Methods to help depression and social anxiety

[G_minor]

So I'm 17 and I suffer with Anxiety, social anxiety, PTSD, bi polar and depression. I went to my doctor about it and he said that he won't prescribe me with anti depressants because I'm not over 18 he told me to get professional counselling but If I can't even tell my parents my problem how does he expect me to tell a complete stranger how I feel? I know youre probably thinking that I'm a little young to be diagnosed with these but I just really need help, since I can't get anti depressants I would love to know other methods, treatments or unperscribed medication that could help because it's ruining my college life and the stress if it is making my hair fall out. Thank you in advance

[cubfanal]

As someone who just got off antidepressants after 12 years, let me just say do not go on them lightly!

Your doctor is absolutely right, as the incidence of suicidal thoughts or actions are much more common as a side effect of these drugs in teenagers and young adults. Doesn't anyone pay any attention to the news reportreports?

In my opinion only psychiatrist should be dispensing these drugs any and only in conjunction with counseling. They are very useful but very powerful drugs! We are messing with brain chemistry here ya know...

There is absolutely nothing wrong with talking to someone about your problems. I can understand not wanting to talk to your parents (I was young too) but you need to talk to someone who can help. Hang in there and rememberI am not saying no meds but do mortals them lightly!

I went on my first antidepressant when my wife died very suddenly. My family doctor put me on them...I am not saying I did not need them at the time but I just kept taking them and the doctors just kept handing them out.

Finally I went to see a new psychiatrist and after we talked it through he suggested tapering off and giving it a try. Working out fine.

Remember these meds can sometimes have a pretty nasty discontinuation syndrome.

[vix8]

anti depressants are pretty dangerous in my opinion. you can get easily hooked on them. i honestly think depression has to do with the mind. its not easy to change your mind set, but its possible. im in the process of doing so myself. i  just recently found out bad news about my health and now i feel like i have to start again. but you can do it without antidepressants. and talking to someone about it, is a lot healthier than taking pills. sometimes a stranger can be easier to talk to. good luck.

[G_minor]

Thank you :D I'm going to take your advice and change doctors and see how that goes, thanks again :)

[outboundcorruptor]

Of course you're not too young.  This doctor is a complete idiot. I'm also 17 and I have depression and PTSD.  I was prescribed antidepressants and other drugs without a problem.  I know my nephew is 12 and he's on zoloft. I suggest you go to another doctor to seek proper treatment. If not, you can try S. John's Wort or Sam-E.  They're both over the counter and work differently for everyone.
Feel better :)