Hi, I think I have depression but I can’t get a medical opinion.

[Eloiseington]

Hi all, my name’s Eloiseington (not really) and I think I have depression, I took the beyond blue quiz thing and apparently I’m in the high risk section.

as stated in the title, I can’t get a medical opinion on this. Mostly because of my family. I don’t want them to know how I feel, they aren’t bad people, but my 13 years widowed mum, is super stressed with my sister anxiety, and I don’t want to make it worse.
pal little bit about me, I am 13, a girl, and I feel like crap almost all of the time. My dad died when I was a baby, I live with my sister, mum and auntie. But nothing brings me joy, none of the things I love. Not even my friends make me feel better, and I just want it to be over.

im looking for help, how can I feel better?

thanks for reading

Eloiseington

[Val_da_man]

Hey there,

I wish I knew the really useful techniques that you get in therapy but, well. I'm not the best at memorising that sorta thing.

My mood (somewhat) improved when I poured my soul into making art. It wasn't good, by any standards, but it helped distract me. It's not the best long-term solution, but even mindless fun can help chase away that sort of feeling.

I hope I'm reading it right so my question doesn't seem silly but, have you tried to reach out to your friends? If you're not comfortable with that or have tried it already (with little success) an online community like this one or for activities you enjoy might help.

As for the 'medical opinion' part of your post, is it possible to see a counsellor of some sort in school? They might provide something (though I didn't feel comfortable doing that)

I hope that you'll be able to find joy in something soon.

-Val

[Sophie_M]

Hi Eloiseington, welcome to the forums and thanks for sharing your story with us. We’re sorry to hear about what you’re going through. Please know that you are not alone in this and there is a lot of support out there.  We'd recommend you talk your experience/feelings through with our Support Service, our mental health counsellors can offer some support, information and referrals. We can be reached 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or on email and Webchat (3pm-12am AEST) through our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport. You could also visit https://www.eheadspace.org.au/ or call 1800 650 890 as they offer free online and telephone counselling to young people 12 – 25. We’d urge you to reach out for help as it can get better.

[geoff]

Hello Eloiseington, and thank you for being brave enough to post your comment, sometimes it's not easy to open up to people you don't know, but on the other hand it may suit you much better.

Maybe it might be easier for you to have a talk with your auntie who is willing enough to book an appointment with a doctor, your mother need not know just yet, but help is really advisable.

You can also contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, either by phone, webchat or in person, they are trained counsellors and to make it easier for you, dress in casual clothes.

When you are feeling this way, it can be difficult for any of your friends to ease this burden, the pressure you are trying to cope with, and please remember that pretending to be OK will not help you long term, you need the help from those who are trained to do so.

This doesn't mean that we'd really like to hear back from you.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[pinwheel23]

Hi Eloiseington

I'm sorry to hear about how you're feeling. You've done a great job reaching out here; I know it can be hard to ask for help when you feel like crap.

I'd like to second what Geoff suggested - that perhaps you'd feel a bit more comfortable talking to your aunty and arranging to see your GP through her? Going to see your school counsellor is also an option if that's something you'd be comfortable with.

In the meantime, some people find it helpful to keep a diary, writing about how they're feeling and what brings on your negative thoughts and feelings. Even writing on these forums can sometimes help just by having place to express your thoughts. Everyone on here is supportive, non-judgemental, and here to listen.

On another note, do you remember what you used to enjoy doing? May be reconnecting with old activities or looking for activities that are similar will help?

Hope to hear from you when you're ready.

Take Care,
Pinwheel23

[sisu100]

Hi Eloiseington,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story, It must have been tough to share this with us, and I think you should be really proud of yourself for doing so.

I’m sorry to hear that things have been so tough at the moment, it sounds like you’ve been feeling really down most of the time. Nothing seems to be bringing you happiness, even things that you previously loved, is that right? My heart goes out to you, it’s such a difficult situation to be in when you’re feeling so empty and flat. It can be a really lonely experience, but know that we are here for you. You are strong and you can get through this, and we’re here to work through this difficult time with you.

I agree with the above, the helplines suggested can be a great start to have a professional help talk you through some of the feelings you’ve been experiencing. When I find myself feeling low, I like to take some time out of my day to engage in something I enjoy or am passionate about. I find that it helps me just disconnect from my schedule or feelings, and provide a bit of a mental escape. I agree with Pinwheel23, maybe engaging in old activities you used to enjoy, or even perhaps a new hobby altogether might be a way to ease some of the negativity you are experiencing at the moment. Would this be something you'd be interested in?

Please do feel free to update us and whenever you are up to it, I’d love to see how you’re going 🙂