I’m just confused about everything at the moment. I’ve never been to therapy cause my parents don’t have time to take me.

[Eclipse88]

My parents are always stressed and I don’t wanna add in to the stress but lately I just feel as if I’m broken, I have lost all interests and motivation to get out bed. I just want to stop being pathetic and get back on my feet but I don’t know how. Someone please tell me what I need to do to end this sad episode of mine. Especially cause I’m in grade 12 and I really need to start caring and do well

Thanks ヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ

[HelpingElbow]

Hi

If you're in grade 12, there are lot of interesting things waiting for you. I understand how you might be feeling. There's no need to lose hope, things will get better, believe me.

It seems you're troubled by the stress of your parents. Your parents need therapy too; otherwise, you all will pass on your anxiety and stress to each other.

Your interest and motivation are embedded in the things that you wish to achieve in your life. You cannot let external circumstances rule it. Trust me, you need to refrain from calling yourself pathetic because you're not!

What you need to do to get back on your feet is to find a purpose. It need not be a long term goal, you can simply decide a short term goal and start working on it.

You can try to learn a language, create artworks, read books and what not! When I was your age, I had those issues too; however, you need to isolate your mind from your heart. When you cannot get out of your bed, know that you have been rude and harsh to yourself. That's the reason your body is not listening to you anymore.

Love yourself, be compassionate, be clear in your mind that your problems are not permanent. Till the time you get therapy, you can talk to us freely. It will help you to lighten your mind and lift off the stress. I genuinely wish that somebody would have told me these stuff when I was your age. All you need to do is speak out, don't bottle-up your emotions. We are here to listen to you.

Take care

Lots of love...

[TarheelBlue]

Hey Eclipse, many of my students deal with depression and anxiety. Are you attending school or studying virtually? If you’re attending in person, is there an adult like a teacher, coach, librarian, guidance counselor, etc. that you feel safe enough to talk with? You want to do this. I have students who stop by all the time just to check in, see a smile, grab a laugh, and in my classroom there’s many ways that I try to help. I wouldn’t know if students didn’t reach out, so take that step. My students know that if they’re having a shit time, instead of daily writing prompts, they have a space to unleash their words or pictures on paper. They turn the corner on the page, and I don’t read it. I have worry stones, stress balls, hand grips, essential oils, soft light, calming music, and other details in my classroom to help students like yourself (and me)! Is there an adult that comes to mind at school yet? Schools also have mental health resources for students, but this will need to come through your Guidance department. Teachers can make all kinds of accommodations to support students that are never known to their peers or anyone else. We can “invent” tasks to get you out of the classroom to take a break, get some water, and walk outside. Breaks can be really revitalizing. There’s possibilities. You’re likely close to 18 years old and will be gradually relying on yourself more, so use this opportunity to talk to someone and make a connection about what you’re feeling and noticing. Finding resources is a vital step with pulling through depression. Use this opportunity to find yours.

If you’re schooling virtually the same resources should exist for you via the Guidance Department. It’s also possible to do one-on-one Google Meets with students. They write me to check in or leave me notes on their assignments. If you’re at home, have you established a schedule for yourself? This can be really helpful especially when days can just run together. It’s the weekend, so try to do one thing for yourself that truly feels good for you. It doesn’t have to be anything major. It’s the beginning of self care.

Thinking of you,

from a teacher who cares.