Basically, I’m just at a loss. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression most of my life. I told my parents I was gay last April, which didn’t go well at all. I basically spent my summer just avoiding getting in the car with my mom so she couldn’t take me to the places she had lined up to “fix it.” I’m currently in my junior year of high school, and everything has gone downhill.. School has been the one thing I had going for me in everything but now I’m even losing that. On Thursday, my drama teacher suddenly had to leave my school, which killed me. I have no idea where I would be now without her being in my life the past 4 years. I’ve just been doing so badly and then all kinds of things happened at once. I’m turning 17 in a couple weeks, which has always been the one I looked forward to. But I honestly don’t even care right now. I don’t care about much of anything I guess. I have a couple of teachers that I talk to about how I’m not having the best time, but I hate putting my problems on people. I’m also not out to any of them, just a few friends. I’m not really sure what I need from this, but I appreciate you taking the time to read this 🙂
CONSIDER THIS
You are not alone. There are many people that struggle with anxiety and depression on a daily basis, for various reasons, including the ones you have mentioned. You don’t have to let it keep you down. You can get various forms of help that would enable you to deal with the anxiety and depression.
Take a look at the Teencentral.com website. Go to the “learn” and “tools” sections and you will find some information on anxiety and depression and some exercises that you can do on your own to help you handle anxiety and depression. There are also sections about sexuality. Reading other teens stories and ways they have been in similar situations and have been able to get through it provides some hope that you, too, will find your way. Something the path is hard, but you grow into such a strong person and when you are older you will glad you learned these lessons.
Speak with your primary doctor, a therapist or even your school counselor. A primary doctor can give you a referral to see a therapist or even a psychiatrist, who may prescribe medication if needed. A therapist and/or school counselor can speak with you about your anxiety and depression and show you how to cope and possibly overcome anxiety and depression. If you don’t know how to get in touch with these people, ask an adult to help you. If you are comfortable telling your mom you need some help, or even one of the teachers you mentioned.
Speak with a trusted adult or a close friend. It’s ok to feel that you don’t want to put your problems on people. However, if you are really hurting, a close friend or trusted adult can be a listening ear, give advice and help you feel better overall. It sounds like you have a few teachers that understand where you are coming from and really would like to help you. Don’t feel bad about telling them about your life. I’m sure they are glad to be someone you can lean on.
You can also purchase a book or borrow a book from the library about depression and anxiety. Reading a book can help enlighten you and give you more Ideas about how to deal with anxiety and depression. There are also a lot of pod casts and You Tube episodes that could provide you some help. Feel free to write another story on TeenCentral as well if you need to. Putting your worries and troubles in writing can help you organize them and may even help you find some solutions.
HELP YOURSELF
What do you think triggers the anxiety and depression? What ways could you manage those triggers?
Who can you talk to about the issues you are dealing with?
What things can you do to help you deal with anxiety and depression?
What steps will you take to start to feel better?
