How to stop cutting / get over depression?

I can't get out of depression. It's always off and on, which makes it worse because I feel so good when I'm happy and that just goes away...

And cutting... it's escalating a lot. I just need help... I don't know how to stop or if I even want to.

Advice?

Thanks everyone for answering my question.

I'm 15. And I'm scared to tell my parents. They don't really understand... they're very happy and easy-going. One time at school I had a teacher that was concerned about me because I sounded depressed and unhappy-- anyway, they eventually called my mom and she got really mad at me. She thought it made her look bad. So I don't want to that route.

I think that what you need, is to actually open up to someone, about what you are feeling, and what's happening in your life. I know that sounds like weak advice, but it actually relieves a lot of those feelings, just to get it all out. Look to someone who won't judge you, and who will mostly listen. That's what you need, someone to just talk to. If you don't have anyone, then call a hotline. It's anonymous, so no one will know who you are, and you'll feel safe spilling your guts. (I used to get those urges, and I've been frighteningly close to suicide as well.

BTW, I've found that talking to someone who just listens and doesn't judge me helps more than anything else. It should be someone who has been there in some way, because it helps you to feel validated. I went the non-medication route, because medications made me more suicidal than I was.

I really hope that helps you. Also, please throw away all of the things you are using to cut with. Believe me, if you can't see it, it will take some of the urge away. I really wish you luck. So much of it. You deserve to be happy, and you never did anything to deserve this kind of treatment. You would never tolerate it from anyone else, so please try to help yourself to realize that. That's what I did, and it helped. It took a long time to sink in..but it helped. Tell me how it worked for you, alright? You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

Okay, forget talking to friends, if you don't have anyone that you feel you can talk to. Write out your emotions instead. You can email me. I care about you, and about what happens to you, and I will help you in any way that I can.

Sometimes the best help is just to be heard, and to feel the release of everything that's been killing you inside. I used to think that people who would suggest the talking route, were complete idiots, who had absolutely no understanding of any of this, and only recommended it because they didn't know what else to say. I have one friend that I can talk to. She is the only one in the world who knows just about everything about me. The only reason, is that I know just about everything about her. When you know so much about the person with whom you are confiding, you feel more comfortable. You also feel safer, because the more you've been through and the more you've seen, equals the more desensitized you are. What I mean is, that you wind up showing less shock when you hear something tragic. Someone who doesn't gasp and make a horrified expression, generally makes you feel so at ease, that you don't even realize how much you are spilling, of your guts.

Someone once told me not to give power to what kills me inside. That was when I was 13 and in the hospital, with scars on my wrists. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't understand what in the heck they meant. About a year ago, a lot of repressed memories began flooding me, and I felt at least as bad as I did before I went into the hospital. I felt so bad because I was imprisoned by exactly the things that were eating me up inside all of those years ago. I couldn't escape. Someone I confided in just a small bit, through email on a website, had intuition about how bad I felt. She took the time to email me outside of the group, and she shed light on that saying. It helped me more than she can ever know. She explained that when you keep something secret, you give it power, but when you shed light on it, it loses its power over you. I began to open my mind to talking, and I noticed that the more I talked, the better I began to feel, because I began to accept myself and I began to feel a release.

This is why I'm encouraging you to talk about it. I want you to be able to feel that release as well. You can't see yourself all better right now, I'd suppose, but imagine feeling as though you were walking around in a brand new body, which had a brand new mind. That's how I felt after I shed light on some of my deepest, darkest secrets. Talk about it, write about it..whatever you have to do, to get that release. Honestly, I feel like you've made a huge step just by reaching out to those around you. If it makes you feel more at ease to remain anonymous, than this form of communication is the best.
It always does me good to type out my feelings, when I'm not in the most sound frame of mind, due to depression and such. I really think that it will help you as well. So, even if you can't tell any of us your secrets, maybe you can shed light on them through writing in a e-journal. If you need to a friend to talk to, maybe you are in the right place to reach one.

If you want, you can search the question, "For anyone who's been hospitalized.." , because that's where I spilled my guts, in a reply to someone. Sometimes it really helps to get a feel for the person you're about to spill your guts to, because then you feel a certain level of trust. I know this may sound silly, but around the time I began trying to lose weight (it hasn't helped yet), and I subsequently put myself on a 5 or 6 small meals a day program, a lot of my deep, deep depression went away. I really think that the people who suggested proper nourishment in addition to talking it out and such, really have something there. I don't know how much you can change of your diet while at home, but it's just a thought. Wishing you peaceful dreams.

As for your newfound slumber, I want to say that as long as sleeping is keeping you safe, it's okay. The fact is, you're likely going to feel worse if you keep sleeping that much. When a person lies in bed for so long, everything becomes stiff and sore. Also, you could begin to feel more and more isolated and depressed, if you stay in bed all day long. Try to get out of the house. Do things you like to do. What are your hobbies? Do you remember what you liked to do before you became depressed? Maybe there's a nice pond or a park nearby, that you could go to, to get away from home for a while. Bring something that makes you feel good. Music is a good thing to take with. If you like to draw, you could bring a sketch pad. I don't know what the temp is like where you live, but definitely do it only on days when it's not excessively hot outside. If there's a pool nearby, maybe you'd like to go for a swim, or even just lounge in the sunlight and listen to music. One thing that I think may help you, and which also helped me, was walking. It gets you up and out of the house, it gets you moving and keeps your mind occupied, and you get vitamin D from the sunlight. Vitamin D helps to relieve feelings of sadness and depression. I found a walk once a day to be very helpful.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING?

The weird thing about depression is, most often, many people aren't really depressed, it's more of a perception of ubiquitous media coverage of the now "Most Typical" disorder/condition in Adults & Young Adults.. Many times it begins as a thought that snowballs into a perception of depression, much of which results from the widespread, perpetuated, notion that being "Sad" is not O.K. So what does the human mind do? It looks for an out.. Cutting, Crying, Lying, Whatever it may be.. Some people feel pushed to do one of those activities, or it begins as so they already know what others may have been through, and what they've resorted to, and they Think about that, it weighs on their mind, until they are so heavily compelled to do so that they can't resist, and that's when one would almost feel Crazy.. Depression is most often an actual Mental Disorder, and many cases are simply Chemical Imbalances in the brain. See a Psychiatrist who can prescribe you something, but you may be surprised, and you may learn that much of this has been a Perpetuated Fear in your mind.. Think about it. Did you ever Fear that you may one day start Cutting Yourself before you actually started doing so? If you did, it might have weighed on your mind, consciously or subconciously, until you felt so compelled to do it, and that was your only way to escape the Anxiety of Depression.. Many people are quite surprised to find that a Disorder they believe they have, is actually a Mental Product of another Disorder, or simply an Overactive Imagination, or Brain. Do see a Psychiatrist.

Can you find a family member to talk to your parents about the fact that depression is a disease? I had a horrbile time telling my parents about my depression and cutting. They blamed me and called me attention-seeking and spoiled. The thing is, cutting can get to a really bad point if you let it go too far. At 15, you need your parents help, unfortunately, because you need to see a therapist and maybe get medication. If they're anything like my parents, they will understand eventually.

Call a teen help hotline.
I don't understand why people cut themselves, it doesn't make sense. I just know that isn't the answer.
Reach out to someone you love very much, and talk to them about why you are always sad.It should help.Also, get something that will make you happy, like a pet. Just think positive.Depression is hard to get rid of. But since you have it off and on, try to think positive alot, and keep bad thoughts out of your mind. I hope the best for you, and good luck.

reach out to a family member and tell them that you need help and also what is going on, if you don't feel comfortable doing this maybe tell them that you need help from a professional then tell the professional what is going on. the first thing to do is realize and come to a conclusion that you do need help. maybe try to cover up your wrist so you might not think about it?

i really don't know if this will help, but i really hope that it does. i hope you feel better! :]

Practically the ONLY way to get over your depression is medication. Go see a psychatrist immediately. Not a therapist, a psychatrist, because they're the ones that can prescribe medication. Honestly, no matter what those people say, you have to get meds. Period.

loves ya!.
abbbbby.

Ive been there sweetie, and i know how you feel. You feel like theres nothing left you can do so you amount to hurting yourself. My friend stopped me. He said that no matter how bad life gets i should never amount to hurting myself. And he was right. Cutting is an addiction, just as smoking or drinking, but cutting is 10x worse because if not stopped can lead to suicidal thoughts. Mail me uf you need to talk anymore. Good luck hun<3

all i can say is you def. need to stop cutting. it might be hard to stop or you might not want to but u could seriously hurt your self. my friend died from cutting too much. u should see someone about it. they can help a lot. i also used to cut and i decided im never doing it again cause it worried my friends alot and i almost lost a few. just try and think about some good things in your life and think of your friends and family and people who really care about you. they can help you through your depression too.

talkto that teacher who called your mom. tell her you need someone to talk to. Tell her your mom got mad, so you would appreciate her not calling your mom anymore.

she should be able to talk you and your gudance counselor and help you get into a support groupd or something.

I used to cut too when i was in junior high(but that was 15 years ago). I suspect it may have something to do with your relationship with your mom...

These issues are way too serious to look to general answers
from non professionals for real answers that will bring you inner peace and help you to a better life. Seek help
from a professional group of health and mental health
center for long term health care with a wide variety of
doctors to cover the group of issues you possess.
and health issues which will need infectious disease
and mental health providers. cheers.

im with ya! ik what your going threw. what i try to do is relax, i dont tell anyone ik i should, but i cant either. uk? i try to spend a ngiht or a day by myself doing stuff i like. and dont cut honey. when u wanna , go for a walk, or ly on ur bed with your face down, or sit outside. i hope i helped! (if it continues tell someone)

I used to cut alot, until I finally was put in the emergency room. I used this site, there are tons of links from there, answering tons of questions...

http://battlecry.com/pages/understanding...

Try taking up a new activity or obsession.

Alternatively turn your attention to food each time you want to harm yourself. Have chocolate (it makes your brain release serotonin that cheers you up), ice cream, candies, whatever makes you happy. I know it's still bad but at least it's not as damaging.

You should talk to a psychiatrist. Medication saved my life. I would be dead right now if I hadn't gotten help a few years ago. I'm still struggling but I'm here and that's all that matters. Email me and I'll send you my phone number or you can send an email to the Samaritans http://www.samaritans.org/talk_to_someon...

Try to find something that you like to do,reading working outside anything that will keep your mind busy,try not to think bad or sad things.Don't feel bad cause there are a lot of you/us who feel that way depression will always be with you,you just have to find a way to take control over it.

I understand that you are unsure if you want to even stop cutting. I used to have that problem. It got pretty bad but I found a therapist and it helps alot. The fact that you seem to be seeking help is a good sign.
Good Luck

no gabby, you were NOT right NEVER right so shut up. anyway, if i were you i would look for a proffesional help like a physciatrist so they can help you out and try talk things about how you feel. dont hurt yourself it would only get worse.

a good psychiatrist and there is nothing wrong with taking some medication to help you until you are stable. It does help to talk to someone. I am currently on medicine and it helps me deal with things everyday. You would be surprised what a difference it makes.

well i think you should be more confidence and try to make friends because friends really do help a lot their someone you can talk to,trust,hang out,go out,tell your secrets and much more if you can't just try going to a doctor.

I will pray for you. JESUS is capable of getting you out of depression forever. Try joining a church youth group and force yourself to show yourself friendly and you will attract friends that will help you out of depression,

Perhaps stop moping around on the Internet? You should try that. There are plenty of people worse off than you, and self-pity isn't helping you or anyone around you. Especially the people you depress and annoy with your inconsiderate self harm and attitude.

Believe it or not but exercising can help with depression. I had a psychology professor said that exercising releases the same type of hormones and Zoloft does. You should try it and see if it works.

Cutting, or any type of damage to yourself (drinking, drugs, etc.) is an outside acknowegement to an inside pain. Seek profession help!! Believe me, secrets are only "bad/wierd" in YOUR mind, they have heard far, far worse.

I strongly think that you need to get some help. Go to a school counselor or someone who can help you. They can tell your parents if it is something life threatening/bodily harmful. You do need help. That is very dangerous and I commend you for wanting to stop it

here's some info on depression for you
http://www.shoppinglifestyle.com/health/...

i used to do it too. I had to go to the mental health clinic. I haven't did it in 2 yrs. It's hard to stop. I just take it one day at a time. Here is a phone number to call they helped me 18004respond!!!

whatever you do never take anti depressant pills. usually the people who have suicidal thoughts just dont have the energy to pull through on them, and the pills give you that energy so it has sort of a counter effect.

If you could go to your regular doctor, maybe for migraine headaches or something you can fake. Once you are in there by yourself with the doctor tell the doctor everything.

If you believe in God, I would suggest praying. Along with that, journaling, or just writing down random stories, poems, or thoughts. Find someone you trust that won't be overly sympathetic, but will be more apt to let you know how hurt they are by it and how much they love you, someone that you trust... and let them know how you feel and what you are getting into. If you are in a dangerous situation, it's obvious that you should seek medical help, but these are just a few things that you could do to help you stop hurting yourself. Surround yourself with friends as much as you can when you are low. You don't even need to tell them you're hurting if you don't feel like it, just go do something you enjoy.

I work in the mental health field. And my personal belief is that it has a lot to do with our diets.I think if you really want to get better you should look into certain vitamins and your daily nutrition. It really doe's make a difference.

please stop sutting yourself. it is very bad, and thats all i can say for now. message me if you want to talk more. i think i can help if i knew more