17 and struggling
Hi I’m struggling with anxiety and depression I feel so alone in this world and lost. I been to 4 ER’s and got sent home because I wasn’t a risk. Today I feel hopeless and depressed outpatient can’t do anything. PTSD is being triggered today for a reason I don’t know. wish I could cut myself to feel another way. I told the ER’s that but got sent home. I don’t know what to do?
First I want to commend you for being so brave to reach out to us seeking help. I know for some, that can be very difficult to do, but you found the strength to do it. Now lets look at how we can help.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
- It has to be really difficult to share such sensitive information about yourself to anyone, given your situation. Even to share your feelings here, with our Teen Central Community, must have taken some serious courage. So, thank you for coming to us. Never feel you have to be alone. As you may have seen on our page, there are many other kids like you who have similar struggles and this is a safe place to talk about them.
- If your mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety and self-injury ever become more intense – so intense to the point that you consider or even think about of suicide –
…stop what you are doing immediately and DIAL or TEXT the National Suicide Lifeline at 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. This resource is available to you 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year.
- Other numbers may be helpful to your specific situation due to issues you are facing. Most of the ones recommended by Teen Central are listed on our HELP PAGE. The reason we provide these numbers to you is because sometimes it is really helpful to talk on the phone or over chat where you are having a back-and-forth conversation rather than waiting for an answer.
- You said in your story that you have attempted to seek help but were sent home because, as you said above, “I wasn’t at risk.” I wonder if you consider seeking help, bringing a journal entry might help to share your thoughts in a more clear and concise manner that will express how you’re really feeling. Something that really paints a picture of the difficulties that you are facing.
- Something to think or journal about: If you repeated the steps you took to seek help, would you still do the same? If you answer no, what would you do differently? What does that look like to you? Also – are there any safe adults in your life who you can talk to about your struggles? (They don’t have to be family members).
WORKING THROUGH THE ISSUES
Self-Injury: If hurting yourself is the way you are coping with all of this stress, is there another way – a safer way- to cope with these overwhelming feelings? There are some ideas here right on TC and one tool you might be able to buy online:
Depression and Anxiety: Did you know you can talk to your pediatrician about your depression and anxiety? He or she may be able to help you. In most states, by your age you can ask to see them alone for regular physicals or if you are sick. They may be able to help you. If you attend a public school, you may be able to receive services there. Ask a guidance counselor and tell them about your situation. In the meantime, you can work on some of your issues with tools we have right here:
Hopelessness and loneliness: I know life can be quite difficult to navigate sometimes but DON’T GIVE UP! If you ever feel like you need someone to talk to just remember, Teen Central Community is here to help. If you feel like you want to seek more help, try talking to your parents or someone you trust (like a counselor, therapist, etc.) about ways that they might be able to advocate for you. If this does not work and you need immediate help you can always reach out to…
Crisis Textline
Available 24/7
Support to all individuals in crisis
Text “HOME” to 741741
www.crisistextline.org
Remember there is always more beyond what we see, we just have to be brave enough to endure the difficulties along the way. Continue to look for safe people in your family and friendships, or even your community. Focus your efforts into creating relationships that support and build YOU, and as always, Teen Central will be here if you need us!
