Teenage Depression

Hi everyone. I'm 15 years old, and I am not sure if I'm depressed. I am under the impression that most teenagers are depressed, but I really don't know to what extent. I really can't remember the last time I was truly happy, and my mood range seems to go from moderately sad to unbearably sad. Even when good things happen to me, I will feel depressed or guilty about it. I really do not want to sound like I'm complaining though. I realize I will most likely pass through this. At the moment, though, I really do feel depressed, and I have no one I feel comfortably talking about it with. My mom died when I was 7, and I'm starting to think my dad is just a grumpy old man. I feel like most of my friends do not really like me, and I don't remember the last time I discussed anything remotely serious with them. My grades are really sleeping, as I am getting mostly C's and D's at the moment (this is a problem I am trying to fix). Again, I really don't want to sound like I'm complaining. I know that all teens have mood swings, and I realize so many people have it much worse than me, so I have no right to feel this way. I am just wondering, though, is it normal for a 15 year old male to feel this sad and hopeless most of the time, and should I seek help of some kind?

Hi Jesler729 - welcome to PC.

Is it normal to feel the way you've described? Not so much, especially if it lasts a long time or shows up a lot.

Have you talked to a school counsellor or your dad about how you feel right now? Might be something that would really help - and if you can't go to your dad, at least try to go to the counsellor - they're there to help you.

Hope that helped some and again welcome to PC.

Thank you for the quick replies. Yeah, I've thought about talking to the school counsellor. Something about it kind of bothers me though. I mean, just thinking about how many kids she probably sees a day, it just doesn't seem very personal. I know I probably should though.

I understand. Trust me though - the counsellors actually do care about each and every student that comes through their doors. (Otherwise they're in the wrong profession - lol)

Just think about it, ultimately it's your decision what you decide to do - and for the record, going the first time to just talk to someone can be mildly alienating but it gets easier.

one of my best friends is a school counselor and she cares about every student she sees. it's not that much different from being in a private practice. i think it would be a good idea to at least check in with your counselor. you might be surprised and get some really good help there........xoxoxo pat

Another resource would be your doctor, whether he/she is a GP or family practice or internal medicine. I started my severe depressions at 15. My mother also died when I was a teenager & my father wasn't "there" for us kids. I called my doc (who was a pediatrician) & she was great. She really listened & I ended up going in to see her once a week, almost like therapy. I was away at a boarding school so the dorm parent took me in & the doc never told my dad (which I requested) & never charged me for the visits! She came to my wedding years later. --Hope you do reach out to someone. Teenage years are hard, but the unrelenting depression need not be there. Both of my kids had depression (one in high school & one in college) & went on medication & went to therapy. It really helped & neither of them are on medication now so it's not like you have to take it the rest of your life. Some people just go through one period of depression & it doesn't come back after treatment. Let us know how you are doing.--Suzy

Hello and Welcome.

Please trust them and talk to your counselor. I bet they would be able to help you in some way.
I'm sorry you are having a rough time and hope it changes for you soon.

Take care,
Linda