I can't tell whether I'm depressed.

[Locko]

Hello.

I'm a 17 year old boy, I can't tell whether I am depressed so I'll explain how I have been feeling. 2 months ago I noticed myself becoming less happy and feeling very upset, I stopped enjoying doing the this I use to enjoy doing, they started to feel pointless and a waste of time. Sometimes instead of getting out of bed in the mornings i'd rather lay there and stare at the wall dwelling in my thoughts about my future. I feel like a failure, like my future is bleak and without purpose. Since I no longer go to school I don't have many friends whom I stay in contact with, I find it hard making new friends, because everything people 'I don't know' do and say irritates me (could just be because my generation is SO dumb.) I feel like I'm just a body walking around living day by day, with no power to achieve anything I want. A lot of the time I feel like crying but the tears never come. When I'm alone that is when it is at its worst, i can't stop my mind from thinking I'm a failure. I have had thought of suicide only once or twice, but will never act on such an absurd thing. I haven't told anyone this because I don't won't to bother others with my problems. But yeah that's how I've been feeling the past 2 months, if you could please tell me if these are signs of depression, and if I should see someone about them I would greatly appreciate it.  


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[AGrace]

Hi Locko,

Welcome to the forums. I always find it such a brave act when young people come here and reach out for support. I'm so passionate about this site because sadly when I was hit with mental illness at the age of 15 there wasn't anything like it available.

They say depression is categorised by low mood and a loss of interest in pleasurable activities. If your mood is impacting on your daily life then it's highly likely you are showing symptoms of depression. It is best to get a proper diagnosis, so I am going to suggest you speak to a GP about this. I also wanted to ask you, if one of your friends came to you sharing the exact same symptoms would you want to help? Often the depression tells us we're not worthy of help, and that we'll only burden others. The truth is most would prefer to know that you are struggling so they can support you. Are you able to chat with your parents, or siblings? It would be beneficial if you could get the support of a trusted adult. If you don't have a regular GP there is a list of GPs who specialise in mental illness available on Beyondblue's website, you could start here.

There are also a lot of resources available on the site which might give you a better understanding of depression, and what you can do to help. You may even wish to download these or order printed copies for your family.'

When you go to your GP it's really important to share everything with them. I know you mentioned you have had thoughts of suicide, it's really important that you tell the Dr this, even if you don't think you will act on it. If you do feel suicidal please contact Beyondblue, LIfeline, or 000. It's a very serious matter.

I know you said you've finished school, what are you doing with yourself now? One way to combat depression is to have a look at our lifestyle, and where needed make some healthy changes. I know when you feel this low, you don't want to do anything, but what things have you found enjoyable in the past? Are you working? Are you thinking of studying further? Are you eating right, and sleeping properly? Are you exercising?

In terms of friends, there's no simple fix except to get out there and meet people. You could try a local community centre, join a sporting group, get involved in some volunteering, start a course etc. Just remember when you're meeting new people to do so safely.

I hope you will keep us posted, and I really urge you to get the help you need. This will get easier.

AGrace

[geoff]

dear Locko, it must have been difficult for you to decide whether or not to have posted your comment, but it's good that you have.

At the age of 17 should be the prime time in life for someone to begin their journey into adulthood, but unfortunately your depression has put to stop to this, because it stalls any progress, and blocks any progress for a period of time, and that's what is happening to you.

Amber has made some very good comments as she is worried for you, as I am, so we want to help you get through this.

What depression does to us is to take away all our enjoyment in life, any enthusiasm that we once had, we disconnect from our friends, mainly because they aren't interested in trying to help you, all they want is to chase girls around, but with depression this isn't what you any intention of doing, because life sucks for you, so this is where you do need to go and see your doctor.

Most doctors can pick up that people have depression, they can do this by looking at the person and as they are so well trained and experienced they know, so the first question they are going to ask you is 'how are you today', or 'what can I do for you', so this is where you have to tell them that you feel as though I have depression.

There is no harm in being honest because everyone who has depression needs help, I certainly did and that was a long time ago.

I wonder what your relationship is with your parents, and if you don't want to answer this then there's no need to.

I really hope that you can get back to us. Geoff.