In combination with @HalfAnEmma 's, @MC_Scout 's and all the other suicide, depression, sadness, coming out threads, I decided to make my own one. Like you're the right person to tell us what to do Kate. Indeed, I'm just a 14 years old teenager just like you. I am not here to help you but to give you some advice and inform you about some things you might as well already know. Let's start off by talking about depression. I think all of you made up a whole different meaning for this disorder. So what's depression? According to the Internet it says: "Sadness or downswings in mood are normal reactions to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness. Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all—they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless. Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief." And the treatment for it: 1) Learn as much as you can about your depression It’s important to determine whether your depression symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition. If so, that condition will need to be treated first. The severity of your depression is also a factor. The more severe the depression, the more intensive the treatment you're likely to need. 2) Get social support. The more you cultivate your social connections, the more protected you are from depression. If you are feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to talk to trusted family members or friends, or seek out new connections at a depression support group, for example. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness and it won’t mean you’re a burden to others. Often, the simple act of talking to someone face-to-face can be an enormous help. 3) Treatment takes time and commitment. All of these depression treatments take time, and sometimes it might feel overwhelming or frustratingly slow. That is normal. Recovery usually has its ups and downs. 4) Excersise. Regular exercise can be as effective at treating depression as medication 5) Eating well is important for both your physical and mental health. 6) Sleep has a strong effect on mood. When you don't get enough sleep, your depression symptoms will be worse. Sleep deprivation exacerbates irritability, moodiness, sadness, and fatigue. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night. 7) Make changes in your life to help manage and reduce stress. Too much stress exacerbates depression and puts you at risk for future depression. Take the aspects of your life that stress you out, such as work overload or unsupportive relationships, and find ways to minimize their impact. As you can see I bolded the phrase "face-to-face"?. That's because mostly all teenagers who struggle with puberty and TEENAGE depression often complain about their problems on the internet. Yes, some of the do it for attention but some of them just want social support. Talking to someone in real life or via skype will help you a lot more than writing your thought on facebook, twitter, tumblr and generally every social media. First of all you will get hate and that will make you feel even worse than you are. So the best thing to do is to call hotlines or talk to your PARENTS. Incase your parents don't understand you then talk to the closest person you have, either friends or relatives and be sure that the person won't spread rumors but will help you and keep you company. As you can see, many people on this community offers to help those who struggle with depression and they are DIAGNOSED with it. What comes next? Of course cutting/self-harming. So what's cutting, you may ask? " It's a practice that is foreign, frightening, to parents. It is not a suicide attempt, though it may look and seem that way. Cutting is a form of self-injury -- the person is literally making small cuts on his or her body, usually the arms and legs. It's difficult for many people to understand. But for kids, cutting helps them control their emotional pain, psychologists say." And the treatment for it: Psychotherapy should be the first step in treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones. Dialectical behavior therapy, a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches behavioral skills to help you tolerate distress, manage or regulate your emotions, and improve your relationships with others. Psychodynamic psychotherapy, which focuses on identifying past experiences, hidden memories or interpersonal issues at the root of your emotional difficulties through self-examination guided by a therapist. Mindfulness-based therapies, which help you live in the present, appropriately perceive the thoughts and actions of those around you to reduce your anxiety and depression, and improve your general well-being. TL;DR: Just go to a doctor/therapist to tell you what to do. And the last stage of depression is suicide. Suiciding is the last thing every person should think of. Ending your life can have a huge impact on your parent's lives and of course the people who care about you. Basically if you think about commiting suicide, immediately ask for help. Follow the treaments from above and I guess and hope you will be alright. Now what causes depression and its stages? Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can cause depression later in life. Certain medications. Conflict. Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends. Death or a loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression. Genetics. A family history of depression may increase the risk. It's thought that depression is a complex trait that may be inherited across generations, although the genetics of psychiatric disorders are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington's chorea or cystic fibriosis Major events. Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring. Other personal problems. Problems such as social isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can lead to depression. Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or is a reaction to the illness. Substance abuse. Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have major or clinical depression. About confession threads. I have seen plenty of them around the forums. Honestly, you guys shouldn't be afraid to say to the public what you really are. You are extremely brave to confess something this and we are all proud. We should accept you for who you are and always treat you the same way (a good way of course). We love you and we will always be here for you. So basically that's all I have to say for now. If you want to add something then go on and write it on the comments. Love, Kate
Thanks for taking your time to make this thread, I'm sure a lot of people will benefit from this. Once again, thanks for everything Kate c:
Everything stated here is 1000% truthful. I have had depression (i was diagnosed with it) for almost a year now; but I'm progressively getting better. Yes, I have my bad days; but everyone does at some point. If I ever get any depressing or sad thoughts, I try my hardest to push them out of my mind. I've been better for a while now. Thanks, Kate, this needed to be said. Words can't describe how much I love this thread right now.