Dear Dish-It, I've Been Feeling Bummed Lately

Teen Depression

Dear Dish-It,

Hey - I love your advice. I was wondering if you could help me. Well lately I have been feeling a little bummed. I don't know why. I have been playing fewer sports (I am usually always playing soccer), I have started to eat more and I have been lazier. What's up with me?
ilst123

Dear ilst123,

It sounds like you may be experiencing some beginning symptoms of depression. We all go through times when we feel bummed and would rather crawl under our covers than face the outside world, but when these feelings last for more than a day or two, there's something deeper that probably needs to be examined. You need to think about why you aren't as interested in the hobbies that used to make you happy. Why are you suddenly so tired?

The best thing for you to do is talk to you your family doctor about the symptoms that you've been experiencing. It could just be that you're going through a rough patch and need to explore some new activities that might peak your interest more. Or maybe you're not allowing yourself to deal with real problems that have been making you sad. Either way, it's best to talk through your situation with a professional - be it your doctor, a school counselor or even a parent. Being a teen is often quite an emotional rollercoaster and the best way to make it out with as few bumps and bruises as possible is to face your fears and self-doubts head-on.

So, ya gotta burnin' question? Need some love directions? Thinkin' 'bout stuff like depression, sex,how ya feel 'bout YOURSELF (that's called "self-esteem"), boyfriends, girlfriends, losin' old friends, bullyin' or peer pressure, but too scared to ask the parents? Don't be scared to .

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