I'm 16 now, and this has been quite a summer for me. I've been seeing about 10-15 different doctors multiple times for various health issues. Some of them, like chronic headaches, have been going on for a while. Others, such as food allergy, fatigue, and weight loss have been more recent. In short, the summer's been spent seeing one doctor after another. But the things that are troubling me aren't physical, but mental.I'm pretty sure I have social anxiety. I feel really uncomfortable around people I don't know really well, I do bad in one on one conversations, and I do a lot to avoid interacting with people. The killer, though, is depression. In the last few months it's been the worst. I'll frequently think of terrible things happening like loved ones dying or a disaster destroying the home. Graphic, disgusting images pop into my head for no reason. I obsess over past mistakes I've made that lead to painful or embarrassing moments. I get bored or discouraged when doing things I used to enjoy. I have a hard time enjoying myself, because I involuntarily think of something that can or eventually will happen that just makes me depressed. The depression is absolutely the biggest issue to me, and I think it's getting really serious. I told my mom about this a week or two ago, but she never did anything about it. I know that she's extremely busy keeping track of my other health issues and the doctors who try to treat me. But right now I don't care that I'm losing weight at an unhealthy rate, or that I don't ever have energy, or that I get headaches every day. the depression is terrible, and I can't enjoy life anymore.I usually don't make a big deal about personal problems and I rarely have serious talks with my parents (my mom describes me as "laid back," and though I hate that description of myself, it's true) but I need to make them realize that depression is ruining my life and is more important than physical issues. How do I convince them?I haven't told them about my social anxiety yet, but when I do, I doubt they'll take it seriously, either.
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Dear Barney,I'm sorry to hear about all of your health problems. Throughout my childhood, I had surgery after surgery and was hospitalized countless times. From that, I can relate to your feelings. However, you've not been very specific about what types of physicians and the diagnoses they've given. Because of this, I cannot customize my response to your problems.Here's the points I'd like to make:1. The symptoms you describe can occur from depression alone. Headaches, fatigue, and weight loss are common presenting symptoms in those suffering with depression and/or anxiety.2. If you have serious underlying health problems, your physicians should order tests to rule out more serious, potentially life-threatening causes for your symptoms. Which tests are appropriate is not something I can tell you unfortunately. It's also possible that your symptoms are from more than one cause. Many health problems have similar symptoms. 3. All medications have the potential to cause side effects. If you're on medications chronically, it's important to inquire about possible side effects. You could start with your local pharmacist if you'd like.4. Chronic, bothersome symptoms shouldn't go untreated. Chronic headaches, for example, can be very bothersome and disruptive. It's important to advocate for yourself in order to reduce or eliminate any discomfort. Long-term pain issues can cause or be a significant contribution to depressive disorders. Finally--the advice you've been asking for: I would make an appointment with your primary care physician to discuss recent psychological symptoms. By getting your care providers involved, they will help convey a sense of importance to your parent(s). This may be all that is needed to convince them. Good luck!Sincerely,TRSOther Answers:
- Maybe talk to a school counselor if they don't listen?
