Help me.

Tmckay · ‎18-07-2018

Hi, I am 15 and am I think I may have depression. I am not completely sure about this and don’t want to ask my mum because I am not 100% sure. I have just been feeling really melancholy and just meh about things and have not wanted to do anything or see anyone. I have been crying for the majority of the week with no reason behind it. I talked to my friend who has depression and asked what she felt and it was similar to what I feel. Most of the things I have read say it lasts for two weeks or more but I have been off and on.

I may just be feeling weird but I don’t think so.

xx Tmckay

Quercus · ‎18-07-2018

Hello Tmckay and welcome to the forums,

I wish at 15 I was as sensible as you to have researched depression, asked friends for advice and then to come ask others. You're ahead of many already to realise that something isn't quite right within you. It doesn't matter if you haven't felt like this every day for two weeks. Depression can be a series of ups and downs.

What's important is getting you some support while you feel unwell.

Have you ever seen the K10 checklist? It is a questionnaire which can give you an idea of whether how you're feeling could be an issue requiring support. You can access it here...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

I noticed you said you're reluctant to approach your Mum unless you're sure. Do you think if you did this test and printed out the results you could show this to your Mum? It's ok if it turns out not to be an issue. As a Mum myself I'd rather my kids come to me when they start to feel concerned than bottle it up until they feel worse.

Also does your school have someone you can talk to? A nurse or school psychologist? Even a trusted teacher or a friend's parent. If you're feeling a bit nervous to speak to Mum yet speaking to any trusted adult is a good idea. Just so someone knows what is going on with you at the moment and can support you.

And of course there are the youth helplines such as kids helpline (1800551800). This is available 24/7 and they will be happy to talk to you about how you're feeling. You don't have to be feeling miserable to call ok. You know what is normal for you and if this doesn't feel right I'd trust your gut instinct.

I hope you can keep writing to us. There is a youth cafe in the social zone if you want to seek out some other members closer to your age but 15 or 51 you're welcome to join in anywhere that interests you.

Nat

LavenderTea · ‎02-08-2018

Hey Tmckay,

Firstly I'd like to say well done... It's really great to see that someone your age can be so self-aware, and that you can ask for help when you need it... that's such a great thing to see.

Secondly - Nat has hit all of the points. The K10 is a really great checklist to see whether what your feeling may be depression, and the helplines are great if you wanted to chat to someone about it too.

I also want to recommend the headspace website - there's a lot of really helpful information about the signs and symptoms of depression, some tips on how to manage it if you weren't so keen on seeking professional help at this point in time, and there are also links to eheadspace which is an online help service.

https://www.headspace.org.au/young-people/understanding-and-dealing-with-depression-for-young-people/

I also encourage talking to your mum about it, but can understand that it may be an unnerving situation. It can be tough not knowing what to say, so you could even show her the website to help you explain it. Your next steps could be to see a GP and discuss this with them as well, and having someone like your mum with you might be less daunting.

Hope this helps!

LT.