i cant deal with depression at 16

Mental health
1

I just feel miserable all day, everyday, usually for no reason although sometimes i can think of one million reasons. Its like all the energy i ever had for life has been sapped out of me this year, all i want to do is stay in on my own, cry, read and try (and fail) to sleep. Everyday is exhausting, pretending to be remotely upbeat in public or social situations takes tremendous effort. It just doesn't seem like trying to keep up appearances and friendships is worth the conscious effort i have to make to seem 'fine', i already feel no enjoyment or interest for any plans in my life anyway, but having to act like i am enjoying it is so draining that i hate it and feel even worse than i already do. I cry all the time, and even if i am in a situation that i know last year i would have enjoyed, like lunch with a friend or a party, it all feels so forced. I feel totally drained by the time I've done one thing in my day that i cancel everything else i have to do. If i do something in the morning/afternoon or evening then i spend the rest of the day on my own, miserable and exhausted.

I've felt like this for three months now, although i've felt down for a few weeks and then okay for a few and then down again for about two years. I know what i feel now is depression, i don't know if how i felt before this for the past two years was depression. I felt silly every time i started to feel a bit happier so i never thought it was, but now i never feel happier i just always feel miserable and hopeless.

I'm really open with my mum, and i keep a diary so i get to talk to her and organize my mind whenever i need to, it doesn't really make any difference to how i feel, i still feel rubbish. I've spoken to a doctor today, who sent me to this site to consider my treatment options. She said that because i am only 16 they don't want to give me any drug treatments, and she would suggest therapies instead. But i can't think of a trigger or a problem/stress in my life that made me feel depressed , i don't have things i need to talk about or keep to myself, so i can't see how therapy is going to help me at all.

I just want to feel clearer, upbeat or anything but down, so i can start getting my life back to normal again, and maybe even finally have a full nights sleep, and i'd like to think that anti-depressants would help me get out of this toxic state of mind i feel right now. I've never felt this awful in my life. I don't know if i am being stupid by wanting drugs instead of therapy, but i don't think talking is the answer to my depression, i know it is for some people, but i've got an amazing supportive mum and friends if i needed them, i just don't have the motivation or energy to talk to them.

Which is why i think i need drugs to give me the initial kick start. But i really don't know much about this, i feel so lost and not myself, i'm only 16 and making decisions to be reliant upon a drug for my happiness is petrifying. How do people cope? is anyone else so young? Any help please sad

2

Hi,

I'm sorry no-one has replied to you yet. I hope you get to read what i have to say and hope it helps.

I'm 24 and have suffered with depression for a long time. Started seeking help about a year ago. I have been offered anti-depressants since my 1st doctors appointment and continued to refuse them. Why? Well from what i've read your quite mature for your again so i think you'll understand what i have to say. Anti-depressants are not a solution. They're a crutch. They won't get rid of your depression. You're not at the level of depression were it's needed either.

A therapist would be your best decision. Forget what you see in films and programmes. It's got nothing to do with talking about yourself or your life. If thats not the issue. There's so much more to it. They'll help you understand depression and what the issue might be. You'd be suprised just how much you can learn. It can help you cope a bit better. There are also diffeerent techniques and activities you can do to help you. e.g. Challenging...

3

... your negative thinking/thoughts.

I've been getting help for a little while now. If you've been looking around here then you might have read my thread and a few other people's who are having a tough time like yourself. Young people. I know with you being 16 it can be comforting knowning your not alone. It's not a bad thing. 1/4 people suffer with depression. It's very common. It helps having people on the same wavelength to talk to.

My advice? See a therapist and don't think too much about anti-depressants. Exercise actually helped me out a bit. I used to bodybuild in my teens and loved it. But due to depression i gave up at 19. I recently started doing some exercise and slight weight lifting and actually enjoyed it again after losing all my motivation and enjoyment for it. It lifted my mood. I recommend it to anyone (exercise i mean). Keep getting out when you can and stop forcing enjoyment. Let it come natural. It will, i promise. Take things slow. I suffer with really bad depression. I know now that..

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... i can get by. Although its not easy. If i can, you can too. Learn to enjoy the little things. That will help brighten your days even if just a little.

If you need more info or advice then you can check out the thread i made here. Alot of good people here with good advice on how to tackle depression. Alot of experienced people too. Take in as much info as you can. And i really hope it helps. If you even need to talk, post here or you can message me if you want. I'll listen and give what advice i can.

I wish you all the best.

Michael.

p.s. Wondering about the multiple posts? I have limited internet access so my character capacity per post is very limited. Its a pain.