How can I see a doctor

I am 17 years old, and maybe I'm just desperately trying to find a reason for my lethargy, but I think I am depressed.  I have various symptoms--weight gain, feeling hopeless, self-deprecating, etc, and even though everyone tells me that it's a phase, probably related to college apps, I just don't know what to do with myself.  It's getting harder and harder for me to get out of bed in the morning, I have so many absences, I feel lost.

I want to go on medication, but I am scared of mind-altering meds.  I don't want a therapist, I don't like the idea of people who are paid to take an interest in me, and I don't have the time anyway.  I just need to get out of this--it just weights me down; it's hard to breathe, to see, to stay awake--or to fall asleep, depending on the situation.  How do I arrange an appointment with a doctor?  I'm underage...should I talk to my pediatrician, I don't know?

In terms of suicide, someone in my grade just shot himself.  I don't seriously consider suicide, but I mean, I think about it.  Doesn't everyone?  I'm saying I don't think I would ever actually do it, but I still think about it, you know, how people would feel, that kind of thing.  Is that normal?  Either way, something needs to be fixed.

Please Help

[ILADVOCATE]

Often problems come up right at the time when people are leaving from home for college but the problems you are speaking about would be of concern. I would speak to a school guidance counselor and see if they could refer you to a therapist. If they think anything more of concern is wrong they would refer you to a psychiatrist at that point. But as for what you said about "mind altering meds". They are prescription anti-depressents to help you with the symptoms of depression. The only changes they make are in a positive manner to help you not have overwhelming feelings of depression. Medication is nothing to be frightened of but first speak to a school guidance counselor who can help you start the process.

[LeftCoastChick]

I have to agree with Advocate, medications help lift the mood, they aren't going to mess with your vision or your opinions. What they do is to replace a chemical that may be low in your brain. I was hesitant at first, going into therapy, but wow does it help. Therapists and Psychiatrists are there to sort out what's going on by verbal and non verbal cues. Then they help you get coping strategies, like handling stress, coping with life changes, and the cause of your depression. You can't simply rely on a pill to make you happy, you must be an active participant in your wellness. First thing, get out of bed and stay out until it's bed, have a routine, like school, chores, social activities. I think everyone has had a couple of thoughts of suicide, but if you have more then that, it's a bit more serious.

Do you have a family doctor? I would suggest that you go first to your GP then get a referral to a psychiatrist. It can't hurt, and you may just benefit from it. I had serious depression at 16/17 and did very much the same thing. Hang in there, see your doc and get busy! Routine helps lift you out of depression.

[jmdunn]

LeftCoastChick and Advocate are both correct. Antidepressants are to correct an imbalance in the chemical saratonin in the brain. They can make you feel a little weird for the first couple of days, but it's worth it to get back to normal. I can tell when I am depressed and off of medications, because I get fleeting thoughts of suicide, can't focus, have insomnia or sleep all day, become forgetful, don't feel like doing anything except laying in bed and watching tv or playing video games. (I'm 46, so you can laugh if you want.) Have a hard time even gettng myself to do the things I need to ahd have to do. I procrastinate and that makes situaltions worse. Talk to your school counselor and your Doctor. They can both help/point you in the right direction. Therapists and Doctors do get paid to help, but most of them get into those jobs because they like helping people. If you get a counselor/therapist you don't feel is working out, then see another one. It's worth it, and you are worth it. Having an excercise routine does help. Sometimes hard to get started, but it does help some.