To the OP,

I know where you're coming from, hon. **hugs** My parents have always taken my mental health seriously, but I have had countless friends who needed help, but couldn't get it because their parents simply couldn't face the fact that something might be wrong. Other people are out there, though, and resources. You just have to advocate for yourself, and make sure you get the help you need.


Here, have a little advocating for better living through chemistry.

I have been on soo many different medications since I was 14. (19 now) I have depression and anxiety + specific social anxieties + some OCD self harming behaviors. Nothing particularly dangerous to me, but certainly destructive. If I wasn't on the medications I'm on, I would be non functional. Believe it or not, I actually got into ball pythons for my anxiety.

My brain has a severe chemical imbalance. Just like I would take medicine for anything else wrong with my body, I correct the chemical imbalance with medications. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

Proper diet and exercise can help IMMENSELY! I recommend you start asap, eating lots of healthy fruits and veggies, nice lean meats, and read up about how different foods effect your moods. That being said, the reason I take meds instead of actually treating my body well? Is because a side effect of my illness is being extremely tired and lethargic all the time. It never stops, and to have any energy at all, I have to take my meds regularly.

Talk therapy helped me get through some very difficult times in my life. I swear my it, but I do believe it depends on your depression, whether it's based on your situation, or it's chemical. It can help you learn to cope with various aspects of chemical depression, but it can't treat the imbalance on it's own.

Meds are a mixed bag, and a long road to walk. There are days when I am so thankful I have them, and am able to function as a normal human being- others, I resent the fact that I am enslaved to a small cream colored pill.

In the end, no one but you with the help of a trained doctor can decide what's best for you. I really hope you find what you need. We're all here for you.