Depression / Question
Published: November 26, 2007
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm a 17-year-old male studying abroad. These days I'm feeling so lonely and isolated. I feel like I'm ignored by my friends, though it's not really true. I feel as if I don't have any more self-confidence and also in serious depression. What should I do? Thanks,
Signed: Studying Abroad And In A Serious Depression
Dear Studying Abroad And In A Serious Depression,
TeenHealthFX thinks that you should talk to a trusted adult (a staff member in your dorm or one of your professors) to find out where mental health services are available for you. It is important that you meet with a mental health professional for a consultation so that you can get a better understanding about why you are feeling so depressed right now – it might be more of an environmental/situational issue with your being away from home, friends and family, or you may have a mood disorder, such as depression. Once you are clear about the contributing factors, you can work with this mental health professional on an effective treatment plan that will help to elevate your mood. If you have trouble seeking out help where you are currently living, you can always ask your parents/guardians to help locate services for where you are right now.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
In the 
