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Teen Depression

Photo Credit: Lloyd Morgan

I don't know if this is a part of psychology but for the last 1-2 years, I have been feeling that everything seems to feel meaningless, and I've started to lose interest in things I used to enjoy.

I have always thought that life isn't worth living and I have thought that maybe it is better off for me to end my life, but the (lucky?) thing is that I am afraid of death. I have never showed this side of mine to anyone. I don't know why, in front of others, it feels like I have to always show my "happy", "carefree" side.

Recently, I also have some difficulties falling asleep, although it's weekdays and I should be tired from school. I don't know if these are related. I am a Buddhist, who has been studying in a Christian school. But to tell the truth, I believe in neither. Sorry if I sound like I am discriminating your religion, but I just wanted to say what I feel, in hope that I could get a more precise answer of my situation.

To me, all the stuff they talk about in religion sounds fake. Sometimes, I don't know whether I believe in God. I have always prayed every night, but inside, I don't know whether he really does exist.

My studies have always been good, and this whole thing fortunately does not cause an impact on my studies. But I always don't know why I am working so hard in school. I don't know whether it's for myself or my parents, or for whatever reason. My parents are not those unreasonable ones who demand alot, in fact they don't really demand much from me from studies. I mean they demand more on my behaviour and stuff like that.

I am also not one of those who want to pursue whatever degree, I just want to finish this whole school thing. So I really don't know why I am working hard for every test.

Please don't take me as someone who is trying to ask for attention. I really don't know what is happening with me. Sometimes, small little problems can make me cry (of course not in front of others).

Am I suffering from depression? Or is it a personality disorder? Or are all these normal? Should I see a doctor? If yes, how should I tell my parents?

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Important Advice to Teens
by: someone who undestands the real you

Please know that every person is beautiful in their own way. That is what I believe 100percent. Every teen goes through some type of stress or depression in their lives. It's not a question of are you mental. It's an answer "You are very sane". Please tell your parents or even your closest relatives or friends. If you think you can't trust your parents tell your teacher. Tell a policeman or a fire fighter. Everyone has someone who will listen and help. Everyone does. Please trust me I am a young teen who knows and gives my honest advice. Get help and know the real you.

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Teen Challenging Years
by: Anonymous

Hopefully you have moved forward to get some help at this posting. I am sure your parents would definitely want to participate in helping to make sure you receive professional counseling concerning your state of mind so be sure to include them. Perhaps you can have another person there to help explain to them what you are feeling if it's too hard to do it on your own.

It's important you stay hooked into some positive words and environments. Many Psalms from the Bible are very soothing and encouraging. There are also many positive self-help books that will be of help to you. Anything written by Joel Osteen is great help, and Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer is great as well.

The teen years can be extremely challenging as you are leaving childhood and embarking on adulthood, yet have not been given all the tools yet. Many of the tools only come right when you need them.

Main thing... reach out for help!!! Do not try to do this on your own. I will pray you are led to the right place for help.

Keep us posted please.

Thank you.

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Teen Depression
by: Rhasheeda Davis

You might be suffering from depression, but we won't say that you are, yet.

There is this theory called the Hopelessness Theory created by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema. She mainly asked men and women the question: "What do you do when you start to feel depressed"?
Most women answered: 'well, i try to figure out WHY I'm depressed' (they THINK about it which is NEGATIVE)(it is called rumination)

Most men answered: 'well, i try to get my mind off of the fact, and go hit some golf balls or something' (they try to get their mind OFF OF IT which is POSITIVE)(this is called distraction)
This is mainly why women appear to be MORE depressed than men.

You should probably try to get your mind off of it. You said that the things that you used to find joy in before, the joy isn't really there anymore, well you should try to find joy in it.

Instead of thinking about try to get your mind off of it. Just don't think about it. When you wake up, don't wake up saying "Oh man, today is gonna be bad, because all of my other days have been bad". Even though all of your other days have been bad, that doesn't mean that TODAY is gonna be bad. what you're doing is taking a bad view and spreading to other view that aren't even bad, until you think about it being bad. This is called Global Thinking. Instead think positive. STAY POSITIVE!!!!!!

Hope that this helps!!! :)

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Reply to comment
by: Anonymous

I am 16, going on 17.

How could I see a therapist without telling my parents beforehand? Or how do I tell my parents about this?

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Teen Depression
by: Anonymous

Hello,

I do not know your age but going into your teens can be a very stressful time. It is a time where you come into your own identity. It sounds like you are very depressed. I would tell your parents and try to seek counseling. If you do not want to tell your parents either way you need to see a therapist.

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