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To Sam

Depression!

I recently noticed how much my emotions have changed!! I'm pretty much constantly sad and I have no energy!! I am always anxious and I never feel like meeting my friends!! Like yesterday I was meant to be going into town with my bestfriend, I went but I didn't really feel up to it!! Even while with her I felt anxious, not of what was happening just of things in general!
I think I may suffer from depression and it's really affecting my everyday life!! The problem is, I'm to scared to tell my parents!! My parents are the sort that brush things aside and don't deal with then until they get to serious to handle!! I know I should tel then but I know they want believe me and they won't do anything to help!!
Im 13 years old and  and Im really scared!! Please help me!!
Ask Sam

Sam

Hi there,

I’m really glad that you felt able to write about how you’re feeling. The emotions you’ve described sound hard to cope with and I can tell that this is having a big effect on your life. You deserve help with what you’re going through and you can always go to talk to your doctor about the anxious and depressing feelings you’re getting. It can be difficult to know where to start when you’ve got a lot you want to say so you might find it helpful to take a look at www.docready.org. This is a website that helps you to build a checklist of the things you want to remember to tell your doctor about what you’ve been going through. 

You might find it useful to look at our pages on depression and anxiety. It might also help to take a look at the Young Minds website to find out more about these conditions.

I can hear that you don’t feel your parents would believe you and you’re worried in case they don’t take it seriously. You’ve done really well to explain things to me in your message. How would you feel about writing a letter to an adult you trust so that they know what you’re going through? It’s your choice who you feel comfortable telling. You might think about speaking to another member of your family or a teacher so that they can support you at this difficult time. Read more of our tips about asking an adult for help.  

You explained that this is really frightening and I can tell you’re going through a lot right now. It sounds like it’s really hard when you don’t feel up to doing things with your best friend or when you feel sad so much of the time. If you’d like to talk things through a bit more, remember you can always talk to a ChildLine counsellor. They are there to listen and support you any time.

I hope that you can get the help you need.

Take care,
Sam

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