Depression / Question
Published: January 22, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I HATE CHRISTMAS, it is fine for others but every year to me it just highlights how useless I've become and how much I've not achieved, it just proves that my life still hasn't changed (improved) from one year to the next. I hate it I can't honestly remember a Christmas where I haven't cried, and even considered suicide on Christmas day. Also Christmas is a family time and I have a horrible family, especially my mother, who is mean to me and always puts me down in everything that I do. And its a time for friends and this has been my worst year ever all my friends have moved on and drifted away, as I am in my last school year ready for leaving. I now have no friends left. I really don't know if I can suffer another Christmas. My life doesn't seam worthwhile any more. And I feel so meaningless please help.
Signed: Hate Christmas
Dear Hate Christmas,
TeenHealthFX hears just how down you really are. Depression and suicidal thoughts are hard enough to deal with throughout the year and then holidays get thrown into the mix. Holidays are supposed to represent such a happy time, but unfortunately if someone is feeling depressed; a holiday (Christmas) can make them feel even worse.
You are not alone. Many people suffer from depression and it definitely does become more intense around the holidays. You need to get yourself some help to get you through this difficult time and on the road to recovery. TeenHealthFX realizes that this probably looks impossible right now, especially since you have been feeling this way for so long. But in time and with the right help you can begin to feel better.
If you think you might hurt yourself or are afraid of your suicidal thoughts, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room for help. If you live in northern New Jersey you can call the Atlantic Health Systems Crisis Hotline at 973-540-1400 for direct assistance. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
If you need help to find a therapist in northern New Jersey, contact the ACCESS Center at Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400. You can also log onto the SAMSHA website for referrals and information if you live outside of our area.
Feeling alone (poor family relationships, lack of friends), feeling worthless and not having anything to live for is no way to live your life. So please, take FX's advice and get some help ASAP.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
7-10% of college students will drop out of school because of credit problems.
