| join now | shop | freebies & contests | help
     gURL.com  the Web    web search powered by Yahoo!


SHOUT OUT BOARDS

YOUR ROOM


HELP ME HEATHER

SEX ED BLOG



gURL GAMES

QUIZZES



COMIX

PHOTOS



POLLS

VIDEO



BODY IMAGE

SEX

  you are here  >>> FIND OUT > help me heather > sucky emotions  
  related topics  >>>  being yourself  |  health  |  sucky emotions    

 


 
  Dear Heather,

At the risk of sounding corny...I feel sad. All the time. It doesn't go away and at first I thought that it was seasonal depression, because I always got worse in the winter, but now I'm starting to feel sad year round. I cry easily, feel super sensitive all the time and absolutely nothing makes me happy.

On one hand, I want to go to a doctor and get some Prozac or something, but I'm not sure I want weird chemicals in my body or to be reliant on drugs. What do you think? Is drug induced happiness as good as the real kind?

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

 
 
 
Hi.

I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling so depressed.

Though it's not exactly clear what causes depression, one of the most commonly held theories is that people who suffer from depression have imbalances or deficiencies in the amount of neurotransmitters--biological substances that allow brain cells to communicate with one another. Seen through a biological lens, depression can be compared to other manageable conditions, like diabetes in which the body either doesn't produce insulin or is unable to absorb and use the insulin that is present.

While most people would probably think a diabetic is foolish for not taking medication to help manage their condition, many often think it's shameful to need help with something that appears to be related to emotions. Though there can be contributing factors that come into play such as a person's genetics (a person whose has a parent that has suffered from depression is more likely to become depressed) or environmental stresses (a breakup, illness or a negative self-image), thinking of depression as primarily a medical condition might help you to feel better about getting the help you need.

There are also other things besides depression medication that might help lift your mood, like exercise, but I would recommend that you also talk to your parents about finding a medical doctor who can do a thorough diagnosis and create an appropriate treatment plan. Psychiatrists usually find that their treatment works best when their clients are in talk therapy as well. Your medical doctor or school psychologist can probably help you and your parents with referrals.

gURL.com also has some helpful features on depression. You can find out how other gURLs feel about mood medication and get the facts on depression.

All the best,

 
   
 
 

more sucky emotions

select another topic:

 
 
 

email this feature to a friend:
IM this feature to a friend (AIM only):
tell us what you think of this feature.

  CONNECT EXPLORE gURL.com BY TOPIC ABOUT gURL  
 
shout out boards
gURL newsletter


being yourself
beliefs
body image
brainylicious
dating
d.i.y.
fashion & style
friends & family
health
music, movies & media
school & careers
sex
sports
sucky emotions

contact us
what is gURL?
advertise on gURL
privacy policy
terms of service
help

 
  ADVERTISEMENT

   
   Also... Get your horoscope mailed to you every day!
   Sign up for gURL and Astrology.com's daily newsletter.

 

© Alloy Media + Marketing 1995-2008. All rights reserved.