Depression advice?

hi - I think I could have some sort of depression but am not really sure who to talk to about it - I'd rather not get family involved, don't really have many friends so that's out aswell, I know I should talk to someone before things get worse - could...

you advise me on who to talk to? I know there's counselors, psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists but how am I meant to know what is right for me at this time? I don't neccessarily feel depressed all the time but never feel happy, I've taken a couple of reputable online tests and don't do well in them. I know I should do something so please help,
thanks.

You can only go so far trying to fight this yourself. If you are even depressed a little, depending on your age, you have to get your parents involved. You cannot see a counselor when you are under 18 without parental consent. Plus they cost money or your health insurance can pay for it, but all this has to go through your parents. When I was trying to get through my depression alone, I found an outlet to help me with my feelings. I found that I love to write, especially poems. Poems are simple, quick, and easy. Or you could write letters, in a journal, or stories. Or if you don't like writing, try and find YOUR outlet. Drawing, painting, singing, dancing, anything that you can get your feelings out and feel better. This is the best way if you just need to work things out on your own. However if nothing works, then you probably do need counseling and possibly meds. I was on some for awhile, however then I had my son and he made my life feel a whole lot better. Not saying to go get yourself pregnant either, that was just an event in my life that brought me out of the darkest parts.

I'm suffering this dreaded disease,too. it went away for awhile, but basically, it's been going on for 4 years (started in High School). anyway, I know it's a bad situation you are; family won't understand, don't have anyone else to turn to. it's hard. I came on here for one main reason: help people thru it. I admit, you won't be able to do it alone. if you want, I can try to help you. I understand if it's hard for you to trust people; I'm still trying to overcome that. if you ever need help or someone to talk to, I'm here. I wish you the best, and I'll be praying for you.

hey I suffered from severe depression for a long time but sometimes if its not bad it is ok to be depressed sometimes... its normal... but you deff. should talk to a school counsler, guidence counsler,teacher etc. some schools have programs were you can talk about your feelings...dont wait though you dont want this to get worse.. just find someone at school you trust and talk to them... if your out of school you can find private counslers in a phone book who you can go and talk to.. it is weird at first talking to a stranger but it does help

melissab pretty much summed it up, you cant see a counselor without parental consent (unless it's for substance abuse although that might only be in florida, or if it's an emergency, lord only knows who came up with these stupid rules).

To answer your question about the differences between all these people...

counselors - generally have masters degrees in counseling, they do psychotherapy
psychologists - either have a phd in psychology or a psyd (a doctorate of psychology)
psychiatrist - medical doctor who is specialized in psychiatry...
psychotherapists - well this is really anyone who specializes in psychotherapy (not really a category on it's own)

You could see any of the above really... psychiatrists are expensive (even with insurance) so unless you have the money/need medication it isnt really necessary to see them.

I know you dont want to get your parents involved, but until you're an adult you may not have a choice. And honestly, you dont want to hope that it goes away on its own. Sometimes it gets worse.

Before you see a counselor, you at first talk to someone such as a church leader or a school counselor.
I'm sorry you don't have many friends but, if you talk to people in school or at church, they could recomend something. Also, what you could do to prevent depression would be to go on a website called befriender.org and maybe they can help you as well.
I'd see a counselor about this. I think the reason why you might be feeling this way would might be you're bothered by allot of things that have come up and you've been keeping all these feelings bottled up without talking to someone. The reason why I recomend a religious leader, because he can help prevent depression and suicide which goes along with the symptoms. I'm sure there are people that care about you and everyone just wants to help.
But, if you talk to someone whether it'd be in church or a counselor, then that'd be great. I wish you luck, and please, talk to someone.

I honstly think you should talk to someone, because personally I suffer from depression and I always kept my feelings inside and really couldnt go to anyone because I was scared they would think I was weird or something. but it's better to let it out before it gets worse. hope it gets better!

Hope this helps:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_teenagers.htm

Depression self-test:

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/mental-behavioral-health/depression/self-assessment/index?s_kwcid=ContentNetwork|1019680884

Depression Facts:

http://depression.about.com/od/factsfigures/Depression_Facts.htm

If you need someone to just listen, just talk to, or pray with you:

24 hrs: 1-800-488-4673

Ask-A-Nurse: 1-800-892-8260

I wish you the best !!