Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Depression > Need help for depression
Posted on: 03/17/2004
Question
i just turned 15. i've been depressed for the past couple of years. at first it was just constant sadness. it never went away. then i started to cut. it's been a year. deep scars. now i think i have an eating disorder, i think. i haven't eaten in 3 days now. i've been skipping meals for 7 1/2 months. i've lost weight and the hair on my head is falling out. more than half of it is gone, not exaggerating... i've been contemplating suicide for almost 9 months... my memory stopped working. i wake up every morning not knowing what day it is, what happed the previous day, and i barely know who i am. and when i cut, i barely feel it. i cut because the blood reminds me i'm alive. the scars do too. but i can't ever remember doing it. i'm so depressed. i've tried seeking help but that just went down the drain.
Answer
Thanks for not giving up and writing to us. Your assessment of yourself is correct that you need some help quickly with several problems. Your system in Canada is a little different, but I am sure they have someone who can help. First of all is there anyone in your family who can help you find medical/mental health help. If you feel you can't ask you parents how about an Aunt or family friend. Is there a counselor or nurse at your school, who could find out where you can get help? Do you have a regular doctor you could talk to? Is there a suicide hotline in the phone book you could call and there could sent you somewhere for help? If all else fails go to an emergency room and tell them exactly what you told us. I am sure that one of these places can get you together with someone who can evaluate you for medicine and find you someone to do talk to and be you therapist. People do get better from problems like yours. Please keep trying!
