depressino at 17

[kissable_moi]

hi, i am suffering from depression at 17, i am on anti-depressants, i am also studying for 5 a levels and a GCSE retake, i am in clarinet choir, concert band and symphonic wind band, i was wondering, do the school need to know how i am feeling and that i am on medication, would it help the stress of cuorsework if they knew the real reasons as to why i struggle so much? thank you

[mullein3]

it sounds like you are doing too much..perhaps you could give one of your interests up..just for now till you have finished your exams..being on anti deppressants at your age is a scandal...why didnt you try st johns wort and some relaxation therapys?and tried to destress yourself..taking pills is not the answer and they can get addictive...and then their are the side effects..perhaps you should have a word with the school about it..and try to plan the course work so its less work and you get more rest..if you can stop taking the pills they are not the answer they are just an escape and you have to come back and face reality you are doing too much and need more time to relax..take care..

[missyk82]

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you are feeling like this. I know it is not nice.I'm 23 and have suffered with severe depression since I was 19/20. I had to leave my job becuase I just could not take the stress. I couldn't cope with making a simple phone call to the bank. My mind needed a good rest. Im still om medication and am hoping to return to work soon. My advice to you is to speak to your form tutor or another teacher that you trust, and they will tell you who you need to inform and help you with the follwing steps. It sounds as if you are doing to much and your mind cannot cope. You cannot keep pushing yourself. Also speak to your parents about how you are feeling and your GP or psychiatrist if you have one.

[rachela500]

I would be tempted to tell as few people as possible, otherwise you will give them an opinion of your personality that will last for ages, even when you are feeling better.

Why do you feel depressed? Are you taking on too much and trying to please too many people? Perhaps if you drop one thing you do, it may ease the pressure a bit.

You are very young to be on anti-depressants but they are good for getting your mood lifted in the short term. Try to feel positive about the good things in your life.

Good luck!

[missyk82]

Also don't feel ashamed of how you are feeling. Your family and TRUE friends will not judge you. The people who do judge you aren't worth worrying about. They obviously just dont know anything about depression. There's nothing wrong with admitting you have depression. It is an illness just like any other. Accept it's in the mind and can't be seen. I tried herbal remedies and they did not work for me. I did need medication but am not ashamed to admit that. It's easy for other people to judge and pass comment when they have no idea what your going through. It's easy to say "you should do this and you should do that" but sometimes it's not always easy or the right thing for you to do.Depression can hit anyone at any age like any other illness can. It's sometimes a chemical inbalance on the brain and not always "something" thats going on depressing you. It's important to find people you can talk to. Don't keep it bottled up.

[shaneystar2]

It's not easy and you are very young to be feeling so down.
Try not to take on too much .Speak to your parents or a sympathetic teacher. They need to know how you feel to be able to help you..In the meantime try and fit in some exercise... a nice swim a couple of times a week does wonders. Get out in the fresh air when you can for for a brisk walk.
It's nothing to be ashamed of .Depression can hit anyone whatever their age.I hope you soon feel better and good luck with your studies.

[WendyS]

From what you tell us, it does rather sound as if you're a high achiever and I'm wondering if your own personal ambitions (or your parents' ambitions for you) are putting too much stress on you. I imagine you must have very little time and space just to "sit and be" at the moment. All of us need some personal space in our lives, especially when hard-pressed. wich I imagine you are, with exams hanging over your head. Could you suspend some of your musical activities for a while just to give yourself a break?

There's no need to tell your school about your depression unless you have a particular teacher who you trust, in which case confiding in just one person might be a help. The run-up to A levels is a particularly stressful time and I think shaneystar's advice to try and get a little gentle exercise & fresh air is sensible as, apart from anything else, it will relax your brain, which is probably in overdrive at the moment, with all your commitments. Just as important, do talk to your parents and let them know how you are feeling.

[jon1968]

There�s some great advice from people there KM. You�re doing too much. Are your musical interests linked to your A-levels?

If not then give them a break for a while, your music teacher or whoever�s in charge will understand that you just need a couple of months off to concentrate on your exams - if you enjoy them and they help you relax then keep the music up but only to a level you enjoy.

Most of all give yourself some time to yourself - just have an hour here or there to unwind - either a nice walk/swim/exercise or a slob out! Believe me it�ll refresh you no end.
Talk to your parents, tell them how you�re feeling. And find someone to talk to about absolute nonsense (Eastenders/Corrie etc.) to give yourself a break.

[Ward-Minter]

I am not a doctor or psychologist in any way shape or form so feel free to knock this answer.

I have dealt with other peoples' depression and anxiety and the best advice I ever gave was simply "get a grip therapy" i.e deal with it or don't.

The way I knew some people dealt with it was to visit Children's Hospices on a voluntary basis. Once there, the world doesn't seem like such a closed and lonely space.

You are so young to feel so sad. Christ, I would do anything to be 17 again, but that ain't gonna happen. I know it's easy to sit here worry free and give advice to somebody i do not know on a subject I have no knowledge about but can you just not snap out of it?

I wish you all the best child, and good luck in your exams.

PS Have you considered a career in a Military Band? Most infantry regiments have one and its a fantastic way of life for those who want to belong.