Depression, am I really alone?

"My name is Emily, I'm 16 and I suffer from a mental illness."

That isn't what you usually say when you meet someone, is it? When the word mental illness is said aloud, it conjures up different images such as psychiatric wards, weird people, crazies and so on.

Some of it is true, some of it is not. Your mother, father, or best friend could suffer a mental illness. They don't need to be shunned, and isolated, they need love and support just like every other person does. They also need that little extra understanding when they go through a rough patch, or a bad day. There are many forms of mental illness, some people suffer depression, manic depression, a psychotic form of depression (which is what I have), schizophrenia and the list goes on.

Depression is very common in teens. Some of the signs can be any, or all, of the following:

* Weight loss
* Weight gain
* Loss/gain of appetite
* Sleeping more or less
* Lack of interest in things that used to please you
* Feelings of sadness, loneliness or emptiness
* Low self worth
* Suicidal thoughts, and tendencies

There are many more signs, but these are the main few. If you feel that you could be depressed, please, seek treatment straight away. I suffered with my illness for a fair few years, before I got any help, which was only brought forth after one of many bungled suicide attempts.

Due to my depression, I had to leave school halfway through Year Ten. When anyone asks me now, why I left, I explain "I got sick" and leave it at that. I plan on returning to a TAFE institute here in Melbourne, to gain my VCE Certificate. After years of suffering, I am getting my life back on track. When I speak to, and help other depressed people get through their depression, the one thing I say to them is, never ever forget how to smile.

I do take medication every day. When you seek help with depression, the doctor will more than likely prescribe anti-depressants. There are many different kinds of anti-depressants around, the most commonly heard is "Prozac" which is usually not prescribed in Australia because Australian doctors don't like it, and it can be addictive. If you don't want to put chemicals into your body, you can always go to a health food store, or chemist (with a parent, or someone who can keep an eye on you) and get a natural form of anti-depressant.

Here are some links, which you may find helpful.
http://www.teenadvice.org
http://www.depression.com

OR the following newsgroups:
alt.support.depression.teens
alt.support.depression
alt.support.depression.medication
alt.support.depression.recovery

In closing, I would just like to say, if you think you, or anybody around you could be suffering from depression, PLEASE DO NOT hesitate to get help for yourself, or them. It is worth it in the long run.

If you have a "REAL LIFE" story you would like to share with the rest of us, email Michelle@girl.com.au