Am I a sufferer?

[JordanRobinson]

Hi all,

I’m 17 years old and have been told by close friends I may suffer from depression, I would like to know the symptoms during every day life.

[hypercat54]

Hi symptoms differ in different people but common ones include sleep problems, lack of concentration, lack of pleasure in activities, tiredness and so on. Google depression tests online as these should give you a guide.

You can also find depression symptoms online as well. If you think you might be depressed then don't try and diagnose yourself but seek help from a medical professional. x

[JordanRobinson in reply to hypercat54]

I have a few hours of sleep every night, I’m always on a constant tired, but I just can’t sleep. I think everything around me is boring so I just sit inside and play games on my phone or whatever, but nothing keeps me occupied for more than a few minutes. Is that normal?

[hypercat54 in reply to JordanRobinson]

It could be normal for you as we are all different. It could be just a phase you are going through or natural teenage hormones etc. How old are you please? x

[JordanRobinson in reply to hypercat54]

17

[Suzie40]

Hi Jordan, sounds like you have a supportive group of friends who want to support and help you. People with depression struggle in different ways. My son has a friend who is 17 and has depression. For him it's about not wanting to leave the house, not being able to get to college each day and constant feelings of being sad. I know that you're far more likely to seek help from the internet than your GP -please look at trusted websites such as NHS / Mind / Rethink, rather than forums like yahoo and msn. If you think you fit the criteria for depression (or maybe you aren't sure and just want to talk to someone), talk to someone you can trust. A teacher or college lecturer perhaps? Or someone in your family?

Take care

[JordanRobinson in reply to Suzie40]

Your sons friend is kinda like me. I never wanna leave my house, but I’m always sad. So far my entire life has just gone downhill. Nothings worked for me that I’ve done on my own. The worst thing that happened to me was that I lost my two best friends within a week (they were pets, not humans... they sadly passed away) where I am now is where the few friends I have care. I’ve moved from town to town and not Made friends. My home town I was bullied on a constant basis, by family and friends no one was defending me. Bare in mind I was 14 or so at the time, I was neglected at home for a while as parents would just go out whenever they wanted. I wouldn’t even be able to eat food that they left as it had gone off or it belonged to either of my parents. Then I was betrayed by a girl I bought I loved, she accused me of hitting her and making her do things. I’ve been so close to killing myself on multiple occasions but had never succeeded. I never wanted to tell anyone anything or even go to a gp/hospital, but now that I know that my friends are so worried, even fearing for my life has put me in a new perspective. They’ve all given me motivation to try and get through it... more support than my parent would ever give me.. I also don’t have anyone in my family to talk to, because they just laughed at me. I said to my dad I don’t feel myself.. and he walked away from me laughing..

[hypercat54]

You need to get yourself to a doctor asap. Wanting to kill yourself is a red flag that you need help. Meds and/or counselling should be able to help. x

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi there JordanRbinson, welcome to our caring and supportive forum, where I see that you have already had some very helpful replies. I agree with the responses you have received and that depression can affect people in different ways. Feeling sad and not wanting to leave the house does indicate feeling low in mood. I think though that you need some Professional help and support as you need to have a proper diagnosis, so that treatment can start. Please try and make an appointment to see your GP as soon as you can, so that perhaps a referral can be made to your local Crisis Support help group. Your doctor may also think a course of medication and counselling may help you, to start feeling better. Depression, like any illness can get better, but you really do need the Professional help you deserve. I am glad that your friends are caring for you, for someone wo is only 17, you have already gone through a lot in your young life. But things do not always have to be this bleak, you can feel better, so please believe this and your life can start to improve for you with the right treatment. If you are in need of someone to talk to, the Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, Freephone....116 123, they can provide a confidential empathic listening ear. Also you may like to take a look at the Shaw Foundation website, Skeet Line, they offer help and support for young people. Also Mind gives a lot of information and support....Telephone......[phone] Mon-Friday 9-6pm. Do keep posting on here and let us know how you are feeling, and please do seek help and support that you need to get better. Do this for yourself...and for your whole future ahead of you......take good care of yourself, with very very best wishes and good luck to you...

[JordanRobinson in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Thanks, I’ll get myself down to the doctors immediately

[MAS_Nurse]

Thanks for your reply and good luck when you see the doctor, very well donex