Depression / Question
Published: October 14, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm afraid that I may have depression. Mood disorders and anxiety run in my family, so I know that I have a heightened chance of having something. I have taken many online quizzes that say I have clinical depression. I used to have an eating disorder and see psychologists for that but that was a few years ago. I don't know what to do anymore, and I hate every day that I have to continue because it feels so hard to wake up every morning. I feel like a burden to my family and I have no friends at my school. What should I do?
Signed: Might Have Depression - What Should I Do?
Dear Might Have Depression - What Should I Do?,
If you have any reason to believe you have depression, or any other kind of mood order, TeenHealthFX recommends you take the following steps:
· Talk to your parents. Let them know what has been going on with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that has made you wonder whether you are be suffering from a mood disorder. Then ask them to set up a consultation with a mental health professional as soon as possible.
· Meet with a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or psychologist so that you can be evaluated and given an accurate diagnosis. If you do have a mood disorder your treatment provider will work with you to develop an effective treatment plan. This might include meeting with a therapist for individual and/or family therapy. It might also mean meeting with a psychiatrist to see if psychotropic medications could be helpful to you.
· If you experiencing feelings and thoughts that seem to coincide with a mood disorder, remember there are several lifestyle factors that can affect your mood: Exercise regularly to reduce stress and elevate the mood. Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary and highly processed to can help maintain an even mood and to keep your energy up. Maintain healthy sleep patterns to reduce irritability. Stay away from alcohol and drugs, all of which in different ways can interfere with maintaining a healthy mood, as well as negate the positive effects of anti-depressants and mood stabilizers.
· Consider speaking with your school counselor about what is going on with you. That way you will have someone at school you can go to as needed or on a regular basis for additional support and guidance.
· Make sure that you have supports in place for yourself – trustworthy, emotionally healthy adults and peers who can be there for you. If you have trouble building up a good support network for yourself, then speak with your therapist or school counselor about how to do this.
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
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