Depression / Question
Published: July 26, 2006
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I think I may have depression. I don't know if it is temporary or not. I have shown several classic symptoms of depression for nearly three months now, and I am so afraid to ask for help. I feel like there shouldn't be anything wrong with me, and I can't talk to my family about it, because I don't want it to become a huge ordeal. My mom has three sisters - the way they gossip, my problems would be all over the family before the words even left my mouth. I really don't want to draw any attention to myself because I am ashamed that I can't shake this feeling. Are there tips for dealing with possible depression without seeking help? Should I just treat the symptoms as they appear?
Signed: Can I Deal With My Depression On My Own Without Seeking Help?
Dear Can I Deal With My Depression On My Own Without Seeking Help?,
TeenHealthFX wants to be clear that if you are dealing with depression, it does not mean that something is “wrong” with you or that it is something to be ashamed of. Depression has a biological component to it, meaning that it is not the result of a weakness in personality and meaning that it is not something that anyone dealing with it can just “shake” off. The same as a medical problem would, it requires treatment by an experienced professional.
FX thinks that it is important that you speak with a mental health professional so that you can be properly diagnosed, so that an effective treatment plan can be set up for you, to help you can process the negative feelings you have about the idea of being depressed, and to assist you and your family in being educated about the facts of depression in terms of cause, symptoms and treatment.
If you are worried about your family’s not respecting your privacy about this, FX recommends talking to your mother about your concerns and stressing to her how important it is to you that she not tell her sisters or anyone else in the family about the situation until and unless you tell her it is okay to do so. If she does not respect your wishes, FX thinks that is all the more reason to be meeting with a therapist, as a therapist can meet with you and your mother to address issues about any personal boundaries between the two of you that are not being respected.
If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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