Please..

[AwkwardTeenager]

Lately I've been depressed, angry, anxious. And it's most of the time. I'm happy with my relationship but when we aren't together I overthink everything and just get seriously upset... I've been thinking of going to see a therapist because I feel like I'm ruining my happiness with my boyfriend over all this crap... But I'm scared...  I've seen other threads saying not to see a psychiatrist because they'd just put you on meds... I'm already on Topiramate for migraines but I don't think depression was a side effect... I'm not sure why my depression has gotten so bad lately but I just want to be happy for a whole day, at least... I want to smile again and not doubt myself and feel like I'm lying to anyone... If anyone has some suggestions please.. Please tell me? I'm 16 years old and starting my Junior year tomorrow.. I don't want to mess up...

[Paxiled]

I think it is good to start with a psychologist -- they're the most trained in the psychology of it.  If they think you need meds they'll tell you.  Most psychiatrists these days don't do therapy, and even when they do they charge a lot more than psychologists and actually study a whole lot less psychology; mostly they just dispense drugs.  That's why it's good to start with a psychologist to begin with if you think you need to talk to a professional.  By the way, it is possible for Toprimate to cause mental side effects.  Another way to control migraines is with learning how to even out your blood flow -- migraines are a vascular headache caused by constricting and expanding blood vessels.  A doctor got rid of mine by talking me into learning meditation.  You might look into that.  Good luck.

[Tessaamelia]

Sounds like you're struggling and maybe it is best to discuss it with a professional, they won't put you on medication unless you agree to it so don't worry about that. Talking to someone that is experienced in this could be very helpful as it will help you uncover things like the deep reasons as to why you're feeling depressed, angry and anxious.

It can be daunting when you go to see a psychiatrist or psychologist but just be honest, tell them what is happening and that you need some strategies to cope with your emotions and hopefully they can help. If you don't want to see a psychiatrist you can see a psychologist instead, they can't prescribe medication so they can thoroughly help you with techniques in dealing with life.