Drawing Exercises

My parents don't seem to listen, and I'm depressed?

Please read this before answering. I'm a 16-year-old, and I definately believe that I have depression. I always feel stressed when there isn't anything to stress about, I keep forgetting every little thing, I just want to sleep all the time and don't feel rested when I wake up, I can't seem to feel happy other than laughing when something funny happens, I'm easily irritated when other people try to talk to me or call me, and I don't enjoy doing anything any more (even hanging out with my friends who I love dearly). I feel like my life is really empty right now because I have an impossible time trying to focus on even school work or my writing, and I have no inspiration to do anything AT ALL. I also have a hard time thinking anything good about myself, which I used to be able to do. I often have random crying spells too. However, I AM NOT suicidal and do not want to be directed to an emergency hot line or anything like that. Suicide is something I never, ever see myself doing. I am also homeschooled, so please don't direct me to a school counselor, which I have seen many people say to questions like these. I have taken online quizzes (which are not always accurate, I know), and they all say that I have moderate to severe depression and beg me to get help. I've talked to both my parents, but my Dad says that: 1. It may be caused by lack of exercise (I'm not overweight- actually very skinny, but I barely get exercise in) since he knew that even he was much happier when he was more active. Even if this is the problem, no one in my family does anything to help me exercise or get fresh air when I ask/plead for it. My Mom makes excuses not to take me to the gym or pool, my Dad is always working, and I'm not allowed to go out by myself. I can not drive yet. 2. He says that what I'm feeling also sounds like what a lot of extremely gifted artistic types go through. I do love writing/sketching, but this answer I am absolutely not satisfied with. My IQ is 127, but I've never found myself able to do anything special that someone else around me couldn't do much better. This may just be the depression talking, but it's the way I feel. My Mom never gives me much of a response, and although she tries to seem genuine, she doesn't appear to take it very seriously. My Mom isn't adamant about it, but by the way she complains about her life and always finds a way to ignore the meaning of what I'm really talking about and start talking about what she's doing, it's not hard to tell that she's a bit narcistic. Don't get me wrong. I'm not some brooding teenager who hates my life and my parents. I know I have a good life, but I just can't enjoy it at all. I love my parents dearly also, but they don't seem to be listening. Please tell me what I should do. I feel utterly trapped, and I don't know what else to do. I don't need a pep talk (those never work any more, unfortunately), I just need to be guided. Please. Also- I'm not sure if this even affects anything, but- --I don't do drugs. --I don't use alcohol. --I am not, nor have I ever been, sexually active. I don't eat a lot of sugar. I probably eat the most vegetables and fruit out of anyone else in my family. Yes, I am a Christian for those wondering, and I do need to trust God more. When I trust Him, it always relaxes me. Thanks to all of you who have tried to help so far. Your answers have been great.

Public Comments

1. my best friend just was diagnosed and i think that you should talk to someone like a guidance councilor because its not something to joke around with. and see if she can maybe talk to your parents into getting you to see a psychiatrist. But talking to someone other then your parents might be a big start. But exercises creates endorphins that make you happy, so it might not hurt to try running too! that would help especially if you do have depression.
2. I'll bet your diet is your problem Too much sugar at the wrong times
3. I completely understand where you are coming from. Whenever I try to tell my parents that I think I am depressed, they tell me how much harder their childhoods were, and then tell me to stop being and attention-seeking drama queen. Direct quote. My best advice is to set aside a time every day to worry about everything. Say, 4 pm is worry time. If at any time throughout your day you feel stressed or overwhelmed, stop yourself, step back, and say to yourself 'no, I will think about this at 4/I already worried about that.' If you really can't get the ideas out of your head, think 'Is there anything I can do about this situation right now?' If the answer is yes, do it! If not, then just accept that it is unchangeable, and obsessing over it is just torturing yourself. Also, though it may sound cheesy, appreciate the little things. The different textures or colors of everyday objects, the feeling of taking a deep breath. There are a thousand little ways to calm yourself down. As for telling your parents, just tell them about your view of your life, and tell them exactly what you want to have change. If they don't listen, then try on your own. In two years, you'll be on your own, may as well be ready.
4. Sometimes people dont understand what you are going thru. Me i have had these problems. Me mine comes from my past I was raped as a child by a family member, homeless when my mom got on drugs, beat by my mate. But I had to give my troubles to God. I dont kno how religious you are. I'm not a saint but I do Honor my Lord. Parents are not the best people to talk to sometimes, Talk to a close friend. Sometimes it is easier to talk to strangers because they dont know you personally so they cant judge you or alter their opinions to fit what they think you should hear. I think the best thing you have done so far was write your feelings on here. I'm not a counselor but take time and do some fun things, do some new things. Get out and socialize. My little boy is irritated very easily he like people to leave him alone. Sometimes you would think he have the weight od the world on his shoulders and its at those times I realize he needs my attention. I try and let him do stuff to get his mind off things, Sometimes we wrestle or just get out the house and play and after that he is back to normal. Also tell your parents how you feel tell them you dont feel like are listening. Tell them to hear your cry. Hope this helps :-)