I’ve been struggling for the past 9 years, I (F17) was diagnosed with major depressive disorder in 4th grade, and I am now in my senior year of high school. I’m finding it hard to do even basic things like eat, shower, and get out of bed. This was all because of one comment that my brain decided was the trigger to push us back over the edge. I am in therapy, and she wants to see me more often to make sure my eating habits get fixed again and also to make sure I stay alive. But I’m just struggling to find things to hold onto.
HELP YOURSELF:
- The first thing I want to say is thank you for having the courage to reach out to TeenCentral for guidance. Reaching out for help is very difficult, so be proud of yourself for making that big step.
- What you are describing is a very horrible way to feel and pretty serious. I see that you mentioned that you are currently in therapy. That is an important step to finding better ways to deal with extreme emotions and learning what triggers them. Stay with it- don’t let yourself pull away from therapy on those down days. Maybe even have someone you trust help remind and support you on the days you have appointments. You don’t have to do it alone.
- You stated that your therapist wants to see you more frequently. That is a good thing as well. Make those appointments. Below are numbers to call just in case you find yourself (or someone you know) in a crisis and needs help when you can’t speak to your therapist. You can always reach out to get support:
Crisis Textline
Available 24/7
Support to all individuals in crisis
Text “HOME” to 741741
www.crisistextline.org
National Suicide Hotline
Available 24/7 – In order to reach the National Suicide Hotline you DIAL or TEXT 988 – or CHAT at 988lifeline.org.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
CONSIDER THIS:
- Here on the Teen Central website you can find resources that might help you. Under the Learn Tab click on depression. This will give you a better understanding of what depression is and ideas for ways to manage it.
- In the Tools Tab you can find:
Depression- https://teencentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/010_0004Depression_booklet.pdf
Guided Journal Questions- https://teencentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/016_0028A2_GuidedJournalQuestions.pdf
Making a Support Plan- https://teencentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/My-Support-Plan.pdf
Weekly Mood Tracker- https://teencentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/016_0028B_TCWeeklyMoodTracker.pdf
Positive Daily Reminder- https://teencentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/016_0028i_TCPositiveReminder.pdf
- You may also want to try and find some places in your area where you can meet/ spend time with other people who have similar interests to you. If your interests include art, sports, music, etc, check out local venues and events where you can keep yourself occupied, have fun and meet other people who will help keep you motivated.
- Most importantly- know that you are not alone. You got this!!!
