13 and Struggling with Depression

When we don’t feel we have secure attachments in our lives – meaning people we feel sure that we matter to and who we also feel sure will be there for us when we need them – depression can be a very common result. It sounds like living in your brother’s shadow has made you feel like you don’t matter to your parents in the way you would like to. It also sounds like because of your mother’s mental illness and wherever your father is at emotionally (you didn’t specify why he wouldn’t want to get your help), you don’t feel you can depend on them to be there for you in the way you need. FX can appreciate how painful this must feel for you and how alone you could be feeling as well.

Given the issues you are dealing with, TeenHealthFX thinks that it is very important for you to reach out to someone for help. You are dealing with depression and some problematic dynamics in relationships at home – so it is very important that you receive the help you need with these things and that you are not dealing with them alone.

Since you are concerned about letting your parents know where you are at, FX would recommend that you start with a staff member at school. If your school has a school social worker or school psychologist, that would be the best place to start. If not, talk to your school nurse or a trusted teacher about it. A staff member at school could begin to provide you the support and guidance you need to deal with these issues, as well as to help you come up with a plan where you can get the help you need without having to feel so concerned about the impact on your parents.

TeenHealthFX also recommends that you check out the Cry for Help Resource page, as it lists various hotlines and websites that can be of help to people dealing with depression and people in crisis situations.