I'm 16 and I used to be very depressed - I still get short episodes, but I'm trying actively to turn my life around. I used to be lazy and stay indoors, but I don't anymore - this summer holidays, I volunteered 5 days a week for two different charities, went out and saw my friends, and I also go to the gym for an hour every day. When I get back to school, I plan on carrying on volunteering at weekends and going to the gym after the school day has finished.
I do think all this has helped because I don't feel depressed anymore, but I still can't shake the feeling of emptiness, slight anxiety and unreality. I have a few things I'm nervous about - I'm going into sixth form this September, which is going to be a big change as I don't have any of my friends in my lessons. Added to that is the feeling that I'm growing apart from my friends - I feel like some of them are too childish and that all they want to do is get drunk. I now prefer the company of one of my best friends (I have two) who doesn't like these things either, whereas I used to not be so close with her as I was with the other. My other best friend is slowly getting more bitchy and into the whole 'party scene', and she thinks I'm 'not fun' for not being interested in this. I just don't like her as a person anymore. Personality-wise, I think I've changed - I talk less (I'm naturally quiet), but I feel like I'm starting to accept myself and my flaws more and care less what people think. I'm also happy to go out and be alone, which everyone thinks is strange because teenagers are supposed to be constantly surrounded by friends. I used to be very angry, especially towards my mum, but I've learnt to ignore anything that annoys me rather than snap back. People often say I'm 'not normal'. :/
I saw a therapist, but I was discharged from therapy back in July - I don't feel like I need to go back. I've accepted the depression comes and goes and I know it will eventually stop, and I feel confident that I can fight back against it. I'm just wondering why I feel so lost...?
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You feel lost because you are 16. That is a hard age because everything is changing around and you find you don't really feel right in any group. There is no problem in that because you can't find yourself until you realize you are lost. It sounds to me that you have done a miraculous job in getting to the point you are. It is true that things will change again and again but you have shone that you have what it takes to keep your feet on the ground.
Many people think that they have many friends. Most people are lucky to have several friends and one best friend is great. Never let go of a friend even when some of your ideas change. You might swing back or they may swing your way. I think you are just having a bad day which comes along very often if you don't fight back. Make your day a good one because you seem to know the way.
Hi, couple months ago I felt lonely and depressed as there were so many problems and troubles in my life .... I couldn't talk to anybody about it as I don't have a good friend for that. I don't like going to psyhologist as I'm not sick and I don't want anybody digging in my brain ... then I saw an ad at a newspaper of antistresscall talking service. I got interested. It is really very helpful service for people who feel lonely or depressed as we just need someone to talk to. I went to the web, bought talk time, they called me and now I have a very nice phonefriend who is always ready to talk to me, to listen to me. We talk about my problems or just my day and it is realy very helpful .... I feel much better now. Elen
You have matured, you have gotten wiser, that is what i think.