I don't want to feel like this forever

[JustATeenager]

I'm 16, for the past 5 years of my life I have been spiralling. I have had depression and still suffer from anxiety. Despite constantly being told that anxiety shouldn't be seen as something to be ashamed of, I feel the exact opposite... I choose not to tell people due to the fear of them treating me differently and no one really understands what it is like to feel the things I feel. It's not something that can be described in words...

I have read posts from many people on this site, researched and they all seem to have the same theme. Hopelessness.

I don't want to feel like this anymore. I have had medication, done therapy and even tried herbal solutions yet 5 years have past and nothing has changed. I don't know how to escape... I guess I am writing this in hope that someone will be able to help or at least share with me their successes because at the moment I don't see a way out.

[5310210]

My darling you won’t feel like this forever that I can promise you life is hard I’ve been where you are many times over the years what I’ve worked out is just try not to think so much yes easier said then done but I do belive when we think it make it so much worse keeping busy as much as you can helps a lot we end up over thinking everything and the the hole just seems to get deeper and deeper

[charlieagain]

teenage years can be great but can also be hard. There is a lot to take on board. There is a lot to enjoy but a lot to worry about.

But things do nearly always get easier as you get older, get more independence, more coping skills, and start to enjoy being an adult.

Maybe focus on what you want to do in life and what you need to do to achieve that eg maybe college course. I wanted to be a marine photographer when I was a teenager and made the mistake of listening to those who said that it was better to do soemthing academic as I was good at academic stuff. Darn, I wish I had instead spent time filming penguins!

So maybe think about what you really want to do, what you have a passion for, and (if its realistic) go for it.

Life can be brilliant. It was for me until got ill last year. Depression and anxiety suck for sure. But they can lift and you can help them lift. Stuff like mediation, mindfulness, exercise, social support can all make a big difference.

best wishes