--Anonymous
"Within the past few years I've lost my grandma and grandpa, my dog, my uncle and recently my dad. My mom was really stressed. She gets really mad and acts like she's going crazy. When she gets mad she throws glass dishes at me. Sometimes she will leave for hours and wont tell us where she's going. My mom and sister fight all the time and I hate hearing it. Whenever they fight I have to hide in the dark because if they hear me they both start yelling at me and blame it on me. No one seems to care about how I feel. My dad was my best friend. I was closer to him then I was to anyone, even my mom or sister. He had been clean for months. He died of accidental drug overdose. He sat in his parent's car in a parking lot for a week before anyone found him. He was just down the street from his parents' house. Without him I always feel lost and alone. No one else understands me or could get along and have fun with me like he did. He was one of those parents that you want to have around 24/7. Even my friends liked him. My best friend thought he was hot. I'm depressed all the time and I cant stop thinking about it, cant stop wishing he was here. Everything would be different. I've wrote several poems that have been published and they are all for him. I'm also depressed because people at school don't like me. I have few close friends who even talk behind my back. No one seems to care. I've been getting into a lot of trouble at school because everything is building up and when people make me mad I tend to explode. Then I have a massive break down. I hate my life and I'm dying to talk to someone. I've even asked my mom if I could see I psychiatrist and she just said I was being stupid even though she was already thinking of getting one for her and my sister. Guys at school often pretend to like me, I hate my life and I just want someone to talk to, who will understand, and not get mad and say I'm being stupid. Please someone help me."
--Ashley
"I have been dealing with clinical depression for a few years now. I feel as if no one cares if I live or not. I have to take medication for my problems. I have no friends and I stay in my room all the time...I just hate being me I just sometimes wish that I was dead."
--Anonymous
"I am dealing with it now, all I can think about is hurting myself it really stinks don't ever feel like this!"."
--Please Help Me!
"Omg I'm not worth I I've been suffering depression ever since I can remember."
--Anonymous
"My depression started when I was about 11, though that was probably from puberty, but it was also when my parents got divorced. I didn't think much of it and I started seeing a therapist and now she wants me to take some medication. I figured I probably had the whole depression because it's so much worse than teenage angst. Thinking about suicide because everything is your fault really takes away your energy. I don't even want to celebrate my Sweet 16 next month because I just want to be alone."
--Alexandra
"I'm getting tested for depression at the moment...I think I am but I don't know for sure medically...I hate the way I feel and I hate everything around me...To get rid of depression I think is to find that one thing that could POSSIBLY make you just a lil happy and just hold onto it as long as u can...Don't let it go, ever...And maybe just maybe find something else to be happy about or for...Something else that might make you feel like "Maybe I am worth it...Maybe I'm not so bad after all..." I know how it is to feel depressed for a long period of time because I THINK that I've dealt w/ it for a long time...I've thought about suicide and everything being my fault and me not being worth nothing since I was 8 and I'm 17 now...I know how it is...But what ever u do, don't think the worst I know it's hard but don't...I know it all seems like nothing is going right and you'll never get it rite but u will I know that everyone deserves to b happy but it's just harder for sum ppl to find that happiness that they need..."
--Kitcat
"I think I am but I don't know...A lot of the time I don't want to hang out with my friends, and I almost always want to be alone...There's more too, but I'm not going into that."
--Emily, 12
"My dad went to war and he died : (."
--Olivia
"I've had depression for several years and it's because of one boy. But I have never told anyone about my depression, and I have had it bottled up for a long long time. Some nights I can't sleep and I cry about this boy that broke my heart. I fell terrible all the time plus I sometimes eat and sometimes I don't eat at all for 3 days. And all this time I know my life is supposed to be better but it is not please help me!"
--Kim, 11
"Micah, 10: I found this information by looking up "How to get rid of depression for kids." Smile, and keep yourself busy by doing activities and going places. Whenever you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, replace them with good thoughts. Stick with friends who never put you down, and talk to your parents or any adult you trust (like maybe a good friend's parent). They will make you feel better, not worse. If you are rude to others, they will be rude back, and that could make your situation worse. Most of all, smile! : D Hope this helps you, Micah."
--Hope_this_helped, 13
"I deal with it a lot and it's all because this super evil bully that tries to hurt me so much that I cant move."
--Frank, 10
"If you are depressed grab a bible and read john 3:16."
--Zyx, 12
"I'd discuss with them that don't ever take it out with somebody that's not in the problem. You should talk the problem out with the other person. You should relax. My powers would be flying, shouting the loudest to make everyone quiet, and stretchy arms."
--Christina, 10
"I have my self. I am down in a runt because of a boy my friends say I'm not being my self it's very hard and depression hurts..."
--Maria, 11
"I have a friend that hurt her self then after the day she told me my parents had this massive argument and then got a divorce. Then that is when I started hurting myself. I regret it. But the marks will never go away."
--Jayde
"I've had depression for about 2 and a half years. I really hate it. All I want is for it to go away. Please email me if you know how to get rid of depression."
--Micah, 10
"My granny. She was seriously depressed and was in the hospital for a while but now...It is amazing...She is as good as new :) and happy too! GOOD LUCK TO U ALL DEPRESSED PEEPS :) SMILE!"
--Mandee, 13
"I'm suffering with depression at the moment. It's been going on for a long time now without treatment. So long I can't remember it anyway. It's really hard to deal with especially at school when I fail to hand in coursework or homework and or fail to get it too a good enough standard. And I feel like it's getting worse. But the good thing is is that I'm finally allowing myself to get help...And will be going to a mental health services place, which hopefully will help me a lot..."
--Gema
"I sometimes depressed like when I am sooo lutzy that I ruin the whole day. I kinda felt suicide but then I realize y should I die???? Ppl will still talk about you whether you do good or bad. So let them talk I don't care I am me and know one else can change that. :)."
--Shy, 11
"Yes I'm dealing with it right now I am taking medicine for it and I know I will get better."
--Whitney, 12
"Well I've been depressed really bad and here's my story about it. I was sick and I didn't eat anything, no, really nothing for at least a month! I was scared my family and my mom didn't know what was wrong I thought I did something to myself really bad or something, but I wouldn't. Then we figured it wasn't me eating, but depression and detailed, stress. It was horrible."
--Naughdia, 10
"I dealt with it myself for a long while I had many thoughts of hurting myself, but I got help. I am glad to say I am in much better shape now."
--Cami
"Yes I am because my bff is not my friend my grandpa died and now I am losing my puppy so now I have devoted my self of misery no singing and no friends. From, hopeless."
--Brittany, 9
"I want to become Methodist and my mom said I hurt her feelings ’Äòcause I was born Catholic. My dad converted before I was born. Should I talk to my dad about it? It is making me so depressed."
--Maddie
"Well my aunt sari just recently died of lung cancer. It's hard to forget what happened when I see my peers all sad I become sad. I'm very depressed. I never feel like eating anymore I don't want to smile or have any fun."
--Joshua, 12
"If you're depressed go to the doctor and get some medicine or hang out with people that make you laugh. And have a great sense of humor."
--Alyssa, 8
"I have dealt with depression when my apartment burned down it was horrible and I didn't even know till after school! All of my cats died except for one Precious I loved her so much but one day the vet called and said that she was in too much pain so they put her to sleep...I wrote in my diary and cried so much from this day no every night I cry."
--Kayla, 11
"I've been depressed for a long time. I guess it's been over a year. This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. It has made me extremely pessimistic, lethargic, and I don't feel like doing anything anymore."
--Megan, 13
"My best friend likes the guy I like but he kissed me then her and she said nothing happened but she was lying to me."
--Keyonna, 10
"Yes I have a friend she curses when she gets mad and she hurts them and yells at them."
--Taylor, 12
"I remember when my mom tucked me into bed when I was sick when she was sick I let her rest 'cause she did not feel good I got her a cold glass of milk I even miss when I made her smile the way she looked at me well that's all for now."
--Audrey, 10
"Yes, my dad grandma, and 2 aunts have it..."
--Val, 12
"I have dealt a lot with depression : [."
--Hope, 12
"I have a low self-esteem because I get picked on at school I don't have any friends that "Really" care 4 me and it really broke me and now I am soooooo depressed but no bigee."
--Nada, 11
"Yes I have and it's horrible."
--Jennifer, 13
"I have been dealing with depression for about four months now and I don't know what to do. People have been changing my life by what they say to me, or what they say about me. A lot of the time I think that life would be a lot better without me and I think that I should be dead. I don't know what to do."
--Mathew, 13
"My sister is dealing with depression. My mom said that people in my family have to be careful because if our hormonal changes get too out of whack we will slip into depression. Depression in my family is genetic."
--Leah, 11
"I almost got put on Lithium last year, but then they figured out that I wasn't depressed. I just go for a few days without feeling a thing-my mom says when I'm in these stages, I sit hollow-eyed and speak in quotes from Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python. Then, when the emotions come in, they are two much, so I go nuts."
--Yulia, 13
"Yes, Me I think, right now my parents fight, my crush found out I like him! My friend is mad at me and I just feel BLECK I sleep and eat the same though."
--Jewels, 11
"I have never went through depression like this. I feel hurt, mad, sad, and extremely confused. It's all because I lost my dad over him over dosing, it's really hard because I never had a good relationship with him until lately. My whole life he has been hooked on drugs and was an abusive person. At one point in my life I lived with him, then I decided to move back in with my mom. He did not like that situation, he told me if I moved out and he ever died of drugs then it would be my fault 'cuz I didn't stay and help him get off of them. People tell me I shouldn't blame myself and it's not my fault, but I think it is and I'm always going to believe that. All I do is cry myself to sleep and keep all the anger inside of me. I never like to talk about it so when people ask what's wrong or do I wanna talk about is I say nothing, or no."
--Ashley
"I've been depressed before over a boy."
--Tawni, 13
"I have a problem with negativity. I used to feel all cool at school and then when I came home, everything went wrong! I just couldn't figure it out! I needed help! I sassed off to my parents, and made it hard to concentrate on other life aspects. So what did I do? I switched my fave celeb to tobymac (a Christian rapper whom I think is kinda cute and really uplifting and when he sings let me tell you! He goes way deep! ) from Hannah Montana and started reading my bible daily. And BELEIVE ME! It worked! Turn your life around!"
--Anonymous
"I think I might have manic depression. I've been experiencing extreme mood swings, and never seem to be in an "Okay" mood, it's either very happy or very sad."
--Danielle, 13
"Yes, I am going through depression right now. Not depression like my mom won't let me go to a friend's house. I am feeling emotions of worthlessness and sadness, and my family is also very abusive and unsupportive of me. They don't know about my depression, neither do my friends. I'm afraid I will scare my friends if I tell them..."
--Anonymous, 12
"I have a problem with a lot of things. What you can do to get over something is pray, especially if the problem is bad."
--Camille, 10
"Actually, I think without rehab, you would probably die from whatever you were doing."
--Katie P., 10
"My bff had it and kept hurting herself. She's better now. I helped her through it. Her name is Lucy."
--Kelli, 11
"Depression is not just feeling 'sad, ' it is like you are so sad you cannot even function right...Which is different from being 'emo,' believe it or not.0. O."
--Lexa
"I have some advise for those of you who are getting depressed I'm always depressed so to those of you who just started getting depressed I know how you feel and for the younger ones out there getting depressed just try to ignore it but if you can't ignore getting depressed just think about the good stuff and you won't get depressed anymore. When you start getting depressed think about the good stuff and not the bad stuff, it works for me so it will work for you!"
--Savanna, 9
"My mom is always depressed and angry. She takes it all out on me and I hate it. I know she has back surgery but damn. Like yesterday she was almost going to punch me in my face. I would of hooked off. Then she took out her belt and beat me. It DIDNT hurt though. But she did leave a lot of scars and scratches on me. Now I'm in pain because of her depression and anger. Although she sees a therapist but I don't think that helps her. My arm is all swollen and bruised up. I'm so mad at her because I could of died just by getting hit with that old belt. I couldn't breathe and she just kept hitting me. That's what made me mad and angry. She gets mad and depressed for no reason..."
--Ronnesha
"That friend who was 13 is back to being depressed again. She is lonely. Me and my best friend Nicole are her only friends. She gave me a letter that talked about a group of boys who are mean to her. They are wretched! She said she was frozen, could not move, they were preventing her from becoming anything good. We are Christians so I told her to turn to her Bible and God. She is doing so much better now. I still pray for her."
--Polarbearluvr, 13
"It is a problem to harm yourself. It's suicidal...I used to do it all the time...And now I stopped because I know it's wrong and no boy is worth suicide but I still have horrid temptations to do it again! What if I give in? anyone who is reading this please help me..."
--Xx_I-make-it-rain_xX, 12
"I miss my friends back at my old school and I really really HATE my new school. And my parents are getting meaner and meaner everyday. I cry everyday about it. : o (."
--Theresa, 11
"No, but I don't think it would be very ok. It's like rehab, I think, though."
--Katie P., 10
"Some times it's better to write down how you feel other times depending on your situation it's better to let some one know you've been feeling this way."
--Quiet
"Skool depresses me specially homework and my mom and dad do too cause they are nag a lot."
--Adi, 12
"I am the person I've dealt with that has Depression. I was diagnosed with it in 7th grade after my doctor asked me questions and I was told to go to the ER. At the ER, I was asked even more questions. One was: "Have you tried committing suicide?" My mom was in the room and I felt nervous to answer, but I told the truth and responded "Yes". The doctor asked me how many times and I said "Three". My mom had no idea, and it made her relieved that I spoke out to the truth. I am now on Prozac and going to therapy. But, one of the reasons I have Depression is because I've clung onto my past. I've had a hard life, so I basically let it rule me. I am very open on these sorts of causes (death, depression, mental disorders, drugs, alcohol, et cetera) because I've been though them. I'm also not ashamed of them because they've shaped out the mold in which I will develop and grow into. Thank you for your time and I hope you see the light like I've had."
--Mel, 13
"Well I'm trying not to be this way but some how I just keep on falling for stupid little boys,,, they get me used to them and then they just act like I was never a part of their life, especially the boys @ my skool it's so frustrating and I cant stand it when they walk on by you like you don't even matter...I have built up anger and sadness over little boys that I once called, "My life."."
--Kimmy, 12
"I was depressed, and I think that now that I'm forcing myself to think positively, that it's slowly (and I mean VERY slowly) improving. The worst part is that it's hard to think positive when you don't have many friends. : (."
--Mandy, 12
"No I have not ever experienced depression but those of you who do and are thinking about suicide and self-injury GET HELP! Only you can decide if you really want to ever see your family again I am really concerned about all of you that are depressed. You all know that you are your own person, if someone decides to judge you or treat you unfairly it does not mean everyone will. Once again you are all great people and you will grow up to be good citizens and it all starts when you get help and protect yourself. You people are great. Bless you."
--Notworthaname, 10
"The boy I like asked my friend Claire out and she said she'd think about it. I called her that night and she promised me she would say no to him. The next day I asked my friend Maddy what she said and Maddy told me that Claire said yes and that made me sad."
--Meredith, 11
"I was actually going through depression because I was getting bullied about the way I looked and I was so mad; and upset at the same time. Then I realized they are the ones with the problem, and I got over it and know if anyone teases me, I just have a really good comeback "I understand how you feel"; and they don't know what else to say."
--Anonymous, 12
"Depression runs in my family, and I've been extremely depressed before. I'm on meds for it now, so I'm okay, but I used to cut my hand with stuff in my science class and hurt myself a lot. My teachers are all worried about me and stuff too. Stinks."
--Nicole, 12
"I suffer from slight depression I have never had a girlfriend before. Some days I can be fine other days I seem ok. I suffer from a lack of confidence and social skills."
--Jonathan T
"I have been dealing with clinical depression and anxiety for 3 years now. It is a daily struggle. I have tried so many different types of therapy and medication. I find that it never works. It just seems to push me more into a depressive state. I have tried to do things that would be fun to "Normal" people but, it never seems to work. The stresses of everyday life are a hassle! And being in high school really doesn't help! And my family only makes it worse! They put me down, treat me like I am worthless because I am not as perfect as my cousin. I feel like no one understands me---At all! Am I the only one that feels this way?"
--Lexie
"I'm depressed ’Äòcause my boyfriend broke up with me. But I'm getting better."
--Regan, 11
"I don't think negatively about myself, but I still have horrible depression problems. I've been to at least three doctors and am on lots of medication. I have been to at least five psychiatrist and doctor appointments. Every night, I feel like nobody cares about me and my family might as well throw me out, even though I know they love me. The only thing I feel like doing next is crying by my mom. After a good cry and a good sleep, I feel better. Being with someone you love is the best part-time cure."
--Sandi, 11
"Yes."
--Andrew, 12
"After my friends said they weren't allowed to be my friends anymore, I hit rock bottom. I was screaming at lunch and I gave myself a huge cut on my leg (Youchies! ). I talked to therapists, and now everything is back to normal. We made up, and now we ended up closer than ever! : -D."
--BlackDragon
"If you are addicted to something bad you shouldn't be at, do something else for a change. It's always better to do something good instead of bad."
--Padia, 10
"Yep. I suffer from Clinical Depression [Bipolar] and it's...Out of the ordinary...;)."
--Katie, 13
"BeachBumm88: Thanks for understanding. Things are getting little better. Thanks. 1/08."
--Emily18
"My mom has clinical depression! Help!"
--Kayla, 13
"I feel like no one cares about me I and sometimes I get frustrated at stuff and I have a lot more chores than my sister and I'm always getting yelled at and I'm good at school I always bring in as and bs nothing else I do all of my chores even if my sister is bigger and meaner than me but I'm not mean one bit just a crazy day at school the boys care more about me than my friends that are girls."
--Amari, 10
"People always tell me that I'm odd, weird, or different. That really hurts, and I only have a few friends. Then, I found out why people call me weird. When me and my boyfriend broke up, it hurt so bad that I would cry, and cry, and cry..."
--Megan, 11
"Yes I am right now."
--Samantha, 13
"Sara- you need to get help. Please don't do something that you won't live to regret! I may be depressed, I get sad a lot because I moved recently and my mom used to be an alcoholic. Some things you'll never forget. But anyone thinking about Suicide, don't do it, because there's always a reason to live, even if you can't see it!"
--SaraSidle, 13
"I fell so depressed and I don't know why."
--Dj m, 10
"No. Sometimes I get really mad, but I don't categorize it with this kind of stuff..."
--Ladybug, 10
"Yes. Well, not clinical. After I broke up with my 1st BF @ my church's camp, I took everything out on myself. Thinking back, I had extremely good reason to break up w/ him, which I won't go into detail about, but I didn't see it that way. I felt it was all my fault, and I was so sorry, an mad at myself, and I wanted to hurt myself for letting an "Amazing guy" get away. I wrote morbid songs and stuff about me in my journal. I cried myself to sleep for weeks. I had dreams where I'd beg on my knees to take him back. I didn't smile; I didn't laugh; I didn't allow myself to have fun. I really lost myself. Then, I started loosening up a bit, hanging out w/ my BFFs, meeting new guys, and praying to God about it. Now, I'm over it. I see that it wasn't really my fault at all, and if he wanted to take drugs, it's his problem, and I can't stop him. I did the right thing, and I will NEVER, ever again regret it. Now, we laugh about him. I've made my mistakes, and I've had my fair share. NOBODY'S PERFECT, AFTER ALL. But, over the summer, I've grown up a lot. When I went out w/ him, I wasn't very wise about the situation, I didn't know how to handle it. But now I do. Depression is something that takes over your life, and it's great to take with friends or family about how you feel. Journaling and songwriting are another great escape if you feel you don't have anyone to go to. If you're feeling depressed, or think you are, TALK ABOUT IT. Loosen up, have fun, and forget about the situation. HAVE JESUS IN YOUR HEART. HE WILL GET YOU THRU IT ALL. (and friends. )."
--Kayla, 12
"She feels she's really ugly."
--Kayla, 11
"I'm dealing with a divorce."
--Autumn, 12
"Sometimes, I don't know what's going on in my mind when I am depressed. I feel as though my thoughts can be stupid or silly or dumb. I am too embarrassed to talk to anyone, even my therapist."
--Paige, 13
"Omg I am so depressed about people..."
--Davoud, 12
"I have no like I am very depressed because I play games all day long and I have no outdoor life...I am very depressed. Now I play a lot of games and very good at them but I am very depressed."
--Kevin, 12
"Ever since I got a haircut with long bangs, people have been calling me emo. That isn't true and I tell that to people but they still call me that. It makes me very depressed and I feel like people want to avoid me."
--Ellie, 12
"Omg Natalia wa you prob you got some depression probs with derk bleh stop thinking down on yourself..."
--Anonymous
"Yes I have depression and I am on medication it started when I was told I was adopt. I was so sad and I was crying then the second thing happen is that I got bullied an I was said I didn't tell anyone and I was sad I kept it to my self and u are always cold and unhappy and then I like someone and I found he did like me I was so sad and I want to cry but I didn't I kept it to myself and then I went to see a doctor and he did therapy on me I was said I didn't tell them anything and then I had depression and so sad still."
--Kennyboy, 12
"My grandfather died about a year ago, and I still can't get over it. Whenever me and one of my friends get in a fight, I just usually run and cry. Then they would come back and just be like "What's wrong?". I would just tell them that it was just my grandfather. Sometimes I even wish that I was up there in heaven with him. People always say that I am extremely bipolar, and to even get mental help. Should I or not? HOW CAN I GET OVER THIS?????"
--Tess, 12
"Why do people hate me so much?! =' (."
--Jessie, 13
"I know a person who has talked about how she hated life quite a lot. She says "YOU DON'T KNOW HOW IT FEELS FOR THE WRLD TO HATE YOU AND YOUR MOM JUST MAKES IT WORSE" I don't know the person but I want them to help her..."
--Andrew, 13
"I am always depressed and ppl always call me emo, what do I do??"
--Kassandra
"You don't know how it feels to hate the world and your mom to make it even worse. : (."
--Steven, 12
"Whoa. Why do people hate people that cut themselves? It's not that uncommon anymore...People are just EMO. ACCEPT IT."
--Jessie, 13
"Lately I've been feeling a whole bunch of different emotions. I can't be just sad or just mad, I'm always confused. Sometimes I feel like crying but it won't come out. I used to be a great student in school, but now I'm failing at every subject. Listen to me and I feel like I have no one to talk to. Any advice?"
--Taniyah, 13
"I would choose that question because it's to tell people how we feel."
--Valery, 9
"I always feel sad because I think I have no friends and I always feel like I want to die."
--Chaise, 10
"Since I got lupus I as if I can't do anything, but I don't to see a dr. I see 3 already and my dad and mom don't have listen."
--Alexis, 12
"I think no one likes me I am useless."
--Lisa, 10
"Normally I'm extremely confident in myself but lately I feel the need for someone who cares and understands me. My dad is never around and my mom is always with my little sister. My tennis coach who takes better care of me than my parents is moving to Oklahoma and I barely see any of my friends because I'm homeschooled. I feel like nobody cares about me! HELP!"
--Cari
"I am always depressed of waking up and going to school when I would rather stay home. Also I am always depressed of doing my homework even when it's hard..."
--Gaz
"I felt very sad when my friend told me to leave him alone."
--Tazenkara, 8
"My friend called me a very bad word and I cried for a week..."
--Emokid123, 8
"I have friends around me who feel like they want to kill themselves because it's either breaking up a relationship, or loosing something or someone really close to them. These people have display names such as "Life is hard...I might as well just end it...". Pretty harsh, but most of the time I see them smiling and laughing at school so I don't really think they might be going through depression. Are they just trying to get attention, or is it real?"
--Lorraine, 12
"I was really down one day. So we went to the mall and then I saw this kid with really tight pants and really skinny with a bang over his/her face sitting in the dark corner. And I said ''hi''. And he/her said ''SHUT UP YOU DON'T GET ME! '' then later I found out he was emo. Supposedly emo people are people 12-21 who suffer from serious depression I want to learn more about this is it just the blues or is it actually depression."
--Melissa, 12
"I just want to reach out to all of you and comfort you! I was depressed as a 10 year old, and I know how it all feels. Hang in there. Tell a parent or trusted friend or even a school counselor about your troubles and depression. You'll be okay, there are websites for you all and phone help. I wish I could hug you all and tell y'all that you're okay and I love everyone! :)."
--Katherine, 13
"Well yes all of my friends have & still is dealing with depression."
--Unknown
"Last summer, I was really angry and depressed. My dad was making me do a lot of chores, to teach me about responsibility, which he hadn't done that much before. I wasn't eating much because I had convinced myself that chores and work came first. For a couple days, I even convinced myself that my dad thought I was worthless. It scares me just to think about it. Eventually, I started looking a bit like a stick figure. A few months later, my mom asked me why I was so skinny, and I made up some excuse about forgetting. The next day, I ran out of breath on the very short walk to our local coffee shop. I told my mom I'd forgotten again because of some chore, but that wasn't really true. After that, I knew I had to eat more. I'm 10 and back then I weighed around 60 pounds. I'm pretty sure that isn't average. Once I started eating more, I felt a lot better. I still did my chores, but I let myself eat regularly. I still get that way sometimes, but I get more angry than depressed; if I eat breakfast and."
--Anonymous
"I'm usually depressed...And I wish I can be alone by myself. Sometimes I wish I can punch the wall till I bleed and scream so I can get these nasty things out of me...Yes, life isn't that great...But......Hope...Yes, hope, keeps me up...I sometimes go paranoid out of sudden, randomly...There are so many things that make me depressed...But sometimes, I get depressed all the sudden,,. And I don't know the reason.......But...I try to make my pessimist mind into optimistic...Saying to myself..."...It will end. Someday...And...Maybe...There might be someone out there who truly loves me, and who thinks they're better off being in my shoe..." yes, I do say these things to myself. I know that there's extremely unfortunate people out there, who has WORST life than I do...But. I still feel so empty inside and depressed...I guess things can always be worst...But. Still. I'm still depressed..."
--Anonymous, 13
"I would not call it "Clinical, " because a doctor hasn't diagnosed me or anything like that. But yes, I do think I have Bipolar Disorder, a kind of depression. It's terrible and really difficult to cope with on your own. Sometimes I feel so helpless that I turn to things like hurting myself to ease the pain."
--Raji, 13
"I had a friend in school who try to kill herself. Right now I'm in a private school and the best friend of my almost bf has depression. We care about him but we don't know what to do to help. Any advice? My grandma also passed through depression when I was in kindergarten but she got better. I am concerned about my friend problem."
--Nathasha, 12
"My name is Keira I been going threw depression since I was in 5th grade. The reason I became depress is because of my parents' separation. I used to think it was my fault because of the separation. But I realize when I got older it wasn't. Today I can hide it but deep inside I wanna cry n not eat. I wish the world can feel the pain I went threw as a child. Everyday I go to high school with a fake smile on my face NOT wanna people to see the real me. Can somebody help me not feel this way anymore?"
--Keira
"I suffered depression after an orthonagtic surgery, which altered the my facial profile. I felt that my new look was a downgrade from my previous look, an unexpected result as I thought that I could only look better with my jaw alignment corrected. My self esteem was very low and I suffered from body dysmorphic disorder and also depression. I get panic attacks and refused to step out of my house and face people. I also refrain contact from people I know. This depression period lasted for 6 months, and I only went out for medical appointments, with a face mask on."
--Yosh
"I do not think so. Maybe I did."
--Kammi, 12
"Yes, me. End of story."
--Crystal, 12
"My mother told me she was depressed. She had just gotten a surgery, but it has been over a month now. She not the same anymore. How can I get my old mom back?"
--Mariana
"I don't know if anyone in my family is seriously depressed, and I've never been seriously depressed. So I don't really know..."
--BeachBumm88
"My friend Desirae had just broken up with her boy friend and was sad for a long time she cried for more than 3 hrs straight I felt very sad for her."
--Silvia, 11
"Unfortunately, yes I have. It was actually someone in my family. It was my father's cousin who I did not know very well. He got involved in a terrible thing with drugs. My father explained to me that he was depressed because his girlfriend that he was to marry two weeks earlier had backed out. He got depressed and started drugs. It was horrible, and he is now getting some help three years later..."
--BusyGirl123
"Emily: I know that depression is really hard on not only the person that is depressed, but that person's family. You can't exactly make your grandma stop being depressed. She has to make that decision on her own. Just understand that she is going through a rough time right now. I mean her close friend has just passed away! It's a lot for a person to deal with. Try talking to her about some fun memories that you two have had together. Also try talking to her about her friend. Ask her about all of the memories she had with her. She may not want to talk about it at first, and may get upset, but remember this is a personal subject to her. I hope that I could help...(:."
--BeachBumm88
"Oh hi IML, I am here to say to everyone that I'm going to not be coming back to this site anymore as Pman. I give my crown of being one of the best people here to Harry Potter, yes I said Harry Potter, and I'll be going to another place that is more like me in PBS. No one offended me so everyone here that is o. K. With me, I'm o. K. With them. Well farewell. (I am not offended or anything similar to that)."
--Pman
"Yes, I am in depression it can actually be inherited. I got it that way because my grandmother and my mom had it. Right now I am seeing a counselor, which really helps. Did you know depression is actually a disease."
--Alanna, 12
"My mom's cousin's girlfriend is going through depression right now. She's in college and was supposed to get married to my mom's cousin who died in a car accident with a drunk driver who ran a red light at about 9 p. M when my mom's cousin was driving back home from the store. He was hit and was flipped over across the intersection. After that, let's call her Leslie, my mom's cousin's girlfriend wouldn't eat, go to college or do much of anything. But now she is seeing a counselor and is starting to go back to college and is working out at the gym and eating properly. She's really pretty and I as well as my family would hate to see her end up in a bad situation..."
--Ashlie<3, 12
"I felt really depressed when I lost my mp3 at a party that was on 12\30\07 now I feel ashamed of myself."
--Anonymous
"Sometimes I feel down when people tease me about things I cannot help, like the way I look."
--Partygirl, 12
"I have a question about how you always want to move around and the only time you feel good about yourself is when your working out, and the problem with being able to deal with people that get on your nerves a lot."
--Shantel
"If you are depressed with something, then draw a picture of something and shred it, almost like that thing is losing and you win. Because I believe that everyone out there that is here on earth is a winner."
--You said it IML, 10
"Sometimes I get really sad, or really mad, but I don't know why. I wouldn't exactly call it depression, but it is close. I don't know why people at my school hate me, I only have 1 friend I can trust. Also, my mom and dad look through my stuff when I'm not around. I've found out by all of my drawings and my journal are messed up. It makes me just want to jump off the nearest building. The only thing I need is someone who will listen to me and knows what I'm going through. Sometimes even my best friend ditches me sometimes. At school, or wherever, I am so phony. When I show who I really am they see I'm not as strong as I really am. I make people think I am all tough and don't care if any mean remark is thrown at me. But they don't know that every mean word or action is slowly tearing me apart. I just want it to stop. I want someone to listen and know how I really feel. Either that, or I'll fall apart. My parents don't help any, they are strict and won't let me go anywhere by myself, or with a friend. I CAN'T EVEN GO TO THE PARK, WHICH IS ONE BLOCK AWAY, AND I LIVE IN A GOOD NEIGHBORHOOD. Two things to anyone, MY LIFE STINKS, AND YOU WOULD LIVE ONE DAY IN MY LIFE, YOU'D BE CRYING HOME TO YOUR MOMMY!!!"
--Nylee
"I feel very depressed at times when my tuition tutor discourages me on subjects that I have dropped. I am a very emotional child."
--Zainab
"Last year, I was really depressed. I still am not sure why, I lost a lot of my friends and only had about 4. It was horrible, all I did was listen to music and daydream. I felt very alone. I felt overweight, even though I am not, and ugly. It is weird, but for some reason this year everything changed. I don't even know what it was that happened, I just felt better. I am making a lot of new friends, and I still am the same person, I just changed. Now though, I just have horrible mood swings, and I get annoyed easily. Sometimes I just become the happiest person in the world, but every now and then I remember how I used to feel. But I am soo much happier."
--Elizabeth
"I have and had chronic depression since I was 11. It means I get sad when I am stressed and when I have to make big decisions in my life. Exercise,, run, walk or take out your bike and you will feel better. Laugh out loud, even if you have to fake it. Remember that we might feel different than other people, but we are not different. We just deal different..."
--Angela
"Hey Aly, you are lucky U even had a boyfriend."
--Nylee
"Bridget: If U are hurting yourself, dude, I'm gonna say this once, STOP!!! If U hurt yourself 'til U die, U are gonna break peoples' hearts. Someone killed herself, and her family was SO sad. U need to talk to a friend or someone. Just a word of advice. U don't have to take it, but hurting yourself is totally NOT LOL! : (."
--Nylee
"My grandma is really depression because her close friend died few year ago. They did everything together for 55 year. Her friend is my grandma. She's died when I was 14. All her family gone ex for her. She stopped everything. She forgot things. How could I get Grandma away from Depression. She goes doctor every weeks. Can anyone helps me? please..."
--Emily
"My grandma died. I want to know a poem to say in a funeral, and the funeral is tomorrow." --Melissa, 11 Melissa, I know how you feel, my Grandma Henry died last year...This month, on the 12th...Here is a poem. "My love for you will always grow, I just wanted you to know, No matter what, no matter who, I will always love you." This is how I felt. I stood up at my Grandma's funeral and sang a song that we (my sister and I) used to sing with my Grandma."
--I love my Grandma, 12
"I read and also play with my cats, and I sleep with my cat Shadow. That helps me not feel depressed. I also talk to a parent, like my grandma, who understands me."
--Hope
"When I was writing about my friend I said: she's 113 and hasn't really 'developed' and boys don't like her and yeah. She has her good days and her bads." It is supposed to be she's 13 and hasn't...Sorry. Just a little typo. She is definitely not 113!"
--Polarbearluvr, 12
"My grandma died. I want to know a poem to say in a funeral, and the funeral is tomorrow."
--Melissa, 11
"I have been experiencing many of the symptoms listed, about 13. I always get things wrong and I don't talk much because I know I get almost everything wrong. My "Friends" and I talk about the point of living because it'll all be in the past and my "Friends" are like strangers to me. I feel worthless and angry. I like to bite my arms and legs until they are purple, I just hate myself. Please help me."
--Anonymous, 9
"To make me feel better, I listen to sad songs. The way I express myself is writing my feelings and shredding it..."
--Anonymous, 9
"I have depression and kids always pick on me and I got picked on and kicked and punched at school. But I deal with it by writing songs and writing poetry. My mom and I have depression so we know what you guys are dealing with."
--Jazzmin
’ÄúI am not able to deal with emotional situations.’Äù
--Shahabas
"I'm really sad and hope for this will help. I have only 2 friends, everybody picks on me because I have arthritis in my ankles and knees and they laughed at me because I'm so slow and I weigh at least 130 pounds. And the laughing really made me depressed. I am a homeschooler now so I don’Äôt have to deal with that but these problems still echo in my mind. Help!"
--Depressed, 10
"Ok, I think I am very depressed. Everyone hates me and I even hate myself for that. Sometimes I think that there is no point in living. I have to take medicine everyday because of my problem. I listen to heavy metal just to get away from life. I have no friends. I have to go to a therapist and all that...But anyway thanx for listening."
--Anonymous
"I don't know how I'm gonna tell my parents that I might be sick. But there is one thing that is causing my depression: at school there is this girl named Hannah. We have been friends since 3rd grade. And now she really does hate me. She has this other friend too. Her name is Colleen. I only get to see her when Hannah is not at school. And when Colleen wants to go see me Hannah goes with her. I know Hannah wants to see me all depressed, mad, crying my eyes out. I can smile and laugh but every time I see her I frown. She thinks I'm fat, ugly, and a crybaby. But I only cry because I'm sad. I have other friends too, I have a happy personality too. Sometimes I do mean stuff to other people, Call teachers names, Get sent to the office. But I don't know what I'm doing. I get so sad, mad, and confused. I think I need help. I don't have a certain type of medicine for my depression. Please help me."
--Harmon, 11
"I have a chart that you put a star on the day (or week) that you are feeling depressed. And my mum says. It's all puberty, it's either that or bipolar, or overwhelmedeits, (When you are overwhelmed)."
--Amy, 9
"I have these breakouts when I go to school. I cry and my tummy hurts. I don't know what it is. Can I have help?"
--Cowboysfan#1, 9
"I am very depressed. I feel like I'm a loner even though I have some of the best friends I could have. But I just feel like everyone hates me and that no one would care whether I was dead or alive. And I'm not that pretty and I don't have a boyfriend, I just feel like everyone wished I were dead. And there is a girl at my school that has the same name as me and it seems like everyone likes her a lot better and I just hate her. But I dunno. The counselor doesn't help, neither does the psychologist or psychiatrist. I cut myself for a long time because it helped to take the pain away. I don't do it anymore. But I was so depressed that I had to go on homeschool for a long time. But I went back to school. But I am still depressed. : (."
--Brittany
"I've been through so much in relationships. I meet this new guy, but I don't feel attractive, because of my past. I feel that I'm not good enough for nobody."
--Nicole
"I think I might have clinical depression because there's no one I can talk to anymore and I feel like there's a knot in my stomach all the time. And I cry my self to sleep every night...Do u think I have clinical depression?"
--Carrie, 11
"Hi. I was born in march 30 of 1997. When I was born I couldn't breathe. I had to go to a different hospital. And before I went this lady was using a foot pump. She was not giving up on me, thank goodness. And man, I wish I knew who she was so I could go and see her to give her a big hug and just give her a big huge thanks. That would make my life if I knew who she was. Like I said and did that. Thanks for reading this if you do and going to this thing, whatever this is, and doing this just for me, if you did or do. And hopefully you did just for me, and if you didn't it is fine. Or if you like it better if I said that's good or that's OOOOKKKK!!!!!!!! I'll see ya. Or by KAILEY A. D!!!"
--Kailey, 10
"HELP! I think I have clinical depression, and I don't know how to tell my parents. I have been feeling this way since September '06, and I don't know how to get rid of it!"
--Katie, 12
’ÄúI feel like everyone hates me and no one understands! I HATE IT!!!’Äù
--Jessica, 13
"I don't think I have clinical depression, but sometimes, I'm sad for absolutely no reason, and if I relax for a while, I become okay. But then, if I even say a few words, I break out in tears. It's probably not depression, but it still relates somewhat..."
--Aubrey, 11
"I am not usually sad about anything. I am sad about several things because I just keep everything inside and never let it out. So I don't really let anything go and it adds on to all the rest of my problems."
--Sequoiha, 12
"Yes, sadly I have been very, very depressed, up until the point I had to have medication prescribed for me. Depression is a hard subject for most people to understand- You most likely have heard about it before, whether it's television or a family member...But depression strikes the worst when it happens to you. Even though you feel empathy for the person with the clinical illness, it is most clear when you are experiencing it- so don't think it's an easy thing to get rid of. It's not. For almost a year and a half, I was very depressed. I stopped eating and walking and doing normal things, little by little as time went on. I didn't mean to upset my family or ruin their lives- So I kept my feelings inside, which did not help at all. I tried to act normal and happy, but most days I didn't want to do anything at all. I lost my desire to have a good time or even leave the house- So my parents, who were very worried about it all the time- finally noticed my odd extreme behavior and sent me to a psychologist and a psychiatrist. It's a year afterwards, and I am in a better environment, a new school, and totally happy. I am feeling better, more loved, and more satisfied with life than ever before. I try to forget about how I became so sad and live a new life and start each day like there is no tomorrow- I found out while I was healing that looking on the downside of life is no way to live; So I became a better, new person and started over. It's never too late, to those of you who are suffering. Never feel hopeless. In the end, you can win the battle..."
--Alexa
"Sometimes I get depressed about my great-grandparents dying 2 years ago. I sometimes, (well, a lot) get into a fight with my friend and I start crying. I can't cry when I miss my great-grandparents, so I cry it out while I have a fight with my friend."
--No name please, 10
"I've got my own problems, but I can help YOU get a bit of stress out, as opposed to cutting and things of that sort. Try starting a blog on blogger, take an old notebook from last year and write thoughts down in it-write "English" or something on it to make it look like you are doing homework. You can also make up your own quotes which can be lots of fun, read, write poetry about your thoughts on depression, play Destruct-O-Match on Neopets, or although this sounds ridiculous, try to solve other people's problems. It helps! And those of you who are suicidal, including me-Don't give up! Hopelessness is the worst feeling associated with depression, but you still have a whole life ahead of you to resolve your problems. Most likely, your depression will have improved in ten, twenty years or so, but probably sooner, so you should at least try to wait a while! Give it time...You won't regret it."
--Erin
"I am not going through depression but I had a friend who was. She was very angry at life and people and said she wanted to commit suicide. My friends and I went and told her that people who jump off buildings probably wish they wouldn't have but it's too late and stuff like that. She said we hated her and everybody else hated her. I went and talked to a trusted adult, and they said that knowing the person it was probably for attention. Turns out it half way was! She sort of wanted attention and sort of felt rejected. It was really weird. Anyway, that was 5th grade, a lot has changed! She still acts depressed though because she's 113 and hasn't really 'developed' and boys don't like her and yeah. She has her good days and her bads."
--Polarbearluvr, 12
"What do you do when you feel lifes not worth living anymore?"
--Rosie
"I have depression I haven't been eating I am always sleeping. Also my friends have noticed it and they say they try to help but they make it worse and sometimes I feel like I want to die."
--Alli, 11
"I sort of have dealt with being depressed for a week or 2 or even 3!!! There is this girl in my grade who accused me of doing something inappropriate that I totally didn't do, and for a month or two, she held it over my head. Because my mom was telling her friends (which are my best friend's moms) about it, since the girl's mom is a lawyer, my mom could have been taken to court, so I felt very sad for a long time. What really bothered me was that we were best friends, like sisters. But the girl was always mean to me anyway, even before and during our relationship. Once she made up this play and everyone in our "Group" had to be in it. She made us sing and say things, and for 3 years, from when I was 7 to when I was 9 and a half, sometimes I would come home and cry while doing my homework. It was very stressful."
--Shanthi, 10
"Oh Hi IML, I got your message and I understand what has happened. Hence, I will now come back to IML and once again, I will thank PBS and of course, you IML. Well, HI PMAN FANS."
--Pan
"Yes. I have had depression for a long time now. I feel I can't talk to anyone about it. That no one could understand what I'm going through. I used to hurt myself. Everyone from what I've heard is "Worried" about my health. What I feel everyone is worried about is how could they go without my help with tending things. I feel my friends are annoyed with me at all times no matter what. I now am trying to stop it before it's "Too late". As my parents, doctor, & counselor."
--Irene
"Dang, I'm so depressed. My life stinks. I can't stand living. It's like I don't want to see the rest of my life no one would care anyway. At least it would take the pain away. I know I should see a counselor or something but I'm to embarrassed and afraid, so I just hold it all in. The only way I can feel just a little better is anonymously telling all of you, and I thank u for that. If anyone has advice feel free to tell me I'm up for anything. Just something that will take the pain away please..."
--Nobody cares, 12
"It feels like two problems are caving in on me: 1. My BFF Olivia moved to California and I don't see her that much anymore. 2. Just tonight 10/23/07, my musical director yelled at me and one other kid because we do races. PLEASE REALATE TO ONE OF THEM!!!!!!"
--Alison L
"Oh Hi IML, you made me very sad but not depressed. Do you know why? Well if you don't, I'll tell you. I had written a comment about instruments to Harry Potter, and you didn't post it, but when he posts things, you make sure it gets on the sight. As a matter of fact, he talks about things way different from the topic. For example, Harry Potter writes about who is going to die in the series while the topic asks about your favorite instrument. Another example is him not giving respect to me. "Erm, fans Pman". Therefore, this will probably be my last time writing to you IML. Goodbye PMan fans, never forget me. : <."
--PMan
Message from IML: Hi PMan! We didn't get your post about instruments, so please send it again! Remember that we post everything IML'ers send in, unless it's not appropriate in some way. Sometimes we will delete or edit one part of a message and put up the rest. We want everyone to express themselves, but we also try to keep anyone from being offended. If you were offended by someone else's post, we apologize. Sometimes it seems like people are just being funny or silly, but other people may read it as disrespect.
"KHPigs? Are you still around?"
--Michael
"I think I am depressed?"
--Serissa
"Does anyone take Prozac? Is it good."
--Cat, 12
"A friend, Leslie, is telling me that she's scared of me, but I don't why. She won't tell me."
--Nikki, 11
"Sometimes I feel very sad and have to let it out, so I end up crying myself to sleep, and have sad dreams. When I wake up the next morning, I feel pains, either emotional or physical. But the problem is, I don't usually let my feelings out. And I sometimes start to wish I would disappear."
--Bailey, 10
"My brother Josh and my mom. They go to a counselor."
--Rebecca, 9
"Sometimes, I don't know why I feel so sad. Sometimes I have days where I feel like just laying there. People have told me how different I am being, and how down I look. I constantly feel so alone, almost desperate for attention. I used to be really hyper and happy, now I can barely pay attention in class. I just want to pour all my emotions out, but my mom would yell at me for crying, so I don't. I feel like I need to let it all out, but I don't know how. I only feel happy when I get to talk to this guy I really like. Other then that, I'm just down. Sometimes, I try to cry, but it's like something's keeping me. Sometimes, I feel like the world is keeping me from something. I have a really bad temper now, and I always just yell and yell or ignore people. I'm constantly just slacking or dozing off thinking of what could've been. Sometimes, I wanna just write out my feelings, but I feel all bottled up and I feel like it's impossible. I just love to be alone and get lost in music under my blanket and have my mind blank. But still, it's really hard. What is this?"
--Diane, 13
"I think I do. I'm sad, down, confused, feeling unloved, and not wanting to be loved. I keep having thoughts of hurting myself in some way...I'm always tired..."
--Zoe, 12
"I think that I have depression. Unless you call being sad, angry, and feeling abandoned not depressed. I am so sick of my life. I wish I could change my life SO badly. Like I said, I AM SICK OF LIFE."
--Nylee
"My sister has depression but I think I have too. But I'm not sure. I'm like always sad and get angry. And sometimes I feel like nobody loves me and that I'm worthless. And I don't usually talk about my feelings. So I don't know what to do anymore. I'm getting really confused. And I'm in constant pain either emotionally or physically. But I don't know how to tell somebody how I feel. And this has been going on for a few years. But now it is worse than ever."
--Holly, 13
"I've been so depressed lately, or I think that's what it is. I'm so confused. Sometimes I'm super down, and I don't wanna hurt myself, or anything’ĶI just wanna disappear, go into my own world. Other times I'm angry-depressed. I cry and cry and think about hating people. Other times I just wanna be alone, or I am alone and don't wanna be alone. Am I depressed? If so, how do I tell my parents? They're all I have left."
--Kaylee, 13
"When I was seven and ten, I had a big depression episode. I don't know why or the 'cause, but I can assure you it was so horrible, it was like I was locked in a mind prison and I couldn't get out. But with the assistance of God, I eventually got out..."
--Brittany, 10
"I'm depressed because I don't have friends, except my cousins. But I don't really get to see them."
--Michelle, 11
"I don't have depression, even if my doctor thinks so."
--Lilly5210, 13
"Not real depression, but I'm just really sad and mad. My crush is going out with this moron who has a nose bigger than my vocabulary. And whenever she comes to class, she ALWAYS brags about the dates they're going on. Like they're going out for ice cream and a boat ride in the lake this Friday. Luckily, I think he likes me too. He talks to me constantly, smiles at me, and his girlfriend keeps on suggesting people for me to go out with..."
--Courtney, 11
"Are there pills to stop depression?"
--Joseph, 9
"I'm feeling really depressed, because my boyfriend dumped me for my BEST FRIEND!!!"
--Aly, 11
"Yes. Who doesn't get depressed sometimes? there is this girl in school who has BIG problems. I feel bad for her. But she always wants to start with people for no reason...I try to be nice, but I can't help screaming at her for acting so bad."
--Erik
"I've written in twice already about my parents getting divorced and me going bulimic. So my parents got divorced because of my mom (who has bipolar disorder). I never really realized my mom could have it, but when I read the symptoms of it, I knew she had it. I went bulimic because I was really sad about my parents' divorce. But my friends found out and wanted me to stop, so I did. But, I'm thinking of starting again. So I think that I have bipolar after I looked through the symptoms. I'm always really sad and I feel hopeless..."
--Alexa, 13
"My boyfriend just got sent to military school and since he has been gone I feel so sad and depressed. I’Äôve been just eating and moping around and have been getting really angry. What should I do???"
--Teresa, 12
"Yeah, I have a depression problem. A BIG one. My great uncle and aunt died, and I guess I'll just haffta git over it, know what I'm saying? take it to the lord in prayer, they say..."
--Josh, 13
"Just don't hurt yourself! Please!"
--Cody
"I was really depressed when my best friend died this summer. (August of 2007. ) He didn't have a lot of friends because he grew up in an orphanage and was from Serbia. For a while after that I felt like I didn't really have friends, and that people didn't understand me. I had more difficulty with school. But later I realized that even if he was still here, he wouldn't have wanted me to live the rest of my life depressed and unhappy, and neither did any of my real friends who were still there, and my family. And you know what? Once I got help and got out of it I realized that I didn't want to either. I just wanted to live and remember my friend...Stopping myself from living because he was gone was not a solution. I felt so much better once I was healthy again and encourage anyone struggling with depression to ask for help: even though I didn't feel like I got support from my mom and dad, my school counselor helped me a lot. : ) I hope this helps someone out there..."
--Anonymous LP, 12
"Bad Influence: I think if parents just talk to their children and tell them that Brittney and Paris do what they do for the press and they're not really like that. Then, they aren't a bad influence. I love hooters. Sometimes I think the waitresses there are kind of bad. Not bad but kinda. In a way they are thin and they are sorta saying you have to be thin to be a waitress."
--HootersGirl
"The little things people do towards me, like always getting aggravated when I'm around, always trying to shield themselves so they won't have to look at me, trying not to sit by me on the bus or in class or not pick me to be part of their groups during a class assignment. It makes me just wonder, am I pretty? Am I ugly? Do I bother people that much by just looking at them, to make them not want to be around me? Am I the ugliest person in the world? Because people don't just treat me like this at school, they treat me this way everywhere I go, and it hurts so much. It hurts so much to have people treat me like I'm the ugliest person on planet Earth every single day. And I have no one who really understands what I'm going through, because when I try telling them, they either laugh at me or say I'm crazy. And of course I say yea, maybe I am crazy, and laugh right along with them, putting my real emotions on hold because a smile hides everything. It's so stressful trying to balance what I'm going through, plus all the homework that I get from every one of my teachers every night at once. All of it just makes me feel like my head's about to explode to the point where I just can't take it. I think every day since the first day school, I've went home crying, crying because of all this stress and pressure that's put on me every day nonstop. This is how I feel on the inside, so no one can relate to me at all. I wonder how people see me on the outside, and if I were to turn my outside in and my inside out, would people still see me the same way? Would they start to understand!"
--Milya
"I'm almost always mad at someone, whether it's my sisters getting into my stuff, my brother bothering me when I'm doing my schoolwork {I'm home schooled}, my best friend can't talk to me because she's doing something with her parents, or I need help with schoolwork and my mom is out shopping for food and things like that."
--Stephanie, 12
"Yes. I'm always feeling down because I broke my best friend and her boyfriend up. So what should I do? will she stay mad at me, or will we be cool again?!!!"
--Jessica, 13
"Depression for me was hard, especially if you want to be one of "Them." and I didn't fit in with anyone, so then I started hating myself, and sometimes I still do feel like that."
--Caroline
"Well, I have a best friend, and my dad and her mom are kind of getting together, and I want a best friend not a sister. Every morning we get into fights, and I hate it. It makes me feel like I am not important anymore, and I cant understand it. What should I do??? we fight more now than we ever did before. Can you please help me or give me some advice!"
--Emily
"Duh! Sometimes I get upset that I can't do something. That and that my school is a phony, cheap, and strict school. Girls walk around acting like they're princesses or something and I hear them talk behind my back saying I'm so ugly to look at and my clothes at so boyish. No der! I'm a tomboy! At least my greatest fears aren't stupid things like if I arrived too late for the mall because it just closed, or having to go to shop at a bargain store. Anyway, sometimes I look in the mirror and think that they're right. But still. What their biggest fears are things that don't matter. But still, I hate getting depressed."
--Theresa, 10
"Dear reader, is one of your friends dealing with depression? If so, tell that person what you or a loved one did to deal with it. Maybe they will work with that person!!! PS: I hope that this advice works for your friend. And another way is to always think positive."
--Chasityann, 9
"Yeahh, I'm prettyy sure I have bipolar, but it's nott like extremelyy severe. It's nott like I'm gonna tryy to kill someone or somethingg. I just gett either reallyyy happyy or like extremelyy depressedd over the littlest things. Soo. Yeahh."
--Laurennn., 13
"My dog died because she ate wood. I felt really bad and I cried for 4 days straight! I really wanted her back, but I couldn't. I was really depressed and lonely. Then I found this Labrador retriever walking, and it didn't notice the car, so I screamed and grabbed the puppy before the car came. I was so relived that it didn't die. So, I took her as a new dog and to give respect to my first and most loved dog."
--Alexhandra, 8
"Two years ago my great grandfather died, and after a month or so I felt as if my stepsister was taking over my life. She is more popular, pretty, and always gets her way. It makes me feel invisible. So what can I do to get noticed???"
--Nikki, 11
"I have experienced clinical depression and seek God's help whenever I am depressed, sad, or lonely. God bless! Later!"
--Anonymous
"Depression is hard to deal with, especially if you don't tell someone. I didn't, and still don't tell anyone. You always feel sad and lonely, have stomachaches or headaches, and have trouble sleeping like me. I can go for 6 days without any sleep and I can have full energy, but I know I don't have (adhd) ''cuz with that you're jumping off walls and hyper. I'm not hyper, I just have energy to do stuff during the day and I never feel hungry. Does it make me happy? No. I always feel sad and alone and cry a lot, or get really moody at someone. And sometimes I feel so sad I can't get out of bed. I don't know if this would be closer to depression or Bipolar disorder???????"
--Jennifer, 13
"It's right...Don't let ppl put you down. I hate it. It's good to always stay strong."
--Bianca
"Bri- emo is kind of a label, except some people dress, and act emo. They wear tight pants, and stuff. I bet a lot of them are just depressed."
--Anonymous
"I have, you know. I'm going though puberty and I hate it! A boy that I've liked for 6 years has turned me down, my room's a MESS and my parents keep telling me to clean it up so I do, It's not good enough, so I do it again, Blah blah blah! My three grandparents have died in the last year! I can't do it anymore."
--Sara
"I'm not clinically depressed, but I still am. I've not told anyone for 2 years and then I tried to commit suicide. Right after that I went to my teacher and she helped me soo much. If you're depressed it helps to tell someone about it. Because, trust me, it's feels like weight has been lifted off your shoulder."
--Carrie
"I was scared cuz I thought my best friend was. The best thing to do is just try and cheer someone you know up. And in my opinion, any time you're depressed, you CAN pull yourself out of that mindset. Just know that you are what you are, and be confident! And it will help!"
--GirlySwEeT
"I'm feeling depressed because I feel like a loser with no friends. I only have a few friends and they aren't really true friends. They talk about me behind my back and never wanna hang out with me. I don't wanna do any sports 'cuz I'm not good at sports and I don't wanna embarrass myself. I also have the ugliest clothes, while everyone else has pretty clothes."
--Janice, 11
"Depression: I was like that too, because kids were talking about me, saying you brat, rat and another names, but I had to forget it. I needed to find that other person I used to be. And also because of my attitude. But I'm going to be a better person. So don't let kids bring you down. You can be anybody you want to be!! Don't let anybody stop you. Peace out. My favorite person is Jaslene from America's Next Model. She is my idol. Also Jennifer Lopez and my mom. Jennifer you did your thing in the movie with Marc."
--Vanessa, 12
"My cat, I think, ran away. We went on vacation for eight days. I couldn't find anyone to feed him, so we gave him a cat feeder. Today I went outside to look for him, and I couldn't find him. I haven't seen him since we came back (We came back last night at 4:00 a.m.). I even put out a plate of lasagna outside on the deck, the front porch and the garage. He's not here though. Does anyone have any suggestions of how I can maybe get him back? Please help. Thanks."
--Anonymous
"Hey. Emilee: Ok, look. It doesn't matter if you're fat or ugly. It makes me feel sad that they call you that. I'll be your online friend. And I'll never ever call you names. Promise."
--Lilly5210, 13
"I wouldn't consider it clinical depression, more peer pressure to be popular, to be pretty’Ķall the things that lots of girls hope to be. I sometimes get depressed because I don't have a ton of friends, and I don't have a boyfriend, but I try to just shrug it off."
--Mia, 13
"I was so worried bout my bf. I worry he'll fall for another one day. What should I do?"
--Rosz
"I have lots of friends, really!"
--Lilly5210, 13
"I'm just getting over clinical depression with help from a great GP. I was suicidal and self-harmed quite a bit. I still feel worthless most of the time, but it's getting better slowly."
--Andrew
"Mom doesn't listen to me. Help."
--Beth
"My boyfriend has bipolar disorder, and I'm feeling depressed cuz my parents and teachers make me so mad. We both harm ourselves for the same reasons. He is the only one who understands. I don't wanna tell my mom. Then she would think I want attention and be mad at me all the time. They think there is nothing to be depressed about, but I just am."
--Cath, 12
"Can someone PLEASE explain to me what exactly "Emo" is? Don't you think you are kinda labeling people that way? Labeling is not good! Besides, emo means emotional doesn't it? Everyone is emotional sometimes. I will admit that some people take it a bit over the top, but still, it's better to have feelings than not isn't it? If anyone could please comment...That would be great. I'm just trying to figure it out!"
--Bri
"Sometimes girls come over-you know, those flirty, attitude, cool dressing ones that walk around trying to show off. They look at me, then look around and say, "You don't belong here." And they keep on taunting me. Then when I get home, I sit on the porch insulting myself. I also feel depressed when I figure out that my crush doesn't like me back."
--Anonymous
"I felt depressed when I started fourth grade because we just moved from one part of the city to the other. I felt kinda sad because I loved the school I went to before we moved. The school I go to now is a rip off! It has a court and when you do something wrong, they charge you--Have you ever had a school that that pretend money? Well, if you do something wrong, well, it depends. And if you didn't pay it off yet, you don't get to go to field trips. And they keep on reminding you over and over about and it gets on your nerves. Then when I get home, I sit on the porch and think, "I bet all my friends back at my old school had fun today at school. All I did was go to detention for the whole recess just for starting too early on my math quiz."
--Anonymous, 10
"I am going through depression. I have been to embarrassed to admit it though...To IML! Thank you so much for all your help. You have no clue how much you help us kids...Have better lives...Thanks ^_^."
--Madylon, 12
"Oh gosh, I just don't know what to do. People are leaving me alone in my school. Oh man I can't talk about my totally major sadness. I got to go. I'll see you guys later on."
--Hania
"My doctor thinks I'm lonely because I don't talk to people and I'm shy. I sometimes get really nervous and stuff. So what she made me do is visit her about 1 week AFTER school started and see how everything is going. I'm not depressed."
--Lilly5210, 13
"I've never had friends before, and I've been really lonely. And I've been called fat and ugly. I'm looking for someone to be nice and become my friend, because when I was little a had a good friend. But one day she called me fat and left me to be alone. After that I never wanted a new friend. And now I do, but they don't like me because of my fat. But if they got to know me they would see that I'm sweet, and can draw really good, and sing lovely!!!"
--Emilee, 11
"I myself have dealt with clinical depression among many other disorders. It may seem that someone with depression is just down and can snap themselves out of it, but it is much harder than that. People need to go to counseling and get understanding as to why they are depressed. Many need to search their past and come to terms with events that could have caused depression. Many, as with my self go on medication. They can greatly help a person's quality of life. Depression is serious. You can't just shrug it off. Not all people understand this. It is important to find someone, especially a therapist who is non-judgmental and understands what you are feeling. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!"
--Michelle
"No, never. HOLLA."
--Tokyo's finest
"Yes. I have a friend who is 14 and has been suicidal since she was 7 years old."
--Chanel, 10
"You know, sometimes just smiling and thinking everything is going to be ok’Ķit helps. I talk to my friends sometimes, or write in a journal, or listen to music. Just don't worry about anything."
--Danielle, 13
"I have dealt with depression before, and you feel like you don't meet the standards of everyone else, and that you find yourself crying a lot."
--Anonymous, 11
"Why is it that sometimes when you're depressed you cry, but you don't have any reason to cry?????"
---Mireya, 13
"Unfortunately, yes. My 16-year-old second cousin dealt with clinical depression about two years ago. He went through that depression because his best friend had died in a car crash, and that same year, his girlfriend was cheating/doing drugs. That affected him a little, but about 3 months after he dumped his girlfriend, that was when his friend got in the crash. He locked himself in his room, and wouldn't come out for 2 days! His parents slipped food under his door because it was that bad! I felt really bad, and made him a card. I sent it to him and he sent me one back. That was a little bit of a good sign. He told me all about what was going on. A few days later, his parents called my parents, and told us that he was seeing a doctor for some help. About 2 weeks later, he got on the computer, and emailed me about his feelings and what he was going through, and ways he was feeling better. I talked to him back and forth about this problem and about a year later, his doctor said that he had finally recovered. My second cousin was very happy and got a new girlfriend and now visits his friend's grave every month or so. I am very proud of him, and his success! : )."
--I love CANDY! <3
"Tinkerbelle, I'll be praying for you."
---Mumbojumbo
"Max, tell your parents about your feelings and mood swings! They can help you!"
--Fly, 13
Yes, one of my friends from school had depression. She is usually sad, thinks about all the negative things in life, and also thinks of harming herself. It hurts me and my other friends...Not just her.
--Miranda, 12
Well I've battled with depression my whole life. You see, I had a lot of bad things going on in my life. My parents were going through a divorce, my brother has Autism, I found out I had a half-brother, and I was bullied by 6 guys and no one did anything about it. This all happened when I was 9-10 years old. I then started eating more, especially when I was sad. I was VERY depressed, thinking about death, feeling ugly and worthless. One day I just wanted to hurt myself because I felt so low. But I didn't because I was afraid. My mom was worried about me and I went to see my brother's psychologist. He put me on medication and ever since then I've been all right. Im in high school now with friends and even a boyfriend. My boyfriend though used to hurt and he had the scars to prove it. He said he regrets doing that to himself very much. NEVER EVER DO ALL THIS! YOU WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE!
--Miss E
Once my aunts friend said she was gonna jump off a bridge!!!!!
--Linda, 8
I don't think most people know what depression is. It is an illness, where you don't want to do anything or talk to anyone and you just feel really bad about everything all the time. Your grades drop, you lose friends, and some people commit suicide.
--Bri
Ive been diagnosed with depression, and I have been harming myself. I dont want to see a therapist, but I know I should. I dont know what to do.
--Anonymous
We had a talent show and my group was doing a dance, but one of the girls didnt show up. So we tried to change the moves, but then when it was time. We stopped in the middle. And one of the other groups laughed at us. Then me and my bff were going to sing a song but my mic wouldnt work. So everyone thought I couldn't sing. Now my crush won't talk to me and now he likes a girl from the group that was laughing.
--Alexandra, 12
What should I do?
--Shara
Every time I finish checking my Youtube account and play Club Penguin for a little bit, I start to feel all bored. Im not depressed, but I just feel all bored and such.
--Jon, 9
My sister. She's going to counseling, and so are my parents. I feel down a lot too, but I don't want to go to a counselor...
--Emily, 11
Depression STINKS!!!! If you are ever in a serious stage of depression you should get HELP because then you will be braver than I ever was.
--Zebina T.
Yes, one of my friends from school had depression. She is usually sad, thinks about all the negative things in life, and also thinks of harming herself. It hurts me and my other friends...Not just her.
--Miranda, 12
Sometimes Im depressed when I am sick and have to stay home at school.
--Jessica, 8
I was so depressed when I was 9 because my parents divorced. I got lice. We moved. I got glasses, I had to go to a new school, I had to make new friends, and my teacher was mean. I thought I would rather die. But don't feel like that. I got over my depression all by my self, well making friends with my friend Alex helped. But I didn't go to a counselor. If you can't afford a counselor or medicine don't feel bad. You can get over it. But you need to tell an adult because I didn't.
--Abby, 12
I have clinical depression so I take medicine. I know my mom is worried but ill get through it...I know I will.
--Heidi, 13
Listen to this: A 13 year old wrote this book a few years back. That's right. A kid, JUST LIKE US wrote a book on depression! It's called Fighting the Demon within: How I fought depression and won".
--Michael
I mean, I have friends and boys that like me, so thats not the problem. My problem is that my family always teases and picks on me and I feel very low and worthless, but yeah...
--Coco, 13
I get depressed sometimes so I go to a corner of my room, write in my prayer journal to God, and cry.
--Lynsay, 13
I've gotten names like -Brainiac Alien Dorkinator, and I don't feel like I belong on this planet. So I sit alone usually.
--Claire, 10
When I feel depressed I try not to think about what Im depressed about.
--Kassie, 11
I don't know why, but when I enter band class I get all sad and down. Then when I go to lunch Im happy again. I know a person who read a book and was depressed for real.
)_ ).
--Cow with a K, 12
I feel really depressed that I wish I wasnt born. Life is worthless because of my nephew and dad. My nephew lies to save his butt and blames it on me, and my dad listens to him. Sometimes I wish I didnt have a jerk of a father because then he treats my brothers and sister good and he treats me like garbage. And my mom has to put up with his stuff...
--Mike, 13
I <3 karate. Im 1 of those really competitive ppl, that when they get into something they get into it. I only got 2 do karate in the school year, so every summer I was really, really depressed w/ out it. What I started doing was making myself get out of bed and go do stuff...It really helped. I still miss it...But its better than missing in bed all day.
--Redneckwoman, 12
Im depressed because my family is making me unhappy. Please help.
--Cay, 12
My life stinks. My bro is in the USMC and my dads a drunk. My mom hates me and Ive never talked to my sister in my life...
--Wyatt, 11
Depression sometimes makes me cry. Sometimes I either write it down in a journal or just talk to a friend about it. Sometimes I act all happy when Im not. I try really hard not to think about it. My parents are getting divorced and right now, Im with my dad. I look at some pictures of my stepmom and me and sometimes, I cry. Sometimes, I cry myself to sleep. She already took all her stuff, which makes me sadder. I know a lot of kids have been through the same thing. Some know how to deal with it and some don't. : - (.
--Melanie, 10
When I get depress I just sit and try to think about something that makes me laugh so I can stop feeling down. When your depress try and talk to someone that sometimes help. Try and do something you know you would like, like watch a movie, read a book, play sports, and if your not a sports person eat your favorite meal, do something to keep you active. And try not to let anything or anyone keep you down.
--Teanna
I haven't been diagnosed officially but I go through bad bouts of sadness when I feel like I feel completely worthless and I can't do anything about it. I try to act happy but when Im alone, I get all mopey...
--Izzy, 13
Hi. I have recently been feeling really down, and am almost certain Im suffering from depression as I have nearly all the symptoms of depression, and have a few possible reasons why it may have started (But not really any direct reasons), but thats not why Im writing. I seem to be torn in half, sometimes I feel alright even great, while other days I feel terrible. Sometimes my mood will go from really angry to crying in a matter of minutes. I am also torn in two by the way that half of me feel like I should just go to see a doctor because these feelings are becoming so hard to control and bear, and the other half feels like I am just being melodramatic, overacting, seeking attention and trying to be different. And it is getting to me so much and I cant find any thing on it on the web. Please help me. I really want to know something about what Im feeling, or why Im feeling it, or whateverjust something.
--Max
I just wanna say, 2 ALL dat have been harming themselves. DON'T. I mean it. I used to. A lot. I used 2 have to cover up my arms in case anyone saw. I was terrified. I 4get where I read dis story bout a kid hu also did harming and she figured out if God wanted us to die. He would. To be honest, Im still kinda depressed, but my parents have only just copped on. And they think it's attention seeking. But it's going now. Now I do Xtreme sports. I mean, last week I flung myself of a cliff, diving and two weeks before I jumped from50 feet up, bungee jumping. Find something fun. It'll help. Suicide is NVER the answer. My friend killed himself recently. Everyone got upset. He 'd neva shown any signs of depression. I wish I had been more observant now. Suicide is SELFISH. I cant tell u HOW upset and worked up about him when he took his own life. Think, this time in 2 decades, will it be different?
--Alex, 12
I had it. After I moved from London. I hated it. I was seriously bullied. I still am. I get beat up EVERY day. I've never told anyone, and I used to have a lot of anger. I used to hit myself, but that wasn't gonna help. A dog tied up in a small room is angry but let it outside it's just plain playful. So I prayed. And it helped. Big time. I still get bullied and have small anger issues, then my school found out, so they gave my a class of 4 year olds to care for. I took charge of these little kids, some of their parents were dead, some were in care, some came from bad backgrounds, some I had to teach English but they were all loved. And this helped me. Im so sad to have to lave this yea. Im moving schools. Again. But hopefully the bullying will stop. And I will be no longer depressed.
--Confuzzled, 12
I feel like I just don't fit in. I cry every day and I don't feel like talking to anyone about my problem.
--Ashvini, 8
I have like most kids it was during my parents divorce. I would cry myself to sleep and then my mom got married right away and got pregnant. I had been the baby so I thought she wanted to replace me so I started hurting myself. Eventually thought I turned to writing myself letters about what was happening and that really helps. For any1 who is in depression it is never ur fault no matter wat u think!
--Ellen, 13
My dog, Stanley, died on November 22, 2005, 4 days after my birthday. It was horrible and I cant get over him! He was 14 years old, and I loved him so much! I had a puppy named Gracie, A. K. A Gracie Girl, she got hit by a car at only six months old. That happened on July 25th, 2006. I was devastated and I wanted to scream and just ruin everything. It was all in less than a year apart! I remember that sick twisted day. I feel so depressed and when I go to bed at night I literally cry myself to sleep. I cant get over it and I feel somethings wrong and all topsy turvy with me. I dont eat much anymore, and when I got my new puppy, Tucker, he made me happier but reminded me of Stan. I really miss them and I get huge separation anxiety. I sit by where my dog Stanley is buried in my backyard and just sit there for hours...Staring at his grave, crying, and thinking, talking to the spot where hes buried. I'd say, Stanley baby I miss you, and then I'd cry some more, then talk and talk although his soul is not lying there. I havent been able to see Gracie's grave yet, and it has been almost a year. She's buried in the woods by my grandpa's house under a nice maple tree, but I miss them both so much. Anyone know anyways I can get over this?
--Cierra, 10
As Miss Dor-EE has mentioned before, my best friend's mother, Rebecca R., died in a car accident awhile ago. Everyone in our neighborhood was depressed about her death, but Jonathon R., Rebecca's husband, was the most depressed. He tried not to show his children that he was sad, but he cried all night and slept all day. My parents were over at the R's everyday. My mother made the R. children meals and my father tried to get Jonathon up and eating. Finally, Jonathon was so upset that he broke down and was acting mad. My parents took him to the hospital while Courtney and Denny R. stayed over at our house for the night. But now, Jonathon is fine and is even dating again. But we all know that Rebecca is his first and only true love. WE LOVE YOU, REBECCA!!!
--Dorianna, 13
Victoria: Ive asked myself that, too! Hang in there, Im praying for you!
--Michael
Ive dealt with clinical depression for the past 3 or 4 years. I would be out of depression if I still had a girlfriend. I don't know how to climb out of depression.
--Joel
Yeah sometimes I feel really sad all of a sudden for no apparent reason.
--Bob
Jessica: That is in my family, too! My dad has Issues" and I never told anyone (Stupidly, I must say) and it got worse and worse and WORSE until I finally got one month away from the abuse (Where I realized that, in many ways, I am quite messed up, and I need to fix a lot of stuff).
--Michael
My friend wanted 2 commit suicide. But she said she got help and she started going to church again.
--ANie, 13
Tendereyes that story that you wrote about you was very touching, and even though you dont know me Im proud of you four giving your heart to Jesus. And we just need to let people know that when there life is not going how they plan it to. And if they think that no one cares that theres always somebody who cares and, thats Jesus. Hes never far away and if you do something bad he will never leave. And someday he will come four his people and take us to heaven were we will never be hurt again. And if you ever get lost he will be there with open arms, and when you get to heaven he will finally get to say Welcome home my child.
--Danielle, 13
I don't know why but I feel depression a lot. I have a lot of messed up things in my life. I really hate it...
--Lauren, 11
I have been bullied most of my life, probably because Im handicapped, but I wasn't depressed until I was 10. When I was 10 an older, and larger, boy hurt me. After that, I wasn't the same. I constantly cried. I hated myself. I hurt myself in progressively worse ways. I didn't laugh. I didn't smile. I changed schools to get away from the gang of bullies that the boy was part of into a middle school that started earlier than the one in my district. The school system wouldn't let me change before that. These bullies were extremely cruel and crossed the line between bullying and torture. When I say torture, I don't mean it figuratively, I mean it literally. As in actual torture. I won't go into the details. After I changed schools, I felt a little better. I didn't have any friends but I wasn't getting bullied. I started laughing again, but I still cried most of the time. I stopped hurting myself. I almost recovered, but then, I started getting bullied again. I started hurting myself again, though less severely than I previously had. I spent the year alternately crying and feeling dead. I thought that things would never get better. Until I went to summer camp. There, people treated me like I was human. No one shoved me, no one insulted me, no one tried to pull up my shirt. This was the first time I was happy in three years and the first time I was treated decently by my peers since I was around four. When I went back to school, I started demanding to be treated decently, which caused some bullies to stop but also angered the school quite a bit. They have decided to try kick me out because of my depression. Im going to go to a new school next year, a school for people of Significantly above average to genius intelligence. I am trying really hard to stop hurting myself. You know how some of you guys have turned to Jesus? I've sort of done the same thing, only I've turned to the God and Goddess of Wicca, as well as to my ancestors and a few benevolent spirits. I think I might recover soon. Blessed be, Aena.
--Aena-Kaiiaa, 13
I was depressed when I was in foster care and all my friends said nobody wanted a teenager. I believed it until my mom came and got me and I never thought about being sad, worried, or mad.
--Deja
My dad moved to Florida and somehow got my sister to go with him. I haven't eaten a regular meal in I'd say 5 months because I always think its my fault because I never really liked my sister. Now Im depressed because I'll never see my dad and sister again.
--Brittany
Tender eyes, 13- Jesus is so powerful! He's the greatest!!! I wish I knew you because I think we could be very good friends! : ).
--Pop, 13
My family has issues and I get mad a lot. I don't usually tell anybody so it gets worse.
--Jessica, 12
Ive never been diagnosed as depressed but Im never happy its all just an illusion like I act all bubbly and happy but Im really only happy when Im mad or upset. 4-6th grade I was analemic ( anorexic and bulimic) 7th grade I got busted for harming myself. Im always mad and I think about suicide all the time, and the only person who really gets me is my neighbor Leanna. And w/o her I wouldnt be typing this note to all you who are gonna read it. And if you think a friend is having a rough patch in her life help her out you never know you could be saving her life.
--Courtney, 13
Emma- I wish I could just give you this huge hug. You have a new friend. Im pretty shy myself. There is one person that cares about you soooo much. God. You can tell him anything and everything. I'll be praying for you, Emma. Keep me posted. And I'll be praying for anyone else on this that needs prayers.
--Pop, 13
My best friend is emo. What do I do?
--Jen, 12
Me and My girlfriend are leaving each other to go to Middle School and I'll miss her.
--Gregoire, 11
When my mom and dad broke up, my dad went into this meltdown. He wasn't fun anymore.
--Karissa, 11
I get a little desperate when IML does not send my comments to You said it". Anyway I have felt depressed because of my Math teacher. She is an Asian math teacher and the only Asian math teacher I have had. She would ignore me THROUGHOUT the year and don't think I am a bad student because I am one of her best. She would never ignore anyone else. I was depressed for about three months and Im serious. That's all I have to say for now and I hope you post my message IML. Thanks to all my PMAN fans and thanks to PBSKIDS.
--PMAN, 11
Well...Im not sure if Im depressed or not since...Well maybe its just me o_o. Usually Im a happy little girl who seems like to have a perfect life cause of my great, awesome friends. But then sometimes my emotions change and then I get real depressed cause I guess Im confused of my friends since they don't talk to me sometimes...Even if Im the only person waiting at where they exactly are. Maybe it's just them and Im overeating to much?
--Berisa, 12
I went through awful depression for years, Im a lot better now. Why? Well, I have to start from the start: When I was a baby my Dad didn't like me very much. He said I was too spoiled. When I was around 3, he hit me in the face really hard. I was fine, but he felt bad and started being nice to me. Then when I was four, he got a job where he worked all the time and I only would see him one hour a day. At this time, my mom was always getting pregnant and she'd have complications. So she would always be in the hospital, and when she was home she was on bed rest. Since there was no one to take care of me, my Grandma did. She basically raised me for 6 years. I know Spanish now, but I didn't when I was little, so I couldn't talk to her. That's part of why Im so quiet, because I wouldn't have anyone to talk to when I was little. This went on until I was six, then my mom never got pregnant again so she was home all the time. My dad also got a new job so he would be home all afternoon. This is when things got bad, I was so happy to see my mom home and she was there to raise me, but she had changed. She was so mean: She also said my hair was ugly because it would always be in knots. She said I was fat and that she never saw anyone eat the way I did, so she would make me run on the treadmill all the time, and I was only about 7! She and my dad also had horrid fights, after so many years of not being a family, we were reunited and all they could do was fight. By the time I was nine, things were good. I had over come my phase and my parents had accepted Jesus, so we were happy. My dad signed me up for a basketball team and he coached it. I made a best friend. But, then I turned 10 and I was so messed up again. I just kept thinking about the past and I would cry. I have three retarded brothers, one pinches me and the other kicks me. My parents said I couldn't talk to people about my brothers cuz they might get taken away, that's why I got into the habit where I don't trust no one. I also couldn't and still can't have friends over. Lots of kids said I was weird and they saw my bruises that my brothers gave me and they thought my family was creepy. I would sometimes hurt myself, though I never did badly. I sometimes had thoughts of suicide, but Jesus kept me from acting on them. Through my twelve-year-old year, I had turned from Jesus, but he called me back right away and I really accepted him for the first time. I felt so touched. Now Im never depressed, but I do get sad sometimes. I usually wake up at night and lock my door, then I cry. I start talking to Jesus, pouring my heart out to him. I can actually feel him hug me, though I can't describe the feeling. I really have conversations with him. It's so beautiful. Not too long ago, I was starting to get depressed because I was lonely, but he wasn't ready to let me get messed up again. He actually told me he's promised me someone in the world that will love me with a very strong love and that I will meet him SOON, VERY SOON...I think I know who he is and Im so happy. My life's not perfect and Im not as happy as I could be, but I know Im not where I use to be.
--Tender Eyes, 13
Yes. My mother knew someone with clinical depression. Her name was Sharenn and Sherenn would come to our house every once in a while. I remember sitting in the family room with my mother and Sharenn. It was really sad to hear her story and hear what was going on in her life. It made me cry one night. I remember that story clearly. The only friend that she had was this cat named Dennis. It was a really cute cat. Soon, Sharenn said that she had to move. She moved to Maryland. She now lives in Maryland with her cat named Dennis. She sends our family pictures of her and Dennis. She also sends pictures of the places that she goes. She also tells us that she feels a lot better, and she loves Maryland!
--BabyGirl123
I am constantly feeling worthless. Sometimes I wish that I could just curl up into a ball and disappear. Why was I born? Is what I sometimes ask. And I get really random mood swings. I feel like Im too ugly to show myself to anyone.
--Victoria, 12
I have never gone through a serious depression. But my friends mom did. It was a really hard time for my friend; and I tried to help her as much as I could. Her mom eventually got helped and now her family is back to normal : ].
--Monica, 12
"No I haven't. Thank goodness!
--Hope, 11
"My dad is actually bipolar and he was an alcoholic. I don't really remember anything about my parents relationship. They divorced when I was very young.
--Anonymous, 12
My boyfriend [ex]cheated on me with my bestest friend in the whole wide world and when he figured out that I knew he won't talk to me. See Im just starting to be homeschooled and I looovvvve him even though he is 14.
--Kayla, 12
What's wrong if a person stays at home, refuses to see family they once loved to be with, and then starts to think bad/wrong things that they think family has done, which are not at all true.
--Joejoe
My mom and the guidance counselor think Im depressed. I have never thought about me being depressed until my mom started talking to me about it a couple weeks ago. At first I just kinda flicked it off like it was no big deal, but then I started to realize that my grades have gone way down (from A-B average to D-F average) my GPA is 2.194. I have been really sad lately. I dont eat all my lunch (which isnt all that much to start with-a sandwich, pretzels, a water, and an apple is normally what I have) and I dont even finish it all. I have very few friends, but they r the best friends I have ever had, they are very loyal and trustworthy to me. I think Im fat when Im not, but I do weigh quiet a lot for a 14 year old. I always feel like I dont belong at all-at school, at home, nowhere. I used to like to do things with my family-like watch TV wit them at night or go for walks or bike rides or play games, etc. But I dont really like doing that anymore. I used to love sports or extra-curricular activities like girl scouts, etc. But lately I havent really liked doing those things anymore, I didnt do basket ball or cross country in the fall, Im not doing baseball or track or soccer in the spring. My mom has been calling me a quitter, I never thought of my self of a quitter since she said that, maybe I m a quitter, am I depressed? I have not really been hanging out with my friends all that much. Im very shy. I know I should talk to my mom or the guidance counselor about this, but its so hard for me to do that. I havent been feeling my self lately. I need to do more fun in my life, but what most people think the definition of fun is, isnt really all that 'fun' for me anymore, and I dont know why. I need some ideas to help me get over being depressed...Plz!!!!!
--Emma
Lots of times my friends and I would feel depressed about something but we r always there to support each other...But I personally dont know anyone that suffers from depression.
--Keating, 13
If you ever lose a bf/gf you should definitely not keep going back to him/her and being obsessed with them trust me Ive experienced it...
--Locksmith Gurl, 12
Okay I need really bad help right now. Honestly I am completely lost and I don't know who to tell. My best friend always knows how to help me but for some reason after she turned thirteen last week she's been acting like a snob. So I don't know who to ask for help. Well heres the thing. I am so sad and I don't know if you'd really call it Depression" but I don't know. Sometimes Ill just feel sad for no reason. Actually there is a reason but its not a big one. Well my friend I will just call her Banana, (lol) well she's been acting really mean lately and I am concerned for her. And on top of that, my best, best, best, best, best, best friend since age four is now acting very stupid! She'll treat me like Im two or something just because Im a little bit younger than her! And garr. Oh and btw we can call that friend...Strawberry. Lol! Well on top of on top of that, there is this guy we'll call pineapple and he likes me but I don't know if I like him and he is going to ask me out and I haven't decided if I like him so I am not sure what to say and I am under so much pressure with this!! I hurt myself a couple days ago but then stopped. I said sorry to God and I haven't dared to do it again. Now when Im angry I just go into my closet and blare music threw my headsets and work on my carved heart in the wall. For some reason it really works. Then I feel quit happy after that. But that doesn't last that long. So I usually then turn on some more music from my CD player and practice my hip hop dancing. But that doesn't last that long either. So I keep doing things to at last I run out of idea's then Im stuck sad again. I know I am a Christian but for some reason I feel like Im not. I feel like Im slowly slipping away from God. AHH!!! Im so miserable...
--Helptinkerbelle? : (, 13
Yea, but I have a suggestion in case anyone out there is feeling depressed...Look up to a major hottie...JESSE MCCARTNEY!!!!!! Ahhh!
--Queen MF, 13
My dad has transformed back into mean, horrible, worst-than-before!!!!!!!!!! He will not stop making my life even WORSE than before!
--Michael
Im depressed because for 9 years of my life, my mother abused me. She would get drunk every night and ye
