Anonymous asked this question on 4/29/2000:

I feel like I have been locked up forever. My feelings are just know started to come out. I'm not sure if what I am feeling is depression or if it is something else. My family has treated me bad for a long time. I haven't ever said anything because I didn't know how and now that I have told a couple people I feel said and lonely all the time like no one understands. I guess what I need is probably someone just to talk to and understand me. I don't think that someone who is 16 should feel this way. Maybe someone can help me. Bye

desertphile gave this response on 4/30/2000:

Hi. Please note that I am not a doctor:

There are some questionsI would ask you, and perhaps you will answer them in a follow-up (there is a link on this reply for the follow-up from yourself).

First off, if you do not mind my asking such a personal question: is there physical abuse?

Second, have you felt isolated and alone most of your life, or is your concern about what you think might be depression rather new?

Third, do you go to a high school where there is a counselor on staff that you can talk to?

I agree that it is next to impossible to talk to one's family about such things. If you cannot bring yourself to do so, an adult at school might be available. It is unfortunate that most people your age do not have peers (others your age) to talk to about such serious concerns.

Please consider answering my questions, and perhaps I can help you discover a means to help yourself.

The average rating for this answer is 3.9.

Anonymous rated this answer a 4.