how do i know..?
just how do i know??
how do i know if i am depressed?
ive been feeling off for a while now so i checked online for some information about it and i checked all the symptoms and all that, but how do i really know? i think this is a bit of a dumb question.. its just how do i know that this is real?
am i really feeling this way? or feeling sorry for myself??
if its real am i just wondering if its not since becos maybe im in denial??
does me questioning if i am depressed mean that i am not?? since if you are you just know that something is off right??
is what im feeling real or is it just my adolesent mind coming up with these obscure notations??
many people say that people my age (teens) like to come up with these ideas since the media likes to romantise i guess the idea of mental illness. Im not sure if this is true or what.
due to this reason, its been hard to open up to people for fear ill be judged or told that its true none of it is real or like your just a kid your not capable or feeling such emotions and for this im also scared im going to a doctor or asking my parents, so i came here.
i know this is dumb and i dont mean to offend anyone by my question, i mean i know i am dumb for asking this, its just this is the only place i have so please help me..
@Loading1234
Hi there! I just wanted to say this isn't a dumb question and you aren't dumb for asking it!! Actually, a lot of people don't realize they have it at first. Sometimes even for years. I think because some people feel angry, some empty, bored, tired, etc. Everyone sorta experiences it in different ways and it isn't always being sad all the time like the stereotype suggests (but it can be too). It's really complex, so it's really important to talk to a therapist or another professional about it to get a diagnosis. I dont know how people will react when you open up about what's goin on, but just know that your feelings are valid and your age has nothing to do with that! 😤
@Loading1234 Unfortunately the word depressed has two different meanings. Sometimes it means you feel down because your life is difficult. And sometimes it means that you have an illness that makes you feel down for no other reason.
Many people do say that life is difficult when you're a teen—more difficult, that is, than when you were ten years younger, and more difficult than it will be in ten years time. But no one can agree about exactly how to decide whether teens who feel down are ill or not.
If you find it hard to open up to people because you fear they might judge you, then perhaps that slightly suggests that you have a difficult life in some ways, and that you have good reasons to feel down. In that case going to a counsellor or a therapist might help you to clarify your situation, and possibly even change things for the better. Maybe you have access to a school or college counsellor, or maybe going to your doctor to get a referral would be necessary.
You can also chat to listeners here about your situation, of course. We are not experts and we cannot give you advice about what to do, but even so it can be helpful just to talk to someone. If you'd like to chat to me, just click on my profile picture and message me.
Charlie
@Loading1234
You are not "dumb" at all...my depression started in adolescence and if I come to think about it a little bit earlier...it sneakes about and around you bit by bit, till it grabs a firm grip on you...for some people it comes suddenly at no point in life, for others like me it creeps upon us till it is too late...
Yet, chin up, it may be just adolescent mood swings so maybe you would want to seek councel, a therapist or a school counselor...at least they can broadely tell you if it is a matter of age/hormones or smth to be more concerned about...
It is good that you are questioning now, before a potential depression starts getting hold and grip on you...later might be too late...seek help if you feel like it...
@Loading1234
Hi! I'm actually really glad I came across your post, because I'm feeling the same in a lot of ways. I just started college and it's hard for me to distinguish between actual symptoms and just the increased stress and homesickness that comes with moving to college. I have also struggled with seeking help because I'm afraid of judgement from others. I would suggest seeing your school counselor about feelings that you have, they can help bridge the gap between you and your parents and help you seek services you need. That being said, I need to follow my own advice and seek out my school's counselling services. We can both do this!
