Depression / Question
Published: March 23, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a 16 year old male and I am fairly certain I am depressed. I act poorly towards family members and can't seem to be nice. I know I am doing it but I can't stop. I feel like nobody cares about me and I spend a lot of time alone. My grades have suffered, and I have no desire to put effort in. When I think about my life and the way it's going it sometimes brings me to tears. I can't find anything that makes me happy. My problem is that I have to much pride, and am to embarrassed to admit that I am depressed. I don't want to go see any sort of psychiatrist or take any sort of anti-depressant. Is there any way to improve how I feel emotionally without the help of others
Signed: Too Much Pride To Seek Out Mental Health Treatment
Dear Too Much Pride To Seek Out Mental Health Treatment,
Depression is a mental health illness, which means that there is a biochemical process going on inside of your body that you (or any other person) cannot simply will away. If you had diabetes and needed to take insulin, it wouldn’t indicate any weakness on your part. It would actually be ridiculous to even think that you should be able to cure yourself of your diabetes on your own without the help of a medical health professional. Depression is exactly the same – again, there are chemical processes occurring within the body that a person can’t just make disappear on their own.
There can be a stigma with depression, that it is something a person can just “snap out of” – but you know, like everyone else dealing with depression, that that is just not the case. Depression is different than having a fleeting sad reaction to something – depression doesn’t just go away on it’s own and depression can be very debilitating to those dealing with it. That said, FX thinks that it is very important that you meet with a mental health professional for a consultation. Just focus on this first step – that you are going to a professional to be assessed as to whether or not you are dealing with some kind of depressive disorder, and to be educated on depression and available treatments in the event that you are. During this consultation let the therapist know that you feel a sense of embarrassment about the possibility of being depressed and that you have found your pride to be something that can get in the way for you when it comes to seeking out help. Not only can a therapist help you if you are depressed, but he/she can also help you find ways to feel less embarrassed about treatment, and more accepting of yourself and your need for help if you are depressed.
As you make arrangements for a consultation, think about two things: if you thought you had diabetes, you would set up a consultation with your doctor to find out if you had it and what you would need to do if you did. Tell yourself you are going the same thing here – just with depression. Also, you have undoubtedly already seen how terrible it can be to live with untreated depression. You may also need to just tell yourself that you need to put aside your pride for the sake of reducing and/or eliminating your depressive symptoms. You don’t have to live this way – and pride is no reason to. FX does not see you in any kind of negative way because you are depressed and need help – and we sincerely hope that with time you will come to feel the same.
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
Teens with untreated depression are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, leading to higher rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
