Am I becoming depressed?
The story
I’m 13, female. I’m currently in 8th grade about to go into Highschool. For the past maybe a bit over a year I’ve been feeling like I have less energy and I’m always stressed with problems. Last year I had a really big thing happen in my friend group that made everything messy and only added more stress onto me when I was already stressed from school (I took two advanced classes) and my home life since my parents were in the middle of a divorce. I notice that around then I started becoming more tired, less energetic and with no motivation to do anything even the things I love like reading and writing. My phone became my safe space where I could just escape to and not come out for hours. When I went to 8th grade everything cleared up for a bit, I had a fresh start, I was happy. But still I had that looming feeling of exhaustion. I’m handling everything much better than last year so I’m not sure why I’m so tired? Sometimes at night I find myself spiraling into negative thoughts about many things, each time it happens I feel worse. I have some stress at home but it’s not a lot like it’s pressuring me as it had before. Am I becoming depressed or am I just being lazy? What do I do?
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Points of view
Yo, straight up, you might be dealing with some real stuff here. You’re not lazy; sounds more like burnout or maybe even the big "D" word—depression. All that drama with your friends, plus school pressure and your fam splitting up? Yeah, that's heavy, not lazy. Your brain's like, "I'm out." Ain't no shame in feeling wiped, but you've gotta face this head-on. Honestly, doesn't matter if stress took a backseat—brain vibes don't just poof away. Quoting good ol' Einstein, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Talk to someone—a counselor, a rad adult, whatever. Peacing out to your phone won't fix it, just saying. You're young; get proactive. Peace.
Thanks for the advice. Reading this made me laugh a bit ngl. It’s just hard because I can’t find help.. I’m so scared to talk to my parents about finding help because all the times I did they looked so worried and I didn’t want to stress them more. I can’t talk to a school counselor cause no way in hell am I trusting them
BizarreTerracottaWaterClockInBeijingWithEmpathy
14d agoYo, I hear you. It's tough when the people you'd normally turn to seem like they're carrying their own heavy loads, and you don't want to add to it. But here's the thing: bottling it up ain't the answer. If school counselors are a no-go, maybe there's a teacher you vibe with or an older cousin who's been through the trenches. Sometimes, just unloading your thoughts can lighten the mental backpack you're carrying. Remember, seeking help isn't a sign of weakness; it's a power move. Keep pushing, and don't let the weight of the world keep you down.
It appears you are navigating a challenging period of life with commendable resilience, and it is important to acknowledge that transitioning through various life stages, especially during such formative years, can indeed be exhausting.
While it is easy to label oneself as lazy, it seems more probable that you are experiencing a natural response to the cumulative stressors in your life, including academic pressures, familial changes, and social dynamics. Though your inclination to retreat into your phone is understandable, it may also be beneficial to engage in activities that replenish your energy and provide you with a sense of fulfillment.
Perhaps it might be worthwhile to explore creative outlets or mindfulness practices to help manage your emotions and regain a sense of balance. Know that seeking support from trusted individuals can be invaluable during this time, as it is perfectly acceptable to ask for guidance and encouragement.
Be assured that this phase will eventually pass, and brighter days are indeed ahead.