So I stumbled across this website and noticed that there seems to be so many nice people willing to help. I am in need of some advice so I would appreciate any feedback I can get.

I am a senior in high school and will be graduating in a few months. Most people think of this as a fun time, but I just can't. I am not participating in many senior events and contemplating whether or not to attend my prom because all I can think about is the overwhelmingly awkward situations that I will have to deal with.

I was diagnosed with depression a few months ago after I was hospitalized for severe stomach pain and fainting spells. My doctor was very brief about the diagnosis and talked about treatments, but didn't give me a personal recommendation. I felt so embarrassed, as if everyone knew that I had depression so I stopped talking about it. I learned the hard way that ignoring it does not make it go away. I didn't want to see a therapist because I thought that they would only care about the money, and not about me personally. I didn't want to add another person into my life who would only pretend to care about me. I also didn't want to add the stress of having to see another doctor. So I've just been trying to get by.

I now realize that I really need to do something. The past couple months have had it's ups and downs. But the downs bring me so low and I just feel so hopeless.

My parents are divorced and I live with my mom. I only hear from my dad every few months (holidays, birthdays...) I was never close to my brother and now that he is away at college I never talk to him. I feel so alone and almost uncared for. I talk to my mom a lot about how I feel, but I still feel so sad.

I don't know what to do anymore, I just need some hope.

Please help me...

It's sounds like you have a support system with your Mom? What does she think about how you feel? Everyone needs someone to talk to about life and you are at a place in your life where things are confusing, scary and stressful. Being a teenager can be tough, but it should also be fun. A therapist can be a wonderful resource and help you immensely. Sometimes you have to try a few until you find the right one, but when you do find the right one, you will feel cared about. Please try to find a therapist to talk too. I think it will help more than just ignoring the problem and hoping it will go away. Take care....

I agree with Mom above here - PLEASE seek out a therapist. Therapy changed my life and it can help you deal with yours! Keep posting to let us know how you are doing and do not be ashamed of your depression. You got here because of the circumstances in your life which you have no control over. You can learn how to get control over your life though now.

I would say give a therapist a try - it may not always work for everybody it depends how emotionally honest you can be and whether you dont hold anything back. It is as they say just finding the right one.

I went to counselling twice and on both occasions went through my doctor who referred me - I had to wait a few months but it meant I didnt have to pay to see her. It really depends on how desperate you become and what services are available in your area - waiting lists as well.

I would say that anything is worth a try - if you are able to talk to your mum which it sounds like you are - use her as a sounding board - it helps a little by just talking and sharing whilst somebody else just listens.

As you are not big on social situations I think you need to find some other interest or hobby that can occupy some of your time and your mind and give you maybe something more to look forward to. That is what I am trying to do.

Keep writing in here and I hope it goes some way into helping you.

Same for me. You need to talk to your mother and see about additional help. Went through the same thing with my daughter (sophmore). I so feel your pain, and your mother's. It is so hard seeing our loved ones go through this. The feelings over time may subside, but I don't think they really go away forever. Found this out this morning. Like I said, my daughter is going through this also. There is so much pressure in life without being hard on yourself too. Please get some help for you and your family. Things may only get worse if you don't. Thinking of you.

therapists! finding the rite one is WORTH it. take care....

Sweetscape, High School is when it first donned on me that I probably had depression...although I think I was actually depressed at an earlier age. My needs weren't being met and as a child never were met by my parents. I have gotten tremendous help from both counseling and medication. There is LOTS of hope for you. You cannot imagine how many people see counselors and/or take medication. ((((HUGS)))) Luckygem