town in England. I go to a good school, I get good grades, I have a great Mum and Dad, I have great friends, everything seems to be fine.

Around three years ago I started feeling regularly bad, I just blew it past me as something related to being a teenager. However, it continued down a slope, feeling worse and worse as the days went on. I desparately searched for a reason for me to feel bad but I couldn't find one.

It is mostly every day I feel like this, it has gotten to a point where I simply can't bear it anymore. I have half an hour periods where I will be in some sort of mode. I find it hard to explain it, where I just want to scream and cry. I sweat, shake, and feel like just finishing it all, almost like hypo-mania. (not sure of the spelling) When I'm not feeling like that, It's a constant lingering of a horrible feeling. I never feel like this when I am round my friends.

I am gradually finding it harder to cope with simple tasks, I have a much shorter temper than I use to and I have no capacity to deal with anything.

I desperately need some way of making me feel better, I have tried a variety of things that have been recommended to me by friends.

My current girlfriend suffers from clinical depression, she described her feelings before she was diagnosed very similar to mine, and that's what worries me.

As I said, it still continues to get worse, and I really would like to find a way to fix everything, and be able to live without constantly feeling like this.

Thanks, Inter.

This post has been edited by Inter: Apr 23 2008, 01:11 PM

to DF, Inter!

I think it would be great if you could see a doctor and/or a therapist about this, as soon as possible. It sounds to me like you may need medication.

I've been depressed as long as I can remember, but it really became severe at around age 13. I guess the hormones of puberty kicked it into high gear! Anyway, I avoided treatment for 20 years, until I finally broke down at age 33 and tried antidepressants. Now that my major depression and anxiety are in remission, I can't believe I survived for so long untreated! Well, I barely survived, that's for sure. I had some psychotherapy over the years, but my depression never actually lifted until I went on antidepressants.

Don't throw away years like I did, or even months! There are many effective treatments available these days. Depression and anxiety often make no sense. They don't need a "reason" for being. Don't worry about figuring out "why" you feel this way. Please see a doctor soon to talk about treatment options, and please keep us posted.

Thanks alot, Suburgatory. Your advise has made me want to go and see a doctor. :)

However, I'm not sure what I would say to the doctor, I am nervous that he wouldn't believe me etc. Any advise? :)

Thanks alot, Inter.

If a doctor doesn't believe you, you should definitely see a new one. You need a doctor who will take you seriously, and that goes for everyone, of all ages. But don't worry about that now...give your doctor the benefit of the doubt.

My best advice is to be totally honest, and don't leave anything out. When I first saw a doctor, then a psychiatrist about my depression, I wrote everything down beforehand and took the paper with me, so I could refer to it if I blanked out. It's very important to tell your doctor everything, so you can be given a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Remember that it's totally normal and expected to feel nervous when you first seek professional help for something like this. Just let yourself be nervous, it's okay. I've never heard of one person who wasn't nervous when they first sought help. I was such a wreck the first time, I was shaking and sweating! But rest assured that once the first appointment is over, it will get easier each time.

Thanks for all the amazing advice.

My main problem that stands is telling my Mum. I watched her treck through a difficult time with her depression, and for her to know I have it will make her feel horrible. I can't think of a way to worm myself around telling her.

Thanks, Inter.

This post has been edited by Inter: Apr 23 2008, 02:13 PM

I can definitely understand not wanting to worry your mother! I still leave out the more negative details of my life when I talk to her. But since you're so young and still under her auspices, you really do need to tell her. The good thing is that since she (unfortunately) has struggled with depression herself, she'll understand what you're saying and will take you seriously. Also, if you tell her how you've been feeling but add the fact that you're ready to get help for it, that will make it much easier to take, and give her some hope that there's a solution in sight.

Thanks alot for your amazing help. It is changed my complete view on the subject. I don't want to clam it up anymore, and I will definately see a doctor. I will keep you posted.

Cheers, Inter.

My pleasure, (((((Inter))))). I look forward to hearing how it all goes.