I Honestly Don't Know What To Do Anymore

[WhoAmI7]

I am a 16 year old girl. I was well known for being the Happy Cheerful Child ,who was good at her academics and co-curricular  activities.  But honestly inside I think I might be depressed. About a year or so ago, I realized that I began drifting away from the people around me. I felt alone and like everything was worthless including me. I however don't cut myself , or do drugs or anything of that sort. I am not suicidal but I must admit I have thought about what it would be like but i would never do it. In my school my teachers have began to realize a change in my behaviour. But i can never admit to being depressed. I try my best to keep myself happy but it doesnt seem to work i really do not know what to do any more. I want to know if there is any way that i can deal with this on my own ? cause i cannot risk anyone finding out...... please help

[martin428]

belly breathing as it relieves stress, doing some excersise, and eat healthy those are really good things to do on your own..also talking on here and reading other peoples experiences will also help!

[brittmarie06]

Accepting I was depressed was one the hardest things I had to do; but once I did accept it, it got easier. I would say to talk to a school counselor. If youre insistent on doing it alone then maybe working out, writing, drawing, or just praying. Anything to get your thoughts out of your head. Keeping things inside will only make the depression grow, try to figure out why youre depressed and why you dont enjoy the activities anymore. In high school I loved to tutor and then all of a sudden I hated it and I didnt know why, then I realized I didnt like the label "smart girl" not because I didnt like to be known for my intellect but because I hated the expectations that came with it. Im 18 and Ive been dealing with reoccurring depression for almost two years. Life gets better I promise! Just be honest with yourself, I think this community will help as well. Good luck(:

[brice1967]

I feel for you and the situation you are in.  I have to ask, why can't you admit that you feel a little depressed?  Why can't you risk anyone finding out?

I am not trying to offend you when I say this, but you are standing in your own way of getting any help and feeling better.  I did the same thing for over 30 years... 30 years, I told myself that it was no big deal.  30 years I told myself that nobody could know about how I really feel.... so for at least 30 years and potentially a lot longer, I stood in my own way of getting help.

There is the stereotype about depression and mental illness.  If we admit to feeling depressed, we immediately assume that we are going to be labeled as weak, being a nut, being a psycho, etc.... the list goes on.  That's ridiculous!

You can admit that you are feeling depressed and you can do it confidentially.  You can tell a school counselor, but because you are a minor, they may be obligated to tell your parents of the issue.  You can tell your parents.... nobody else, other than a doctor has to know.  

I tried my whole life to "get over this on my own" and it almost led to me losing my wife and kids.  That is pitiful... all I had to do was go for help and I would not myself do it because I was afraid of being labeled.  That is plain stupid... one of the 2 dumbest things I've ever done.

Think about it... If you broke your arm, would you go get help?  If you were having a heart attack, would you go get help?  If you felt you were having a stroke, would you go get help?  If you had a tooth ache, would you go get help?  Chances are, you answered yes to each of those questions.  With your depression, the answer is also yes.... you should/would go get help.

Knock your pride down a notch and tell a trusted adult about what your going through.  Let them know that it is a problem.  Help is there, but you have to go after it.  Help never just walks in....

I wish you well.