Hi

[Lacey1339]

I'm not really sure why I'm here; I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety when I was 12. Now I'm 15 and taking medication for it and everyone seems to think I'm better but I don't feel much better. I stopped cutting two months ago and never got a chance to talk to anyone about it, and I guess I just want to know if there's anyone who understands being depressed and wants to talk about it?

[MrMcCream]

Hey, im a 18 year old male, and ive never talked about my problems, but ive always been able to listen and to relate to people. never will judge, everyone has there story. If you wanna chat or something just E-mail me at ***@****

[lozzbra374]

No worries. I will always be here for you.

I forgot to say that I am so so proud of you that you havent cut in that long. I stopped about a month ago and it was hard. It still is, so I know how hard it is, congrats.

[Lacey1339]

Thanks :) it actually makes me feel a lot better just knowing there's someone in the same situation who's willing to listen

[lozzbra374]

Hey sweetie,

Im 16 this month and I was diagnosed with depression only at the start of the year, but was so bad I got put on meds staright away and had to see a therapist. So I know what its like. If you ever need/want to talk, just message me ok :)

Lauren x

[seesee87]

if you are scared to talk to someone in person there is this website with online counciling that can help im going through the same thing but trying online counciling and its free
http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/Teens/Home.aspx

[Lacey1339]

If you think you have depression you should talk to someone about it, a parent or a counselor or something and they can help. Whether you have depression or not seeing a therapist might help you figure out what's wrong. I honestly didn't recognize that anything was wrong with the way I felt until it was pointed out to me and even then it was hard to believe that I had depression because I was kind of used to feeling tired and anxious and worthless and dead inside and thought it was perfectly normal.

[mishymoshymarcy]

First of all i am glad for the achievement you have made from cutting, so congratulations. But i would also like some advice from as many teens as possible. Well in a way i dont really know why i am asking you specificly, but you seem like a very nice person. If you could help me, please do....
Well anyway, i am 13 and havent been through much in my life, but i have a feeling i may have depression. I seem to have most of the symtoms:
Sleeping alot.
Scared and sad most of the time.
Iscolate myself in my room.
Etc etc.
And was just wondering what was the main sign for you, to sort of confirm or suggest that you had depression? I know i am young, but i feel like i am wasting my life away, and like the only explanation for my lack of motivation is depression. It was all very sudden. And has been going on for over 3-4 months. I feel dumber each day, and have cut myself once, bu ti never did it again. I want help with confirming that i may have depression, because if it is not that then what else could it be.

[Lacey1339]

Thanks. It happened kind of gradually I guess, at first instead of immediately cutting whenever I felt the need to, I was reluctant to do it because all of a sudden it felt like it was hurting rather than helping me, so I'd try to distract myself and avoid doing it until the urge went away. For awhile that didn't work but I went longer and longer periods of time without cutting and now it's been long enough to really consider myself recovered and it's easier. I think most people should have help if they're cutting, though; I never talked to anyone or got help but I bet it would be a lot easier to have someone to vent to whenever you need them, and I've heard that sometimes if you want to cut you should hold an ice cube to your skin instead which I wish I had tried.

[AngieWay15]

Hi. First off congrats on everything. It really sounds like your life has changed for the better. Just one question...how did you stop cutting?

[worriedworry]

I had major depression for about 3 years. I was prescribed medication which did not help me personally, but is helpful for others. If your medication is not helping you you need to talk to your therapist and they will suggest alternative therapies. For me, my depression did not improve until I changed my lifestlye; that means diet, excercise, sleep and work habits. You need to force yourself to do positive things. Try volunteering, or joining a club at school. Force yourself to stick with it, and don't allow yourself to quit if it "isnt working." The most important thing, in my opinion, for people with depression is to stay busy! I hope you feel better.