Depression / Question
Published: September 28, 2006
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I started having acne since I was 11 years old... little pimples formed in my forehead... then when I turned 13 they started coming to my cheeks and the pimples in my forehead were gone. Now, the pimples on my cheeks are gone and are left of bad scars... I feel depressed every time I look in the mirror. I’m VERY depressed. I feel like isolating myself. I hate going outside and I'm the type that Love to go outside. I don't know what to do... maybe suicide will help... but something is just keeping me from doing it. Please give me some tips...
Signed: Very Depressed Over My Acne
Dear Very Depressed Over My Acne,
TeenHealthFX is very sorry to hear that you are feeling so depressed to the point of thinking about suicide as a solution. FX wants to assure you that suicide is not the answer here – and the part of you that is holding back from going through with it is probably the part of you that knows things can get better and that there are more effective solutions to address your acne and your depression.
Acne can be a very difficult thing to deal with. You are certainly not alone in your struggles with your skin as there are many teens out there in your shoes. If you have not done so already, FX recommends that you speak to your parents about setting up an appointment for you with a dermatologist – a doctor who specializes in skin conditions. Your parents can call their insurance company or your primary care physician for a referral. There are many different ways to treat acne – various cleansing regimens, prescriptions topic creams, and prescription oral pills. By having a consultation with a dermatologist, he or she can assess your skin condition and make a treatment recommendation that would be best for you.
In addition to scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist, FX thinks that it would be a good idea for you to speak with mental health professional about your depression as well. Your parents could set up an appointment for you to see a private therapist, or you could see if there are counseling services available from a school social worker or psychologist at your school. A therapist could help you to develop skills to deal with your symptoms of depression, as well as to help you develop healthy methods to cope with stressful situations.
Again, there are helpful solutions to deal with acne and depression – both conditions can be better with the help of professionals. So do not delay in getting the help you need to feel better!
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood.
If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area.
If you get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
A sexually active teenager who does not use contraceptives has a 90% chance of becoming pregnant within one year. 
