What should I do about my depression?

Question

I've tried everything: Excersizing, finding a hobby, staying active, and I've even attempted to make new friends.

I tried to tell my parents about it, but they just got extremely mad at me, and told me that if I ever mentioned it again, they would severley punish me and "give me something to be depressed about".

I really want to go to the doctor about it, but there is no way for me to go. I'm only 17, and my parents would never approve.

I only have one friend, and that is my girlfriend. She has offered to help me.

It's starting to get worse and worse. I haven't been eating very much lately, and I'm now underweight.

BEFORE you answer this question, take this into consideration: My parents CAN NOT know about any help I am getting reguarding depression. My mom told me that if she finds out about me going to a doctor or something behind her back, I will be severley punished.

My parents can not know, so DO NOT suggest that I get a school counselor to talk to them.

Is there anything I can do?

Answer 1

The previous answer was really unhelpful so don't bother reading it..what an idiotic thing to suggest. i'm guessing you're american things work a little differently over there than where i am but not to worry. whats important is that you're reaching out for help. don't be deterred by your parents sometimes parents really just don't understand. its easier to have them on side but don't panic you can sort yourself out without their help. You've been doing all the things that most people would suggest and they may not have worked because its not right for you or possibly that without a support network they haven't had a big enough impact if you had more support.

Now i'm sure there are free support centres that you can go to in your area, what you need to do is some detective work. get online or got to your local town centre or library where youth groups etc are posted. if you go to one of these places like a mental health centre for young people they should by law have to sign a confidentiality agreement, basically anything you say to them they can't repeat to another unless they feel that you're a danger to yourself or others in which case they usually tell you someone is being contacted. also you normally can choose the person they'll contact, normally they have to be over 18 so find someone you trust. make sure you find a place that encorporates this policy!!

I myself have battled with depression for quite some time and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. you just need an extra push to get some help and sort your life out. you're young which is a bonus you have time and a girlfriend who is ready to support you which is very fortunate. maybe she can help you find somwhere you can attend or come with you to check the place out. i hope i've been of some help and you get the help that you need to get yourself back on track, sometimes all you need is someone to tell you what you should do next and then you can give it a go!!good luck and don't get disheartened!

Answer 2

Seek help from god by your prayers. Yoga, and meditation are other ways.

Answer 3

get laid

Answer 4

Try a hotline they are completely confidental.

1-800-448-3000 Boys Town National Hotline

Answer 5

Get a phonebook and open the Yellow Pages.  I know maybe the words sound strong, but begin by looking under "Suicide" for hotlines, free clinics, free therapy, etc.  I know suicide is a strong word that you haven't suggested yourself, but it should help speed up the process in the Yellow Pages.

http://www.befrienders.org/

That is a good website for finding resources on free help, therapy, and people you can talk to any time of the day and night.  They all should have very large Confidentiality statements.