Hi audrey. I am glad to hear that you are finally able to move out of your horrible household situation. I hope thinks work out living with your boyfriend.

When we were last speaking we were talking about persuing therapy. I was wondering if you have looked into that. You were not sure of the benefits but I can assure you that once you find the right therapist for you they can help you understand a lot about the way you feel the way you do and how to improve it. They can teach you coping skills to help you survive the difficult times of depression and anxiety. And ultimately ways to improve your life so that you are more in control of some of these feelings.

A psychiatrist can also prescribe medications that can help if they determine you need them. If you have a chemical imbalance, that will keep you feeling depressed no matter what you do. Medicines have come a long way in a very short period of time. You have to give them time to work, several weeks usually, and sometimes it takes a while to find the right medication for you, as everyone responds differently. The medication will not "cure" your depression, but they will lift the barrier that keeps you from getting relief from the depression no matter what you do (assuming there is an imbalance at the root of your problem. Only a doctor can determine that).

You were worried about what your family would think if you were in therapy, but they have been treating you badly, so why should you put what they think above your own well being? If there is a possibility of feeling better by persuing treatment, are you going to cut yourself off from that possibility, and continue to suffer, because of what they might think? I am hoping that movine out of their household will make it more comfortable for you to find treatment. Check with your local hospital or mental health clinic and they can give you information on what is available and what you can afford, if that is also an issue.

>>Why is it that people care about children more than they care about adults?

I'm not sure that people care more about children but they are much more prone to advocate for them, because unlike adults, children don't have the option of making their own choices or finding ways to improve their situation. For example you have options that you are pursuing, starting with moving out of your house and in with your boyfriend. You have the option of seeking treatment for yourself. If things don't work out you have the option of trying to find a way to find a place of your own, find someone to share room rent with, etc. Children have none of these options and don't even know that options exist. They need someone to look out for them, especially if their family won't, because they are unable to look out for themselves. Even coming here for support and advice is not an option for young children.

I hope that moving out will be a big step for you toward feeling better. I also really hope you are able to seek treatment because it sounds like it would really benefit you.

Keep posting here for support, too. You can also try to find a local support group in your area, these are usually free. You don't get treatment by a professional at a support group but it helps to talk and share and be around other people who can understand.

Good luck and keep us posted.

-- The world is what we make of it --
-- Dave
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