Depression sucks and my situation is so bad

[LPS]

I suffer with depression too and I hope you don’t mind if I offer a few small things that have helped me.

1. 
   *]A magnesium supplement (specifically a brand Slo-Mag, costs about $18 here). You can google magnesium deficiency and see all the symptoms; I’m sure it doesn’t help everyone but it’s made a big difference for me and might be worth trying.
   *]Doing things for others (this includes praying for them). It takes the focus off of “me” and often brings me around to seeing how blessed I am, when I consider the ways other people are suffering.
   *]I urge you to look for “little blessings” each day, especially on days you are dreading for some reason. Little blessings are small moments and can be anything, such as a bird that lands near you and sings a pretty song; hearing someone bust out laughing; watching an elderly couple walk down the street holding hands; noticing an especially beautiful sky. LOOK for these moments and you really will find them. They are little gifts from God so remember to thank Him when they happen!
   
   Another note about “little blessings” - I know it seems like a silly little thing. But I can honestly tell you, practicing it has made a huge difference in my life over time. I used to write down one little blessing every day, and sometimes it was a challenge to come up with one, to be honest. But over time, you begin to see them more easily and eventually you realize how many are poured out on us each and every day.
   
   I will pray for you; I’m sorry you suffer from this.

 

[ineedofmercy]

A good psychiatrist will prescribe pills only if it’s a severe case of depression and will usually urge for therapy actually. So it doesn’t hurt to try. Some people also think it’s just their perception when actually, it’s an actual illness that should be treated, so I feel like if OP is thinking about getting professional help, he could try. Or at least visit a counsellor (and if the counsellor thinks more help is needed besides the sessions, a referral could be made).

If OP is uncomfortable about it, he could try ‘natural’ solutions. I do remember feeling really, really depressed and suicidal and IMO it faded after I started to eat more (i was starving myself) so OP, don’t lose hope. Of course this is not the case for everyone and I wouldn’t recommend ignoring it. Perhaps talking to a trusted adult would be nice There is websites too that have trained people offering support (safe chatrooms) although they are secular + might not be so understanding about your struggles. But basically, talk to someone, or journal your feelings (if you are afraid that someone will read it, throw it away right after you are done, or you can type and then delete the document)

I don’t think I want any therapy
I’m not really suicidal
The thought that I could go to hell makes that idea out the window
But that can suck when you’re in a fit and you are angry that their is no escape and you just have to wait

I feel like all the drama and embarrassment that would come by bringing this up will no doubt make this worse
My friends find out that I’m going to therapy for depression and I get a bunch of pity
I don’t want that

So don’t worry about suicide
Even at times where I don’t want to live suicide is just beyond me
The thought that my dying moment is taking my life from God and me not having the courage to do it

 

[ineedofmercy]

I don’t know why asking for mental help is a bad idea. If you feel depressed it can lead to despair. You don’t have to go to a secular (worldly therapist) therapist. There are therapists in line with the Church completely. Google saint michaels institute if you want they’re based in NYC but also offer Skype calls. There is a mental aspect, and a spiritual aspect to this as well. I think Dr Mango, the main therapist for st michaels, met St Teresa of Calcutta. Going to a secular therapist will make your problem worse though.

Without doubt, praying will help infinitely but if you need catholic therapy, by all means get it.
You may be completely mentally fine now, but it can’t get worse. I know you’re scared of telling your parents about your problems, and you may be right, but telling us may make it worse.

Perhaps making an appointment with a priest outside of confession, for some spiritual help and counseling can do you great. I go to public high school and I’m also dreading going back

PS try to have your parents buy a good filter for your CPU and phone. Praying the daily rosary will definitely make you pure in heart. Also be devoted to St thomas aquinas, st Agnes, st maria gorretti, st alphonsus liguori, and st aloysius, [litany continues] as they were very pure in heart.

Do you go to public school?

All the best good friend

I really don’t want anyone knowing about this
I just want it to go away
I don’t want to be known as the depressed kid and get pity
I’m super happy and outgoing with my friends though still depressed after
If they know I’m depressed they will act different around me

I’m homeschooled
And really don’t need my parents envolved
They wouldn’t do all the wrong things lol

I just want it go away
Everytime any little thing that bothers me happens it like activates it

I don’t like people knowing about stuff like this
It never helps
The constant annoying feeling that they will bring it up or wondering what they think would only make me paranoid

Don’t worry about suicide it’s not gonna happen even if I wanted to die like I did I would never do it

I have a lot of knew friends
When I’m with them almost all my pain goes away
I feel so happy with them we all get along so well
I’m 15 and don’t want to get older
And lose what I have and have to be adult and overtime lose it all

I know it’s not supposed to be easy as Catholic it never was and never will be
This month at a church party I’m going to make and excuse and go to confession hopefully

I’m going to sacrifice time with my friends at the last party like this ever and probably deal with annoying questions but if I don’t go my mountain of built up sin will only get worse

That’s how my depression started thinking about all that sin I think sparked it
Then any problem I had became a big one
I had the “years in purgatory mindset”
I was so scared back then I got the strength to ask my mom “when we were going to confession” and that was a hassle because I got teased and questioned but I made it

I cried when I found out about Mercy Sunday
I felt true hope when I read about it
Up until then I was so blind and thought I would spend forever in purgatory and work it off on earth by having nothing go my way

I don’t believe that anymore but when I constantly thought about that
It probably caused my depression
So sorry for the long post but that’s my story

 

[1neophyte]

I really don’t want anyone knowing about this
I just want it to go away
I don’t want to be known as the depressed kid and get pity
I’m super happy and outgoing with my friends though still depressed after
If they know I’m depressed they will act different around me

I’m homeschooled
And really don’t need my parents envolved
They wouldn’t do all the wrong things lol

I just want it go away
Everytime any little thing that bothers me happens it like activates it

I don’t like people knowing about stuff like this
It never helps
The constant annoying feeling that they will bring it up or wondering what they think would only make me paranoid

Don’t worry about suicide it’s not gonna happen even if I wanted to die like I did I would never do it

I have a lot of knew friends
When I’m with them almost all my pain goes away
I feel so happy with them we all get along so well
I’m 15 and don’t want to get older
And lose what I have and have to be adult and overtime lose it all

I know it’s not supposed to be easy as Catholic it never was and never will be
This month at a church party I’m going to make and excuse and go to confession hopefully

I’m going to sacrifice time with my friends at the last party like this ever and probably deal with annoying questions but if I don’t go my mountain of built up sin will only get worse

That’s how my depression started thinking about all that sin I think sparked it
Then any problem I had became a big one
I had the “years in purgatory mindset”
I was so scared back then I got the strength to ask my mom “when we were going to confession” and that was a hassle because I got teased and questioned but I made it

I cried when I found out about Mercy Sunday
I felt true hope when I read about it
Up until then I was so blind and thought I would spend forever in purgatory and work it off on earth by having nothing go my way

I don’t believe that anymore but when I constantly thought about that
It probably caused my depression
So sorry for the long post but that’s my story

Be at peace. You’re a good kid.

 

[Robert_Sock]

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

I know what depression is like. Quieting my mind of all inner voices and thoughts helped me a lot. The book The Cloud of Unknowing was like a treasure!

 

[mommy_k]

Ugh! What?!? No! Worst advice ever.

Why?

 

[1neophyte]

Why?

Because there is nothing he said that indicates any chemical imbalance or mental problem. He is a 15 year old boy who uses pornography. This is not unusual. What IS unusual is his sense that it is wrong and his awareness that he needs to stop. This is a GOOD thing, not something that needs to be treated by a doctor. Do you remember what it is like to be a 15 year old boy? Being depressed is part of the deal. It is not a sign of Clinical Depression.

The amount of nonsense thrown at this kid in this thread is ridiculous. Get to an ER if you feel suicidal? Get real. Any thinking person who really listened to him (read his posts carefully) can tell that he has a better grip on reality than some of the “wise” grownups trying to give advice without seeming to have any sense of what is going on. He’s already afraid to ask his parents to take him to confession because they’ve failed to make him comfortable enough to be open and honest with them without having to deal with overreactions and misunderstandings. He doesn’t need to be attacked with more confusion and nonsense like “go to the doctor.”

This is the exact cause of the masculinity crisis that everyone is so up in arms about these days. When a young man isn’t allowed to go through the struggle of becoming a man without being treated like a mental patient, disaster is inevitable.

 

[mommy_k]

Because there is nothing he said that indicates any chemical imbalance or mental problem. He is a 15 year old boy who uses pornography. This is not unusual. What IS unusual is his sense that it is wrong and his awareness that he needs to stop. This is a GOOD thing, not something that needs to be treated by a doctor. Do you remember what it is like to be a 15 year old boy? Being depressed is part of the deal. It is not a sign of Clinical Depression.

The amount of nonsense thrown at this kid in this thread is ridiculous. Get to an ER if you feel suicidal? Get real. Any thinking person who really listened to him (read his posts carefully) can tell that he has a better grip on reality than some of the “wise” grownups trying to give advice without seeming to have any sense of what is going on. He’s already afraid to ask his parents to take him to confession because they’ve failed to make him comfortable enough to be open and honest with them without having to deal with overreactions and misunderstandings. He doesn’t need to be attacked with more confusion and nonsense like “go to the doctor.”

This is the exact cause of the masculinity crisis that everyone is so up in arms about these days. When a young man isn’t allowed to go through the struggle of becoming a man without being treated like a mental patient, disaster is inevitable.

OK that’s fair… however no one is suggesting mental patient here, and the perception of going to the doctor for issues regarding sadness or addictive behavior is not a stigma for anyone and should not be painted as such.

We also have to be mindful of who may be reading these posts as well. Perhaps the op is not clinically depressed, but other teens are. Being a teen does not automatically exclude depression other issues. .

I don’t remember what it is like to be a teen boy…for obvious reasons. But I do have teens, and would hope that others would encourage, rather then discourage them from coming to me with problems so I could help and seek medical help if needed.

I also remember a wise priest who posts on CAF that gave instruction to the op regarding not being able to confess because of not being taken. And the op is still not accepting of this advice.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

I find this quite disturbing.
None of us have anyway of knowing if this young man is “clinically depressed” or not, but to discount the need for professional help is not helping at all in my opinion.

Whether he likes it or not, his parents NEED to know what is going on with him, as they are ultimately responsible for his physical, mental & spiritual health.

I would be furious if I found out someone was advising my child (teenager or not) to not come to me for help, or to just dismiss his/her concerns as “oh, that’s what it means to be a teenager”.

Sometimes, I truly believe that we are doing more harm than good, especially when adults are giving advice to children without the benefit of knowing them or their families.

Forums are awesome for information, and some moral support, but they can NEVER replace the guidance of parents/guardians.

Because there is nothing he said that indicates any chemical imbalance or mental problem. He is a 15 year old boy who uses pornography. This is not unusual. What IS unusual is his sense that it is wrong and his awareness that he needs to stop. This is a GOOD thing, not something that needs to be treated by a doctor. Do you remember what it is like to be a 15 year old boy? Being depressed is part of the deal. It is not a sign of Clinical Depression.

The amount of nonsense thrown at this kid in this thread is ridiculous. Get to an ER if you feel suicidal? Get real. Any thinking person who really listened to him (read his posts carefully) can tell that he has a better grip on reality than some of the “wise” grownups trying to give advice without seeming to have any sense of what is going on. He’s already afraid to ask his parents to take him to confession because they’ve failed to make him comfortable enough to be open and honest with them without having to deal with overreactions and misunderstandings. He doesn’t need to be attacked with more confusion and nonsense like “go to the doctor.”

This is the exact cause of the masculinity crisis that everyone is so up in arms about these days. When a young man isn’t allowed to go through the struggle of becoming a man without being treated like a mental patient, disaster is inevitable.

 

[1neophyte]

I find this quite disturbing.
None of us have anyway of knowing if this young man is “clinically depressed” or not, but to discount the need for professional help is not helping at all in my opinion.

Whether he likes it or not, his parents NEED to know what is going on with him, as they are ultimately responsible for his physical, mental & spiritual health.

I would be furious if I found out someone was advising my child (teenager or not) to not come to me for help, or to just dismiss his/her concerns as “oh, that’s what it means to be a teenager”.

Sometimes, I truly believe that we are doing more harm than good, especially when adults are giving advice to children without the benefit of knowing them or their families.

Forums are awesome for information, and some moral support, but they can NEVER replace the guidance of parents/guardians.

Your lack of experience as a teenage boy is glaringly obvious, and even suggesting that I was advising him to not speak to his parents about his problem is evidence of a complete lack of reading comprehension skills. He certainly does need to communicate with his parents. He does not need medical attention or suicide prevention measures, as other delusional posters have suggested.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

Your lack of experience as a teenage boy is glaringly obvious, and even suggesting that I was advising him to not speak to his parents about his problem is evidence of a complete lack of reading comprehension skills. He certainly does need to communicate with his parents. He does not need medical attention or suicide prevention measures, as other delusional posters have suggested.

And you know this HOW???

Do you know this young man personally?!

There is much presumption here on your part.

I may not have experience as a teenage boy, but I do have experience dealing with the suicide of a teenage friend of mine in middle school because no one paid attention to the signs that he was “clinically depressed” and just kept passing it off as “teenage angst”.

 

[1neophyte]

And you know this HOW???

Do you know this young man personally?!

There is much presumption here on your part.

I may not have experience as a teenage boy, but I do have experience dealing with the suicide of a teenage friend of mine in middle school because no one paid attention to the signs that he was “clinically depressed” and just kept passing it off as “teenage angst”.

You might want to read the entire thread, plus the OP’s numerous other threads and posts before you continue trolling and adding more and more confusion to the discussion.

As an aside, perhaps you should seek some professional help. You mentioned being disturbed and furious, and those are signs that you might be prone to violence and a threat to yourself or others. Please consider seeing a doctor. Since I don’t know you personally, I can’t rule out the possibility that you might be suffering from severe mental health issues, so you should really be evaluated by a professional.

 

[ineedofmercy]

You might want to read the entire thread, plus the OP’s numerous other threads and posts before you continue trolling and adding more and more confusion to the discussion.

As an aside, perhaps you should seek some professional help. You mentioned being disturbed and furious, and those are signs that you might be prone to violence and a threat to yourself or others. Please consider seeing a doctor. Since I don’t know you personally, I can’t rule out the possibility that you might be suffering from severe mental health issues, so you should really be evaluated by a professional.

I agree with you more here
While I respect her concern

I honestly don’t think my depression is as bad as others it has its moments but that’s just because the small problem mixed with it makes it seem bad

I know how I am and I know that if other people knew or I was getting help
It would make it worse
So I think you’re right about not telling my parents
They would overreact or under-react making it worse then I might have big problem

I just need to be with my friends and get out my addiction
After that go to confession on Mercy Sunday and while it may still be there I think it would be calmer

Really thanks for all replies guys
Also thank you for reading my other posts and getting a better idea of what I’m like
Praying for you all to thank you

 

[1neophyte]

I agree with you more here
While I respect her concern

I honestly don’t think my depression is as bad as others it has its moments but that’s just because the small problem mixed with it makes it seem bad

I know how I am and I know that if other people knew or I was getting help
It would make it worse
So I think you’re right about not telling my parents
They would overreact or under-react making it worse then I might have big problem

I just need to be with my friends and get out my addiction
After that go to confession on Mercy Sunday and while it may still be there I think it would be calmer

Really thanks for all replies guys
Also thank you for reading my other posts and getting a better idea of what I’m like
Praying for you all to thank you

Divine Mercy Sunday is a lonnnnnggggg way away. You should really get to confession much sooner than that.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

You might want to read the entire thread, plus the OP’s numerous other threads and posts before you continue trolling and adding more and more confusion to the discussion.

As an aside, perhaps you should seek some professional help. You mentioned being disturbed and furious, and those are signs that you might be prone to violence and a threat to yourself or others. Please consider seeing a doctor. Since I don’t know you personally, I can’t rule out the possibility that you might be suffering from severe mental health issues, so you should really be evaluated by a professional.

WOW!! Projection much!!

I don’t care how many posts of this young man’s you have read or what kind of history you think you know.

Yes, I would be furious is some stranger on the internet was telling my child not to confide in me. And it is disturbing to me that you just keep blowing off any advice to this young man who which does not agree with yours.

And on that note, you have now been reported!

 

[1neophyte]

WOW!! Projection much!!

Exactly. What’s good for the goose…

 

[Katherine438]

I feel your pain … I have stayed away from our Lord for 4 years after Superstorm Sandy destroyed my home … I have just returned … but I remember all I have learned from years gone by … at one time my spiritual life was very strong … so I will talk to you from what I remember …

Believe that God loves you just the way you are right now … He will fortify you with grace as long as you keep going to Him for help … confession is a grace that our souls need … also receiving communion is another grace that our souls need … keep praying, and try your hardest … between prayer and communion, Jesus will bring you the comfort that you seek … but we must be patient … because God’s time is not our time … He does things in His own time … until then we remain faithful and do our best … Jesus knows that you are doing your best … He sees your heart.

I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[1neophyte]

I feel your pain … I have stayed away from our Lord for 4 years after Superstorm Sandy destroyed my home … I have just returned … but I remember all I have learned from years gone by … at one time my spiritual life was very strong … so I will talk to you from what I remember …

Believe that God loves you just the way you are right now … He will fortify you with grace as long as you keep going to Him for help … confession is a grace that our souls need … also receiving communion is another grace that our souls need … keep praying, and try your hardest … between prayer and communion, Jesus will bring you the comfort that you seek … but we must be patient … because God’s time is not our time … He does things in His own time … until then we remain faithful and do our best … Jesus knows that you are doing your best … He sees your heart.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Absolutely beautiful.

 

[Kliska]

The amount of nonsense thrown at this kid in this thread is ridiculous. Get to an ER if you feel suicidal? Get real.

It’s extraordinarily real. For those of us in the mental health field it’s a reality every single day. Some have professional ethical obligations to let people know where they can go to ask for help, esp. if they are young and feel like they can’t tell their parents. This young man is obviously hurting (how bad? we don’t know, how bad will he hurt tomorrow? we don’t know, and on and on), and none of us on here know him in real life. Further, as was stated elsewhere, he’s not the only one reading the thread.

Any thinking person who really listened to him (read his posts carefully) can tell that he has a better grip on reality than some of the “wise” grownups trying to give advice without seeming to have any sense of what is going on. He’s already afraid to ask his parents to take him to confession because they’ve failed to make him comfortable enough to be open and honest with them without having to deal with overreactions and misunderstandings. He doesn’t need to be attacked with more confusion and nonsense like “go to the doctor.”

Suggesting he has someone he can talk to that he’s not afraid to talk to isn’t confusion, nor nonsense. We all need people we can trust to talk to face-to-face about important issues. Counseling isn’t just for people with “mental problems” as you put it, it’s actually much like spiritual direction, but broader in scope. Whether he takes the advice given, it’s up to him and he seems quite capable of making his POV known here on the thread.

This is the exact cause of the masculinity crisis that everyone is so up in arms about these days. When a young man isn’t allowed to go through the struggle of becoming a man without being treated like a mental patient, disaster is inevitable.

I didn’t read any reply attacking his manhood in the least. He has some depression and spiritual struggles, he’s not comfortable talking to his own parents, and he’s been kept (one way or another) from seeking consolation that his faith offers (by not being able to go to confession or speak to a spiritual director). That stinks and adds extra burdens to natural teenage struggles. He’s got a good batch of friends, that’s awesome. He’s got people praying for him, that’s awesome too.

 

[1neophyte]

It’s extraordinarily real. For those of us in the mental health field it’s a reality every single day.

Of course it’s real. People suffering from cancer is also a reality every single day. Neither is a reality for the OP. Reading his words and determining that he is at risk for suicide is as absurd as suggesting he needs a biopsy.