I am a 13 year old male and well for months now, I’ve been having depression. I told my two best friends (females) recently about it, and they told me about this website. Recently, I’ve been having thoughts on death and what and how everything would play out if I was gone and who would miss me. I’ve cried to myself almost daily, and yesterday I couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror… I don’t like telling my parents about my problems because then they just sit me down and talk to me for like an hour straight and I really just don’t want that. My friends think that a therapist would be best, but I don’t know how to break the news to my parents without that hour long talk.
CONSIDER THIS:
- Thank you for reaching out to TeenCentral. You are taking the right step by seeking help.
- Before reading any further, if you are thinking about hurting yourself, please contact 911 or access the Help page of TeenCentral for a list of support hotlines. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) offers 24/7 free and anonymous support to people who are in an emotional crisis. You can also text HOME to 741741 (the crisis text line). YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
- Sharing your thoughts with your parents might be challenging; however, doing so may help them help you get the support and care you need. Your safety and well-being are worth a longer conversation with your parents or anyone that you choose to talk with about your feelings. Keeping emotions bottled up can be hurtful. When you are depressed, sometimes your thoughts become more negative than usual, you may end up believing that no one will understand or no one can help. Take a chance by talking to a trusted adult, whether that be your parent or a therapist. It can help you feel better. Your doctor is also another trusted adult who regularly helps teens who are battling difficult emotions; please feel free to reach out to your doctor for help.
- If you are feeling intimidated or overwhelmed about talking to an adult, consider having one or both of your best friends there with you. They sound like great supports and may be able to help you get the words out and help you navigate if the conversation starts to feel too overwhelming.
- Please refer to the LEARN tab on TeenCentral.com to learn more about depression. You will also find some steps to take to make you feel better while you are getting support. This includes getting enough sleep and staying active.
HELP YOURSELF:
- Put the Suicide Hotline and Crisis Textline in your phone so you have them whenever you need them. Do not hesitate to call them 24/7 when you need someone to talk to.
- It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the negative when you are feeling depressed and lose interest in things that you enjoy. Consider making a list of things you bring you peace, calm or happiness, even if you haven’t felt that for a while and keep that list somewhere you can easily find it, even carry it with you. When you feel yourself becoming more depressed, devote some time, even 10 minutes, doing one of those things.
- Who are some trusted adults in your life you can talk to about your feelings? What would it feel like to start a conversation with them? Practice that conversation with one of your friends, in the mirror or write it in a journal. If you write down your thoughts you can also use those notes when you decide to talk to one of those people.
- Check out the TOOLS section of Teen Central, there is a Support Plan that may help you organize your thoughts and get specific about what you need.
