Teen Depression? Antidepressants?

Published August 14, 2012

Question by Go Ask Alice: Teen Depression? Antidepressants?
I honestly feel like I have clinical depression. I have almost all of the symptoms including sadness, hopelessness, irritability, frequent crying (especially at night), withdrawal from family and friends (especially friends and classmates), loss of interest in normal activities, over-sleeping, over-eating, feeling worthless, lack of enthusiasm and motivation, lack of energy, constantly feeling tired/”out of it”, difficulty concentrating, and even thoughts about death/suicide.

I just feel down ALL the time and I have no friends, literally. I do exercise and eat pretty healthy, but there doesn’t seem to be enough endorphins produced by exercise.

I have told my sister who is very close to me, and I plan on telling my doctor/parents in a few months… But I don’t exactly know how. Do I just be straight-forward with them and tell them or what? Just say “(insert person’s name here), I think I have depression.” ? Please help me, I don’t know what to say.

How do I tell my doctor? (PEDIATRICIAN) I’ve done some research as well, and I would like my doctor to prescribe me some antidepressants. (Ritalin, Wellbutrin) Basically some antidepressants that would make me have more energy, less unhappy all the time. I am aware there are side effects to medications like this (My body and mind are still developing and it could potentially harm my growing, etc.) however I still think that antidepressants are the way to go.

I don’t think therapy will be as effective or beneficial as medication. I’m convinced that the depression I have was induced by a chemical imbalance in my brain. There hasn’t been anything else I can remember that would cause this.

*How do I convince my doctor to prescribe me antidepressants? I know he will probably do what he thinks is the best treatment option for me but I still think antidepressants will be the most effective.

I am a teenager, 14 years old. I will most likely be 15 by the time I see the pediatrician.
I know of kids who were 12 or 13 when they got prescribed antidepressants, so I know that I am old enough to be eligible for them.

By the way, I have tried natural remedies like exercise, green tea, etc, but none of them seem to make me feel better at all.

Thanks for your time.

Best answer:

Answer by tappingxout
Either just say it, or write them a thorough letter about what you’ve been feeling and how you need to start seeing a doctor. Those are pretty much your only options. As for your doctor, same thing: Just say you have depression. He’ll start asking you questions. Answer them truthfully, and when it’s your turn to ask questions, ask about the medications you researched.

Answer by Brianna Mabie
talk to your parents along with your doctor, with your parents approval the doctoral can and will prescribe you the medication.

Add your own answer in the comments!

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