Do I Have Depression Or Is It Just Teenage Angst?

[jenna9393]

Hi, my name is Jenna and I am 17, attending high school.

I have done some research on depression, and I tick most of the boxes of the symptoms, but I can't tell if that's really the case or I'm just being dramatic. I don't have motivation in anything currently, and it just feels like my life is crumbling before me and I can't do anything to stop it. The cause is mainly school, I've always been a very academic person and a high achiever but this year when I started my ATAR courses I've been getting low grades which causes me to lose motivation in my studies. I can't sit down and do homework without getting distracted ( I am supposed to write an essay as I am writing this post, so currently I am procrastinating), which results in me getting lower grades. I have also not enjoyed things that I enjoy in the past, such as drawing. Everything I draw looks bad now so I don't do it anymore. Which is very bad because I go to an art school and I can't find the motivation or the creativity to finish my projects. Also, I recently went to an amusement park and discovered that even the rides don't excite me. I went on every ride - even the scary ones - but I wasn't excited. When I went on the rollercoaster I had the same excitement level as I have for when I'm entering a car. I've always loved amusement parks. If I can't get excited about amusement parks, then what can? I've also had trouble getting up in the mornings and oversleeping, which results in me going to class late. Due to oversleeping, I have been late to three tests.

Talking to my parents about my feelings are not an option. My parents have very rigid views of mental illness and will laugh in my face if I tell them about it. I know this because they are always saying 'kids your age can't be sad', which really angers me because I'm not an idiot of course I'm going to get sad. Talking to them will cause unnecessary arguments and I wish to keep my parents away from this for my own sake.

So, do I have depression? Does everyone experience this? Is this just a phase? I'm very lost and need answers.

[A_J]

Hi Jenna my names Ayla I'm 20 years old, I started strugling with depression when I was about 14 and often got told I was being a drama queen or over reacting so I understand where you are coming from.

My parents were very similar in the way I felt like I couldn't tell them about my mental illnesses, I did find support in other people who were easier to talk to helped a lot and eventually I started to get better.

I find as a teenager the hormone balance is off and can cause a large range of emotional changed that can be very difficult to deal with, then adding the stress of wanting to get good grades always seems to make it a whole lot worse. With the school system you should always remember to do your best but know that if you don't achieve the score you want its not the end of the world there is so many other ways to get to where you want to go!

I like to view mental illness like any other illness that can come and go as long as you continue to look after yourself and get the support you need. To say a broken leg is "just a phase" sounds rediculos to me but it will eventually heal and get better just like your mental health.

I hope this has helped even in the slightest!

[geoff]

Hello Jenna, a warm welcome to you and also A.J.

I realise that our body changes so much but I wonder whether you maybe suffering from OCD which is caused by anxiety and with this, depression is close behind.

I only say this because of several words and/or sentences you have mentioned, I can't diagnose you because I'm not qualified, a doctor has to do this.

Some parents don't believe any of their children can possibly get depression, because they have everything they need, a good home, food available, a computer etc, so they should be happy, however, mental illness waits for no one, it can affect even the best known people in the world, destroying their inner soul.

At 17 you are legally allowed to go to a doctor, your parents don't need to know.

Have you done the K-10 test ( online ) which is a series of questions you are asked, then you are given a total, try and do this test several times, not straight after the other, but different times of the day, then take this score with you to the doctors.

Can I also suggest you either print out your comment or write down what you have been experiencing, and also take this with you, it just makes it easier and quicker for the doctor to diagnose you.

Hope to hear back from you.

Geoff.

[Ellu]

Dear Jenna 9393,

I had my first episode of Bi-Polar depression when I was 15, and attempted suicide. I received no support from my family (it is just a phase, she will get over it) and struggled desperately through my adolescence and youth. I was not diagnosed until I was in my 40s (I am 64 now). How I wish someone had picked up on my problems and helped me in my teens. It may well be that you are just going through a case of the teenage "blues", but I think it is so important to find out for sure what is going on. All schools have school counsellors who are there to talk to people like you. If you find a counsellor intimidating, what about having a quiet word to a favourite teacher? Or is there someone in your family (uncle, aunt) you can chat to? The best thing you can do is see your GP and let him/her know what you have been experiencing. If you do have clinical depression, there are many ways of treating it. It is better by far to know what you are dealing with and, if it turns out to be depresion, take the right steps to deal with it. You do not have to suffer. I went through what you are going through and I am still here!

Ellu