I'm 15 years old, living in a small town in Southern England.
When i was around 14 and under, from what I can remember, i was generally happy. I went outside almost every day to play football with two of my friends who lived next door. I went out with school friends at the weekends and talked to friends regularly through social media. From what I can remember, I was pretty happy.
However, ever since Christmas 2016 (when I had just turned 14) It started to go downhill gradually. I don't know what caused it, but I just slowly became sadder and sadder. I stopped going out with friends to do anything, I lost interest in a lot of actives such as football, I lost all motivation for school work or work in general really. I have had countless holidays of up to 6 weeks where I didnt go out at all to meet friends, and didnt go out at all really. Some days are better than others, but some days I just feel like lying in bed all day and not doing anything. I always put on a happy face at school and going out, but at home I stay away from family and just lie on my bed watching videos and eating rubbish food. I want to have a good future and I want to succeed but right now I have no motivation and little happiness. I think my dad got depression in around 2014 due to some family events - may that have had an impact on me? I really hate this and wouldn't wish it on anyone. What can i do to make myself happier and more motivated? Anything is helpful!
Thanks in advance
Hi Louis. I am so glad that you wrote in to us today. From what you say you were high functioning and very happy with lots of friends and activities until your father became depressed after some events happened and it sounds like you had a sad reaction to these events also. And that you became depressed because you saw that your father was depressed. Do you want to tell us a little about the events that happened? Diane
Hi Louis,
Sounds like you're going through alot at the moment but you should be very proud of yourself for coming on here, being honest & seeking help. We all understand & will be here to help & support you as much as we can.
Have you told anyone how you're feeling? I know it might not be something you want to do but talking to someone you trust will really help, or speak with you doctor? It is confidential & they will be able to advise you on the best way to deal with how you're feeling. Just know you're not alone, so many people are feeling exactly how you are but it is not permanent! xx
Hi Adldiane
my father became depressed around early 2015 from what I can remember. Two of his very close family members both passed away in quick succession he had lost his job just a year before that. Although it didn't become apparent straight away, I feel like these events may be what is causing it. I doubt he will get treatment for it or agree to see a therapist as he is extremely stubborn
Hi Yasmine
I haven't really told anyone about this. I act normal and happy around my friends because I don't want to burden them and I don't want to make them feel uncomfortable around me. I haven't told my family, especially my mother and sister, as I don't want to worry them and I don't want them to go out of their way to try and help me which would result in their lives getting worse.