Someone to talk to

[EmHow]

I'm new and 17. A few months ago I started feeling depressed and anxious and as a result have ended up isolating myself. Now I think I've got to a point where I can't reconnect with my family and have gone past their forgiveness.

It started in the middle of exam season when I was already stressed out. My little brother was involved with an incident at school that I can't say much about except that the police were involved. Since then everything has just been spiralling as we're moving house, moving schools and I started working.

Throughout it I've been the only one in my family that's really comprised on anything especially with the new house. I'm not the best at talking about my feelings at the best of times so I've just kept spiralling further and further from my friends and families. I've put on a lot of weight recently and nothing really seems as enjoyable any more. My emotions are all over the place and I'll be laughing one moment and in hysterics the next. I suffer from social anxiety so am really bad at expressing myself.

My hope is that someone out there understands as no-one has even noticed anything wrong. If anyone has any advice I would be really grateful.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello EmHow, welcome to this supportive community. You are not alone! It sounds like you've been through a really rough time and trying hard to cope, an bottling your feeling up. May I encourage you to go and see your doctor and chat things through with them, as they can help you professionally and signpost you onto possible local psychological therapies such as CBT, Mindfulness etc. Many folks on here will empathise with your situation and will hopefully come alongside and offer support. Take a look too, at the Pinned Posts section on the right side of the screen with links to free guides on mental health, and international crisis support links. I think you are expressing yourself and your feelings very well, and it is good to talk and not bottle them up. Keep in touch. Take care and don't despair.

[Hidden]

Hiya, life can be tough at 17. There's a very famous and wonderful song entitled 'At 17' by Janis Ian, which is worth listening to, because I think it sums up how many young people feel at that age and, although it is written from a female perspective, I think many young men can identify with the sentiments expressed. You say, 'I think I've got to a point where I can't reconnect with my family and have gone past their forgiveness.' I can assure you that's not the case. There is always a path back for you and your family and forgiveness knows no boundaries. Maybe if you find it difficult to talk about your feelings, ask your friends and family how they are feeling - listening and reflecting may help you understand them and your own situation better and also give you the confidence and opportunity to express your own frustrations. Most of all though, be kind to yourself and others. Take care,

[ellenanne]

Hey, I'm 17 too and I'm going through the same thing. My life has been spiralling out of control when I was diagnosed with an illness and it went on from there.

I can heavily relate to you and I understand it can be incredibly difficult. Sometime you just want to stop, you want to let it all out. But because expressing large amounts of emotion if kind of foreign to you (and me), you don't know how to do this. So instead of helping yourself you go on with everything like nothing is wrong.

Obviously not the best thing to do and, I don't know about but my exams where horrific! But I think it's getting better since I've been able to be alone with my thoughts and sort it out. But I understand that you don't always have the time to do that. I didn't for about 7 months!

You are doing so well, and posting this is one step toward figuring this out. You should be proud of your strength that you have shown.

If you ever need to talk, come to me. I know what it is like and you are not alone. We can do this!

[mysmugcat]

Hello. Can I suggest the excellent website for young people kooth.com as well? -