Hello,

First, it is good that you are reaching out for help. Your feelings are certainly valid and real. Depression can feel very lonely. Your parents care deeply for you, but may not know what to say to help you. They may feel frustrated with themselves for not being able to bring you out of your depression. But remember, only you can bring yourself out of depression... no one else can do it for you. And you CAN do it, even if right now it doesn't seem so.

There are two parts to your recovery: Actions and thoughts. It is hard for you to get out of bed and go to school. You feel like sleeping, or spending the day on the Internet. Plus, you no longer exercise. While it seems that's all you can do, you must take small steps back to normal activity. Take a short walk outside, even just for a few minutes. Staying in bed will prevent you from feeling better. Try to make the effort, no matter how small.

Also, with your depression, your thoughts are negative and self-defeating. It is hard to think positively when you feel depressed. The world seems dark, without hope, and all is gloomy. This is how you feel, and your feelings are valid. However, I invite you to challenge those feelings of self-defeat. How true are they? Or, are they just thought habits you have slipped into? While your negative feelings and thoughts are very real, it does not mean they are true. Think of the things you have accomplished in life, and areas where you have succeeded. You CAN do it! Do not allow those negative, self-defeating thoughts to dominate. The glass is not half empty... it is half full. There are indeed positive ways of looking at ourselves and our world. You CAN do it.

Best wishes!