#
depression
It is a great first step that you recognize that you are feeling down. You are not alone in feeling like this, as a lot of people have good days and bad days. Take some time to think of when you first noticed yourself feeling down. Did something specific happen? Personally, I always start feeling down when a lot of things start piling up on me: school, athletics and work. Maybe it has been a culmination of various emotions, like stress and anxiety. How long have you been feeling down? If it is just a bad day, try to take some time for yourself to do things that make you happy. Practice your favorite form of self care. Maybe go for a walk, journal, meditate, paint your nails, bake, cook; whatever makes YOU the happiest! However, if this has been going on for a while, it might be time to reach out for help. If you feel like your parents won’t understand, see your school counselor. Also, check out our resources for extra support. Teenline might be a great place to start, since you can connect with another trusted teen.
A helpful resource:
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/why-am-i-sad-for-no-reason#other-factors
I am really sorry you are feeling this way. While it is easier said than done, you deserve to love and appreciate yourself. Start to think about what you hate about yourself, and then speak positively to whatever that is. For instance, if you hate your legs, start saying to yourself how you are grateful that you have legs that keep you up and help you walk. If you hate how you get anxious in public, start to think about little ways you can do things in public, and then be proud of yourself for doing whatever it was. Please reach out to a trusted adult or a parent if you cannot get out of this rut. Therapy might be another option to consider so you can start to learn more about yourself and begin a journey of self-love. Here is an article to learn more about why it is important to practice self love.
A helpful resource:
https://www.teenhealth101.org/post/the-importance-of-practicing-self-love
Some mornings, it can be very difficult to get out of bed. I especially have a harder time getting out of bed once daylight savings happens and it’s really cold outside. If this is happening for multiple days in a row, you might want to think about what is going on in your life during that time. Is the sun setting earlier? Is it getting colder outside? Are you getting stressed about a test or a sports game? If you can identify something, it might help you to slowly start to feel better. Also, try to find something you look forward to in the morning that can help encourage you to get out of bed. Maybe your morning cup of coffee or snuggles with your dog will make you feel more motivated to get up in the morning. If you cannot think of anything that you look forward to in the morning, try to establish something for yourself! If you think you might be depressed, here is an article to learn more about the symptoms and causes of depression. Please reach out to a trusted adult if you think you might be depressed.
A helpful resource:
I am so sorry you are feeling this way. Sometimes life can feel pointless when you have a million things going on at once, and it can also feel pointless when you have nothing going on. Sometimes when I am juggling work, school and sports I pause for a moment and think, “What is the point of all of this?!” Try to think about whether there is one small thing that brings you joy. For example, your pet, fresh air, your coffee in the morning, etc. Thinking of that one thing right then and there might bring you some happiness. If you have not considered it before, try out journaling, meditating or starting each day off with gratitude. If nothing else is making you happy, please seek out a professional to talk to. Here is an article to learn more about how to stay mentally healthy, and enjoy life.
A helpful resource:
https://www.teenhealth101.org/post/test-taking-stress-how-is-it-caused-how-can-you-overcome-it
It is okay to feel down from time to time, but if you are continually feeling this way, you should seek out a professional or trusted adult to talk to. If you are comfortable, please also talk to any family members or friends to let them know what is going on. It is not normal to feel this way for a long period of time, so please seek out the appropriate help and know that you are loved and valued. Check out our resources to get some guidance and help. If you are feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
A helpful resource:
https://www.healthline.com/health/suicide-and-suicidal-behavior
