hey im new and i need help!
hey guys, im rio (she/her) and am 17. While ive never been formally diagnosed with depression, i think i have it -- most my my symptoms match up with the criterion from DSM-5 and they have been persistent for almost a year now. To sum myself up, I constantly feel empty/drained/sad for either no reason or when I'm in a situation in which I feel helpless and worthless, which is pretty much most of the time. My self esteem is embarrassingly low and I literally hate myself, and constantly compare myself to others, personality and physically speaking and belittle myself for everything. I wake up everyday dreading the day and spending my time isolated in my room. I also find everyday activities like doing prep a lot harder as I lose interest and motivation in everything that I do. And when I'm happy, I'll suddenly think of something and that immediately puts me back into a low mood. When I hang out with my friends, I feel like I have to constantly put on a fake smile and a fake character for them and when I'm alone I drop the facade and feel guilty for not showing them who I am. I know this obviously wouldn't be a formal diagnosis but do you think I might have depression? Hope you're all staying safe.
@riocortez
This is just a patch for you but in moments of depression or anxiety, remember to pause and breath properly. Having a good supply of oxygen to your brain helps a great deal in getting over an episode. Breath from your stomach and not your shoulders.
The next step (probably in the same step above) is to seek counseling of some kind as soon as possible. Seek someone here for instance. I think that is an important step. Try to remember many thoughts are only temporary but the underlying feelings you have need to be explored by a good therapist.
I hope you feel better. And do it as soon as you can.
@riocortez now I'm no doctor... But it SeEmS tO mE lIkE dEpReSsIoN xD well since you suspected it u might as well start doing sth about it like trusting yourself that's all.. For me I actually started to think differently and trust myself like recently so idk how long it will take to get back to normal again. But I think what you miss and generally people with depression miss is trust to themselves and obviously poSiTivE SeLf taLk. I hope you find people that inspire you to do that(like a good psychologist) and good luck! I'm trying to spread the right message here when I can hehe
@riocortez
Any news?
@Kurt789
thank you for replying and helping me out a little!! no unfortunately I haven't yet my parents are out of town for a few days. im going to try and talk to them when they come back. you guys have given me a little bit of hope and confidence in talking to my parents about this!! Thank you so much :) I'll update you guys if anything happens!
@Kurt789
news! I told my parents that I wanted to see a psychiatrist and it was the hardest and most painful thing I have ever done in my life. I was so embarassed I nearly broke down in front of my mom. It was nice to finally seek help as it has started to affect my grades and my school work and I cannot afford to have slipping grades as I'm applying for uni this year. While they agreed to take me to see someone, my mom also said that it was better to see a psychologist rather than someone who would prescribe medications as they have "bad symptoms and make you fat". I'd much rather be prescribed medication than to see a therapist or talk to someone -- not really sure how I can tell my mom that the symptoms don't really matter in the face of my mental health. I'm also starting to have second thoughts on seeing a psychiatrist as I've somehow managed to convince myself that everything isn't as bad as it seems and I'm just overreacting or overthinking, and that my symptoms of depression are fake. I dont know -- weird times right now.
@riocortez Hello, since I was a teenager, I was diagnosed with depression and it sucks!
I have received treatment, but there are always pending issues... As a tip I suggest that you are honest with the people in your close circle, it is enough for a person to see you without masks and you will feel much better. Wearing masks is exhausting... give yourself the luxury of being without masks with someone whom you appreciate and trust, but first warn them of how you feel and guide them in how to contain your (in my case I hate that they touch me but a cup of coffee and a shoulder where crying help me too much)
Second tip ... breathe !! On more than one occasion you will have held your breath without realizing that you were doing it ... because breathing hurts, breathing is the rebellion to the desire to not exist that you can feel ... forget yoga and all those kinds of activities, When you are in good spirits, do the exercise of breathing conscientiously when you are eating something that you like or you see a movie or you are watching your cell phone ... at first it will cost, but it will help you to give yourself contentment.
Ufff ... be patient with yourself, it is not easy and you do not have to be happy for others, IT IS NOT NECESSARY ... In time you will be happy with the people who are really worth it.
