Depression | Teen Ink

Depression MAG

By Anonymous

   I never really understood depression until I experienced it firsthand. I used to think that depression was something that only crazy people who were confused and weak felt. Now my perception has changed. I am a seventeen-year-old girl. I have a nice family and home. I live in a fairly small, well-off town. I have my own car and job. I do well in school and am the president of my class. I am involved in my church and do community service. I have experimented with drugs and alcohol. I sometimes lie to my parents and skip classes. I am a normal teenager.

I do not know how or why I became depressed. Last fall, I suddenly found myself changed. I was always sad and tearful, and never wanted to be at school, home, or with my friends. I could not eat or sleep. I even thought about suicide. My usual smile had disappeared and a frown had taken its place. I seemed to be walking through life in a gray cloud, not paying attention or caring what happened to me.

I knew that I needed to take action. I started therapy and began medication to bring myself to a "therapeutic level of health," whatever that means. I worked hard every day to think positively and try to heal myself. But it did not matter how much I tried to think positively and wanted to get better. I had many internal problems. My counselor helped me work through some troubling issues and helped me get to know who I am. It was good to have her to talk to so I did not feel so alone.

Today I am still fighting the battle of depression. The medication has helped lift my spirits somewhat, but it did not erase the situation I am in or the problems that I face. It is hard when I do not like the place I am in and feel alienated from others. I am taking things one day at a time. Although my gray cloud still exists, the hardest part - knowing I needed help and getting it - is over. Sometimes the only things that keep me going are a hot bath or cup of tea - and my future goals of becoming a wife and mother.

My reason for writing this is not for people to feel sorry for me. My hope is that if there are others out there who feel the same way and relate to my experience, they will be comforted to know they are not alone. To realize I needed help, I almost had to give up. Do not wait that long. Find out what is making you depressed and try to fix it. Do not think too far ahead, but take things day by day. Most importantly, try to find things to be grateful for and be happy instead of moping around. You would be surprised how much optimism, the stars, or a favorite TV show can cheer one up. If you see someone who might be having a hard time, say hello and let them know you care and are concerned. Sometimes a simple smile can warm the heart and make someone feel better. tf



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This article has 7 comments.


i love this so much!

on Apr. 30 2013 at 9:25 pm
Wings10FeetTall GOLD, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
17 articles 0 photos 332 comments

Favorite Quote:
May your words be sharp.<br /> - Christopher Paolini<br /> <br /> <br /> Nobody&#039;s going to wait for you, so do it now.<br /> -Ingrid Michaelson<br /> <br /> <br /> Broken hearts heal, but never the same.<br /> - Jessica Romo<br /> <br /> Idiots rely on luck.<br /> -Sherlock Holmes

This was rally interesting. I have never really been depressed, so I don't know much of what you are talking about, but I also know what you mean. It sounds strange, but it's the way my mind works. I personally do not feel depressed, but my thoughts can be depressing. I think if I were to really let you into my mind, that you would wish that you had never met me. It's strange. Depressing thoughts, but an un-depressed boy. But I hope that you feel better. 

angelab1006 said...
on Nov. 19 2011 at 4:38 pm

I have recently become sad and unhappy. It started a couple weeks ago with negative thoughts about me then later on I isolated myself from my friends at school. Then this sadness comes and I don't know why.

What is wrong with me? 


on May. 19 2011 at 8:40 pm
LookingForward1 BRONZE, Cincinnati, Ohio
2 articles 0 photos 7 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;All you need is yourself to guide the way, other people just get in the way, your better off alone.&quot;

mines severe. in and out of hospitals. cutting and attempts.

Anonymous said...
on Mar. 24 2011 at 3:15 pm
i feeel the same, but im 15. and i feel so emotional and like i've been depressed for like 3 years. i finally got the nerve to tell my doctor.. and she told me she wasnt worried because it wasn't severe, beccause i still thought positive a little. and she said once i lose all positive feelings she'll treat me for depression.. but i still hate having all these emotional days and feeling hopeless. 

on Jan. 2 2011 at 6:31 pm
Stingray18 BRONZE, Yorktown, New York
2 articles 0 photos 7 comments
Hi. I really enjoyed this because i realized that i don't have to keep lying to myself. I DO have problems and need to get help. Thanks. keep writing.

Bethani GOLD said...
on Aug. 22 2010 at 7:54 pm
Bethani GOLD, Highlands Ranch, Colorado
10 articles 0 photos 508 comments

Favorite Quote:
Life is perfect until you sit back and realize how boring it is without risks.

Thanks for the advice. A friend of my has depression and my mom so i try to help in the best that i can. any other advice you have?