TeenHealthFX - Answers - If I Have Depression, How Can I Make It Feel Better?

Depression / Question
Published: March 26, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Am I depressed? A Lot of things have happened over the course of this year, and I feel like I've lost a part myself in it all. All I do anymore is sleep, and when I'm not sleeping I'm at school thinking about sleeping, am I just lazy? All my friends ask me if somethings wrong with me but nothing is... so why am I feeling like this? All the things I use to love to do don't even interest me much anymore, I could hardly manage to pass school before, but now I don't even care? If I do have depression what can I do to make it better?

Signed: If I Have Depression, How Can I Make It Feel Better?

Dear If I Have Depression, How Can I Make It Feel Better?,

It is possible that you may be depressed. Oversleeping and wanting to sleep all the time, losing interest in things that used to be meaningful to you, and feeling apathetic about school could all be indications that you are dealing with some form of depression. That said, TeenHealthFX suggests the following:

Tell your parents how you have been feeling and have them set up a consultation with a mental health professional. They can get the name of a qualified therapist from their insurance company, the school social worker or psychologist, your family doctor, or even from a friend who may have a good referral. It is important that you meet with someone as soon as possible so that you can be accurately diagnosed and get whatever treatment is necessary.

If you do have some form of depression, your therapist will work with you on formulating an effective treatment plan. This may include individual therapy, family therapy, and/or a consultation with a psychiatrist to see if medication might be helpful for you.

At some point when you feel ready, it would be very helpful for you to be exercising regularly. Exercise is a fantastic way to deal with stress, and it also greatly helps in boosting a person’s mood and energy level. You may not feel motivated right away to get a regular exercise plan going, but strongly consider making this a goal with your therapist.

Depression can be very difficult to live with – it sounds like you are already experiencing a few of the many ways in which it can interfere in a person’s day-to-day life. So it is very important to receive professional help since depression is not something you can simply “snap out of” or will away. FX also wants to stress that there are many effective treatment methods that can help in alleviating depressive symptoms – so seek help as soon as possible so that you can start working towards feeling better.

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. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX