Depression / Question
Published: May 13, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I don't know what this is exactly, maybe it's just teen moods or something, but I want a second opinion. Sometimes, I am really happy and gushing and just being normal, than after a little thing, I just get really angry. Mostly with my mom and older sister (who isn't here, she's studying medicine somewhere else, we fight over the phone, and a lot when she was here) Since my mom and dad were working in U.S.A (I'm in ecuador, but I was born and grew up in new jersey) I was with my sister and grandmother. My grandma was ok, but she was really strict, and my sister was in college here before she moved to another one, so it was only the three of us. My sister wasn't home much, mostly at school and out with friends, and we got into fights alot. When my mom came and my sister went back (my dad stayed) we were loving one minute and then she was screaming at me. My sister actually vents, screams, cries, but when she's screaming at me, I just ball up my fists and wait for it to be over. Then I go to my room, lock the door, and I feel a great pressure in my chest. I don't cry, I just sit in the dark, waiting for the feeling to pass. My mom the next day is totally over it, but I can't, it's still there and it's akward for me to talk to her, one worded responses. I'm gloomy at school, but my friends rarely notice it (I'm good at hiding them, and I'm not close-close to anyone), only one friend notices, but dismisses it when I say I'm alright. I space out alot to when I'm like that, and I get in trouble. When I'm angry, I start hitting things, thinking it will alleviate me, but it doesn't. At night, when I try to go to sleep, I can't, then I fall asleep at like 1:00 am, which uis bad considering I get up at 5:30pm. I feel very tired on the bus and in school (obviously) and my friend usually shakes me up, to get my attention. Also, my mom has anger problems, but she, like my sister, vents and then feels better, I don't. My mom, a doctor, says that it's just the teen moods, but I wanted to get a second opinio
Signed: Just Teen Moods?
Dear Just Teen Moods?,
What you are describing does not sound like “teen moods.” It is possible that you are dealing with a mood disorder. Since your mother has anger problems and “vents,” it is also possible that you have not been taught effective methods of dealing with your emotions. In addition, the changes in your mood may be due to relationship issues and certain family dynamics you have had to deal with over the years. Or it could be some combination of the three.
Without being able to complete a full evaluation, FX cannot give any kind of accurate diagnosis or assessment of the situation. But we do feel it would be helpful for you to meet with a mental health professional who can. It is important for you to find out what is contributing to the thoughts and feelings you describe so that an effective treatment plan can be put into place to alleviate your symptoms.
Adolescence can be a difficult time – hormonal changes, beginning strides towards greater independence, peer pressures, and so much self-discovery – it is easy for teens to experience a certain amount of moodiness. However, not all mood changes in teens can simply be chalked up to “teen moods.” Mood disorders, problematic family dynamics, an insufficient knowledge of effective coping mechanisms – these are things that do not just go away once adolescence is over. Teens dealing with these issues require support and guidance, including help from mental health professionals. So please seek out help for yourself from a licensed therapist so you can get the help you need to feel better. To find a therapist, ask a staff member at school or your family doctor.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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