Advice for possible mental health issue?(:?!
Question: Advice for possible mental health issue?(:?
I'm a 15 year old girl, soon to turn 16 in a few months. A few months before I saw and still now see a counsellor and a nurse (although I'm in two minds whether I'm okay and my counselling sessions may come to a stop soon). I basically had the symptoms of depression, and also I heard, felt and smelt things that weren't there. I'd convinced myself it was a temporary thing but now I'm not so sure, I'm constantly asking myself whether I'm sane or not. I still have the symptoms only they've gotten a little better. I honestly only one friend because my 'weird' behaviour puts people off. So, any advice?(:
Answers:
I don't know why you think they will only see it as attention-seeking - if it is, they'll know. It's regardless of age, if that's what you are thinking, because many teenagers (and some younger than you) are suffering.
There are many on-line tests you can take to give yourself a rough idea (possibly not a definite answer though, keep that in mind) and you can always ask your nurse/counselor of what they think. I would also highly recommend going back to the psychological examination - they might be able to really help you.
Depression isn't a case of sanity or insanity - it's an illness and seeking help is in the same way you would blow your nose if you had a cold... Stupid analogy, I know - but I hope you get me :)
However, if you decide to take on-line tests/talk to nurse/go back to psychological examination and it isn't what you think - ie. depression - it doesn't mean you're totally okay. Just generally teenager ups and downs can be pretty serious/heavy to handle, so you're still fully entitled to talk to a counselor just to talk, and get it all out there. Just to feel a little better, even if it's not as serious as depression.
I hope this helps... all the best. x
PS - also, if people don't like you because you behave a little weirdly then they don't deserve to be friends with you - I'm sure you've got a great personality.
Damien, you should talk to your doctor as soon as you can. A doctor can determine what is going on. If you heard, felt, and smelt things, but you know they were not there, that is not as bad as seeing/hearing things that weren't there but you believe they were, but you should still see a doctor. In the meantime, when you are down, read Psalm 34:18 in your Bible - I find it very encouraging. Peace and a hug to you.
it sounds like schizophrenia to me. i suffer from it and have since was a young child. i am now 55.
you need to go back with your parents for that second visit and ASAP. my parents were like yours and thought i was being that way for attention. it wasn't until after they died that i was able to be accurately diagnosed and treated. by that time i was very ill mentally and now i am on disability. had they allowed me to be diagnosed and treated as a child or teenager i wouldn't have gotten this severe. i was in my mid 40's before i received treatment.
personal expereince.