TeenHealthFX - Answers - Don't Want To Be Made Fun Of Because Of Depression

Depression / Question
Published: September 30, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I'm a 16 year old girl and I really feel like I've been through a lot. My sister was depressed when I was in 5th and 6th grade and I woke up to screaming fights every morning to get her to go to school. Soon after that my dad had an affair with a woman he met online. After that I became depressed and started cutting myself. I've been doing it for two years and I just recently started again after having a four-month break from it. I told this guy that I just met and I really don't know why I told him everything. He said he wouldn't say anything but I'm so scared he will because people have told me he is a liar. I don't know what to do. Should I confront him about it or let it go? If he tells people and I'm made fun of because of my depression I don't know what I'll do. I'm so upset and I can't tell anyone that I told him! You don't have to say cutting is wrong, because I know...that's not the problem right now...thank you for your help, I just really needed a place to vent. Scared for my Life

Signed: Don't Want To Be Made Fun Of Because Of Depression

Dear Don't Want To Be Made Fun Of Because Of Depression,

TeenHealthFX is glad you wrote - you have a lot going on in your life and that is probably why you shared with this boy. It sounds like he listened to what was going on with you. You should talk to him about your fears about him spilling the beans on you with other kids. Ask him to honor your privacy and hopefully he will.

We will not lecture you about cutting - you can read all about and find resources in our section on cutting. However, we do recommend that you talk to an adult that you trust about being depressed and cutting yourself. Depression is an illness that can be treated effectively with therapy, medication or a combination of both. A professional can help you to sort through and understand what is going on in your life. Talk to your parents, a school counselor or nurse, or your doctor, they can help you get the professional help that you need.

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. For information and resources about cutting, check out Self-Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E.).

If you get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Signed: TeenHealthFX