What do you do to get out of depression?

Seriously though, that's what "sleep overs" at friends houses are for. I know not all your friends parents are as strict as yours. I went through the same thing.

 

Mostly this seems like just stress and growing pains, so follow the awesome advice you have been given. You'll be ok.

BUT the above sentence, along with your trouble finding hobbies and things you like to do, makes me wonder. If this case of the blahs goes on for a while (more than 2-3 weeks) or gets worse or goes away then comes back, might not be a bad idea to talk to a doctor. I've had symptoms of depression for probably 10-12 years but always just thought I had a case of the blahs (ya know, a case of the blahs that lasts for months at a time, right? Ummmm.... maybe not). A couple months ago I was driving home from work thinking about different ways I could kill myself; not thinking about acting on it, just sort of considering the possibilities. I finally went to the doctor and she put me on an anti-depressant. Should have done it sooner, it's the first time I've felt like I can function normally in 5 years. So if you notice that it goes on for a while or gets worse or you aren't interested in things, have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, unable to concentrate, etc. it's something to think about. Take care of yourself.

 

Actually the "Don't worry...Be Happy..." song was from Bobby McFerrin, not Bob Marley.

 

OP...

It may not be a popular opinion on this forum, but you may seek help through spiritual awareness. A good church or pastor, or even some quality fellowship can help. There are also faith based counselors that can help.

Many suggestions here are the macho, "hell bent for leather"...agressive, "balls-to-the-wall"...approach. And while this may work for some, it's usually a short term fix (band-aid)...Enlightenment is forever. it not only changes the mind, but it is good for the soul.

There are hundreds, probably thousands of excellent books to read to enlighten a young mans mind.

One I'd suggest is:
Wild at Heart: Discovering The Secret of a Man's Soul
by John Eldredge

Mr. Eldredge has many other excellent books as well, read one and you'll want to read more of his excellent work. He is a great story teller, and his style is smooth and an easy read. Give it a try, it may change your life.

 

Im about to turn 18 in a couple days and have gone through similar things you have. One thing that I love to do when im a little stressed out is taking a hike and going exploring. My neighborhood has a creek and I take a backpack and put some snacks in it and just start walking. Its pretty relaxing being in the woods and seems to help a lot. If i dont feel like going to the creek ill go to a local park or just find some woods and take off. You'll pull through it man, just try to think positively.

 

Not to be a dick but I've always thought of depression as a kind of copout. In any case when i feel like shit exercise helps a lot. Getting into nature helps a lot whether its taking your taco out or going backpacking or both. The thing that helps me the most is understanding that life is not fair and it pays to win. If you pay attention to detail the first time and stay ahead in all your classes and at work then you are always chillin. Of course shit will come up but then you are more able to deal with it. Just my 2 cents.

 

I guess you didn't read the rest of OP's posts....

 

Not being able to wheel the taco isn't depression. It's lack of being an adult. If he bought the taco with his own money and couldn't take it out then that would be depression.

 

I played lacrosse through school and inadvertently learned that I was a good runner as I got older. I was traveling a bunch for work when I joined the real world, mostly to out of the way places. I started running to kill time productively and alleviate stress from work & family. I never nought I'd be interested, but started signing up for charity 5ks and placing top 3. It just pushed me further. I never won an award in all the years I played sports, so this was a huge confidence boost later in life. Just relating to your point about lack of interest, expose yourself to anything and everything and something will click.

As for school, take others advice and talk to your teachers. Adults are more excited about a pro-active student that truly wants to learn than the quiet guy getting A's. Go getters get ahead, as cliche as that is.

Your dad. I'm not a parent but I am he youngest son of a big family (irish catholic). My dad was 48 when I was born, so as I grew up some things were hard to relate to. I wouldn't trade him for 5 brand new TRDs though, haha. Believe me, if your dad is looking for his happy son, ask him to take a 20 minute walk with you and just see where it goes. Open up the valve. Even though you work to pay for it, at 17 you wouldn't have that truck if they didn't care about you. Seems like they raised you with a good head on your shoulders.

Lastly, be 17!!!!! Be responsible but have fun! There is plenty of stuff to stress about later in life. College is a great experience, just work hard, get involved in activities or groups bc you'll get a lot more attention from administration if you are well rounded. Volunteer somewhere is also a good way to put things in perspective while building your application.

And make out with cute girls when the chance presents itself.

 

Sex, Lots of sex. The first night I slept with my just dumped ex gf, we did it 5 times. It was awesome, as she didn't even think that was possible. Too bad that as good as she was in the sack, she was a moron of a human being. Too bad.


But yeah, sex is a heck of an awesome cure for depression.

 

excellent post.

and I agree, getting in touch with nature can be very therapeutic.

 

so, basicially...you used her.

no it is not.

 

No, I did not.

And yes, it is.

 

appears so from your post.

again, it is not. at best it is a short term feel good endeavour. but has little or no effect on depression...in the short or long term.
and no I'm not a clinical psychologist, but I have counseled with them and I also have slept in a Holiday Inn.

 

This is a very basic but very true statement. An easy answer for the immediate.

There were times when I just didn't feel like working out (MMA) but I forced myself to because 1. I would look bad if I didn't show up (commitment) and 2. I paid for the workout time.

Not once did I regret going. I really did feel better, more relaxed and not so stressed after being on the mat.

Good advice.

I think I'm going to go ride my bike today. Thank you mjp

 

We can dance all day about this. Explain to me how something that gets your endorphins going, and makes you feel desired (or desirable) will not help with depression?


Every time I'm involved in a relationship, when feeling "the blues", some lovin' from a woman helps a bunch. If that does not work for you, that is both sad and too bad. BTW, I believe in "clinical psych" as much as I believe in Santa and the eastern bunny.

 

Hey all I gotta say is, if you don't believe in Santa, Santa wont come. At least that's what I tell my boys....

 

lol @ the "eastern bunny"

 

then dance or run to create those endorphins.

don't use an ex girl friend for sex "five times", then post it on a forum to beat your chest and try to look macho.

and if you believe sex has any effect on clinical depression...you may need to see a psychiatrist not a psychologist.