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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Depression > Clinical depression or PTSD?
Posted on: 04/05/2007
Question
Could i have Clinical Depression or PTSD IF: I have had depression/anxiety for 3 years But the depression/hurt i feel goes away for a while, but it comes back within a week or two but the pain is worse the next time it comes back? i started feeling depressed when my dad and my brother got into a physical fight when i was 11 it didn't really effect me then, but it does now. everything got worse when my best friend died when i was 12, i still mourn from it and i don't know if it's normal, i continue to have flash backs of both the incidents, and i blame my self continually, i don't know what to do anymore i'm scared to tell my parents and i have talk openly to my friends and they don't know what to do anymore either
Answer
Dear Teen, Depression and anxiety may come and go somewhat depending on your stress level or even biochemical factors. The significant thing to me from your question is that you have had these symptoms for so long and they come back. You may also be having symtoms of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) with witnessing violence and your best friend dying especially if you are experiencing flash backs. These events are not your fault and your self blame and self criticism will only increase your depression. Please let your parents know that you are having some symptoms of depression which is the most common diagnosis we see and you have been advised by a professional to get help. You can talk to your family doctor, school counselor, or trusted adult to learn where you can get help. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD can all be treated very successfully, but you need to see a professional counselor. It is good to share some of this with your friends for support, but they can only help you to a point. If your parents have a hard time understanding, sometimes it is helpful to get another adult to talk with them like your school counselor or teacher. Don't put off getting help because an untreated depression can get worse over time and you do not need to suffer!