sam i have looked up on websites and i have all the symptoms of depression: constant moodyness,feeling emtional and tearfull,lack of motivation,inability to sleep,lack of energy and feeling physically ill.i have lost my intrest in doing anything,my artistic side went down the drain. all of the syptoms happen on a daily basis...i dont feel a reason of getting up in the morning or breathing or sleeping...what do i do?
Sam
Hi there,
Thanks for your message, it sounds like you're feeling really low at the moment. You have looked up your symptoms on the internet and think you may have depression. The internet can be a really useful tool for learning and gathering new information, however the only person who could diagnose you with depression is a doctor. Perhaps you could think about visiting your doctor and telling them about how you feel. A medical professional, like a doctor, will also be the best person to help you to find ways of dealing with this and improving the way you feel. I am concerned to see that you no longer feel you have reason to get up, breath or sleep. It sounds like you feel quite low and I want you to know that there are ways you can get help to start feeling more positive.
I know it can sometimes be hard to go and speak to your doctor about how you feel and some young people tell me going with their parent or carer, a friend or a family member can make it a bit easier as it means that they have support. Another idea could be to start by telling your school nurse or counsellor and then you can talk together about what it might be like to talk to your doctor. Doing this may mean you get some support in school too. You have taken an important first step by writing to me.
There is a useful website that helps to prepare you for talking to your doctor, www.docready.org. Perhaps you could have a look and think about what you might like to say if you visit your doctor.
You have done really well to recognise the changes in how you feel and your motivation for life and it sounds as though you would like to know how to cope with how you are feeling. Young Minds has lots of information and advice about coping with depression and you might also find our feelings and emotions page useful.
You can also talk to other young people on the message boards to get support and advice about coping with depression and find out about what some of them have done to deal with a situation like yours. You could talk to one of the counsellors at ChildLine about how you are feeling - they are there to listen anytime you want to talk.
Take care,
Sam
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