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female
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anonymous
writes: I get so upset alot. I'm young and depressed! Is that normal? It doesn't feel like it, but, I do really well in school, have lots of friends, but get so depressed! When i am depressed i write in my book, or write songs, do art. None of them seem to help me though! Give me help! Please! Help me become..Not depressed!
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female
reader, DrPsych  +, writes (20 May 2006):
 Depression has no age limit unfortunately, and I have seen a lot of young people for depression/ anxiety assessments in my clinic (I am a clinical psychologist). Basically distraction through writing etc is a great idea, but if this is really affecting your life then you need to seek professional help. There are specialist services for young people with depression in many areas. Some people with depression respond to antidepressant medication (and the medical profession are more receptive to prescribing to young people these days) but there are also counselling options like cognitive behavioural therapy which addresses the reasons for being depressed, how you respond to stress etc and is highly effective. If you are feeling tired and depressed, it can also be a sign of a medical condition. People sometimes think they are depressed when in fact they are depressed because they have a problem with their metabolic system like a defective thyroid gland. These sorts of problems sometimes only start to show up in adolescence/ 20's so perhaps you should pop along to see your doctor to have a bit of a health check up, as well as seeking advice on depression?
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female
reader, Bev Conolly  +, writes (20 May 2006):
 Yes, being "young and depressed" is completely within the Normal range of feeling, particularly when you're in your teens and in school.
Each of us who has survived that period of our lives remembers with horror the pressure to perform, the horrible clique-iness of the social groups, the confusion of the other sex, and the seeming pointlessness of everything, but the good news is that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
Much of the teenage depression is biochemical, a surge of mixed hormones washing through your system in total OD proportions. It's enough to make anyone feel weird! Happily, once you get past 16 or 17 this settles down to a large extent.
Some of the rest of the sense of ennui and confusion comes from being thrust into a series of unfamiliar situations like choosing your own classes, new social situations (like dating), sexual mysteries and trying to make adult decisions without a lot of experience to back you up.
The things that you're doing -- writing down your experiences, making songs and expressing yourself through art -- are terrific ways to help work through the depression! Please keep at them. But you also need to talk with someone who's been there where you are now, so that you can see that it's possible to succeed and get past this.
If there's a trusted teacher or a counsellor at school, start by making a time to see them, but you don't automatically have to pour out your heart to that person, first thing. Test the waters a little. See how that person responds and what they have to say. If you think it might be a good suggestion for you, then talk a little more. Sometimes you might have to ask them to refer you to another person, because your personalities might not match well enough for you to speak freely.
Also be sure that you keep your folks up to date on how you're feeling. It's hard, yes, but they know you better than anyone, and care about your happiness. Starting the conversation can be a simple as "Mum, can I talk to you about something that's confusing me?"
Check around too for phone help-lines. Here in Australia, we've got a freecall phone number for kids 10-17 who have problems they want to discuss anonymously. There might be something similar for you.
Finally, remember that this feeling isn't unique to you. Everyone feels this way, to some extent. Getting past it is usually just a matter of finding a comfortable way to ask for some guidance.
Best of luck to you.
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A
female
reader, Mindy +, writes (19 May 2006):
Hey...Well ur not alone, i have been like that for about four years. I think its the age you are at. You will get good and bad days, but when u are having bad days will u tell someone please because sharing is releasing and its not good to bottle things up. all my love . . x x x x
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A
female
reader, shania +, writes (19 May 2006):
 Im sorry to hear that you are feeling low...have you tried talking to your parents or a close friend that you can confide in? You dont say how old you are but maybe it would help if you spoke to your family doctor? You say that you do well at school...but do you feel pressured,when it comes to school work or exams?...If you are in your teens then puberty can make you depressed but if it is really bad then you should seek professional help...even if its just to have a heart to heart chat with someone....talking about your feelings to someone could actually help.Good luck.
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