Hello, I am in a sad shape too. What I try to do is do anything that occupies my mind - like the video games. For me I get some relief from medications, playing guitar, painting, volleyball and just about anything you can find that pushes the negativity to the side. No matter what you do, do not isolate yourself. Do not do or think about things that bring you down. In other words stay out of your head without adult supervision. When I play guitar it is just me and the music, nothing else, my thoughts are singular (gotta be careful with that though too - lyrics can really bring me down)

Yes i like playing video games and is probably the only time i dont feel depressed.

At your age? lots of activity. Getting out of the house, doing sport. Video games feel like a relief, but once you get off them and realise you're even further behind on work, you crash. Video games actually give you a drug addiction to the chemicals released in your brain.

I don't recommend counselling and introspection because in my experience no sixteen year old wants to be bothered with it. So join a sports group, ration your computer time, set a GOOD bedtime, and spend an hour before bed away from any form of computer. Read a book.

Yeah I know you hate my advice: but the reason us old fogeys give it out is because it works. You're a human, and your brain is a human brain. You need to follow the functioning of your human system to make it work. That's rest, nutrition, hard work, physical exercise, and a couple of hours of play a day. Getting your work done, and interacting with people.

THat last sentence sounds like something my mom would say :]

Talk to your parents about what you're going through. They can get you the help you need.

I agree with Heidiclark, Try talking to your parents about what you are going through. If you feel like you can't talk to them just yet, maybe try reaching out to a teacher or counselor and maybe they can start you on a path to finding answers and help to what you are feeling.

Baron I agree with what everyone said I just want to add that some family's do not understand depression or mental health issues and this can be difficult for them to comprehend. But I still agree that you should definitely open up to your parents about this. Hiding it can only make things worse. Do your homework and google depression and print out some information to have on hand when you talk to them. They are the one's who are best equipped to get you the help you need. And they have a right to know you are their son and they love you dearly you understand that right? Again don't hide it goes no where ok johnnyboy

My son is your age and has been dealing with alot of stuff. He started reading the Bible that seems to help him deal with stuff. So I would suggest getting a Bible and starting reading the beginning and see if that helps you. If you don't have one a local church would provide one to you

Join a group of people who understand and share your feelings. You're doing it right now

I can talk with my mom but she will probably just tell me, no wonder you are depressed, you are playing video games all the time. Go out more, bla bla. No, going out is not going to make me feel any better.

some folks who have been abused by religion may not want to read bible verses that is personal.. I taught middle school I also have been suffering all my life from depression. All my siblings do . We were neglected pretty bad. But I became a respected teacher . I hope that is a bit of inspiration , At sixteen was fighting off sexual predators and trying to not drop out of school. Being in band saved my life.. I wish you had something like that to join. My band friends even took me in when I ran away. IT gave me enough to fight for my life and eventually become a teacher and got to help others be empowered by my gift of music,, You are young and things will change rapidly, Right now you are fighting for your identity is my guess.. Finding somewhere to belong could help if you are open to it.. My depression was so bad in high school I cant begin I was being bullied too.. anything I can do to help you let me know. I am still battling this and I am a senior,, Please keep reaching out,, S or MS M as my students used to say

I was gay and did not even know it too. a bit of a ps talk about a mess back when we were not allowed to even know stuff like that . We repressed It or were shamed through church if ever mentioned, whatever your personal struggle at least this is a time when there is one thing in abundance ,, Resources , BENT BUT NOT BROKEN is a saying someone shared with me recently, Hold on reach out. Don't be alone for much time .. Isolation is the enemy,, I like what everyone shared,, lots of support for your here too,, sorry for longwinded but my heart the teacher heart wants you to be encouraged,,

Hey Baron,


Sorry you are going through this. I have suffered from depression before, so I know how you feel. One thing that helped me then was doing volunteer opportunities. I noticed doing volunteer work on my free time kept my mind of things, kept me from isolating myself, and made me feel good. Also, letting your family know or reaching out to a free counseling center like the Hopeline might help. Don’t give up!

It's REAL hard being 16. You sort of begin to feel like an adult but nobody treats you that way and you can't do adult things. Your body is also changing and your hormones run amuck. If you can't talk to your parents is there a counselor at school? They are trained to deal with this. They understand what parents brush off. You can identify things that interest you and try them. Let up on the video games. You don't need to be dealing with addiction problems. Set a goal to recoup your grade in at least one class. Lots of support andhugs.

Thanks everyone for all the support.