Depression / Question
Published: September 17, 2007
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Occasionally, once every couple of weeks or so, I sink into a pit of hopeless inescapable abyssal depression and loneliness that I can't get out of. It usually lasts one or two days, sometimes more. What I'm wondering, is does this qualify as clinical depression? Most of the time I'm a generally happy person, I live a comfortable life - no major present or past issues that people don't regularly deal with. But for some reason during these times, I feel incredibly alone and unwanted; pathetic and burdensome. I don't think I'll ever really attempt suicide, but the thoughts drift into my mind when I'm sad/lonely like that. I begin to wonder how many people would actually care if I were to kill myself.. things of that nature. Is any of this normal, or should I look for help? Also, I have recurring dreams of my father committing suicide. He has constant pressure from his job, owes lots of money to the government, and is hounded by my mother (ex-wife) for payments towards my school and living expenses. Also, my uncle (his best friend) and grandma are very close to death. He frequently acts depressed during times of mounting pressure like this, and sometimes I fear he may kill himself. I've told friends who've said I should confront him about it, but it seems like an insurmountable, overwhelming thing to do and I'm not sure if I can bring myself to it. Should I be worried? Are there any alternatives?
Signed: Sink Into A Pit Of Depression
Dear Sink Into A Pit Of Depression,
TeenHealthFX feels very strongly that you should look for help with what you are describing. To sink into “a pit of hopeless inescapable abysmal depression and loneliness” and to be thinking often of suicide is not a “normal” part of adolescence or something all teens go through. While FX cannot give an accurate diagnosis about whether or not this is clinical depression over the website, we can certainly say that a meeting with a mental health professional in definitely warranted so that you can be diagnosed and so that an effective treatment plan can be put into place.
If you are worried that your father may be suicidal, and you are understandably feeling like it would be too much for you to deal with him about, FX thinks that it would be helpful for you to tell another trusted adult about your concerns about him. Whether it’s a friend of his, an extended family member, or even a staff member at your school – let another adult know so that he/she can handle the situation with your father instead of it being on you. What you can do is to talk about the situation and how it affects you with a therapist. Having a parent who is depressed, under a lot of stress, and possibly suicidal is a heavy burden for a child to be living with – so it is important that you receive the guidance and support that you need to deal with this.
If you live in northern
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
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Less than 33% of teens with depression get help, yet 80% of teens with depression can be successfully treated if they seek help from a doctor or therapist.
