Depression / Question
Published: November 25, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm 16 and have felt depressed for about 4 years. Nothing has gone seriously wrong in my life and I can't figure out why I feel this way. Every now and then I think about what would happen if I weren't here any more. I began cutting myself a couple of months ago. The more I do it the closer to my wrists I go. I have also lost my appetite almost completely the last couple of weeks. I hardly ever eat anymore. I have noticed myself being way more tired and not interested in things I used to love as well. I'm pretty sure I'm depressed but I don't know how to tell anyone. I want help really bad and I don't want to feel like this anymore. In my family we don't talk about our feelings and I think that is why it is so difficult for me. Another thing is I'm not depressed 24/7. Sometimes I feel really happy and hyper. I think this might be a sign of bipolar but I'm not sure. I feel sad about 90 percent of the time. Even when I'm laughing I still feel sad inside. I am also very irritable and pissed off at everything all the time. The slightest things annoy me for no reason. Please help me with my problems. How do I ask for help and get it?
Signed: How Do I Ask For Help And Get It
Dear How Do I Ask For Help And Get It,
You took the first step in asking for help by writing to us. Now you need to take the next step and let your parents know how you are feeling (you can show them this letter) and tell them you want to get help. Feeling depressed as much as you do (even if it is not 24/7), cutting and losing your appetite are clear signals that something is not okay. For information about cutting and depression (including bipolar) do a keyword search of our website.
So, talk to your parents about what is going on. If you cannot tell them then reach out to another adult that you trust, like a teacher, school counselor or even your doctor and tell them how you have been suffering. They can help you get the help you need (a therapist and maybe a psychiatrist) and also help you talk to your parents.
To find a therapist in northern New Jersey, contact the ACCESS Center at Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400. You can also log onto the SAMSHA website for referrals and information if you live outside of our area.
If you think you might hurt yourself, get help immediately by dialing 9-1-1. In northern New Jersey, you can also call the Morristown Memorial Hotline at 973.540.0100. Outside of this area, you can call the Crisis Hotline at 800.999.9999.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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