I know, I know, 16-year olds shouldn't be depressed. I have heard it from my parents, my teachers, my friends, and yet, it doesn't help. I try to do what's right, like eating healthy, staying away from drugs and alcohol, I even try writing down everything that happened that day in a journal. It just helps for a moment, then that happy feeling is gone. Like everytime someone else gets that promotion at work (McDonald's), or someone at school gets a 92% and you have 91%, and they boast about it. Or when you're brother and sister are always on your back trying to get you to play with them and you just don't want to. Anybody know what I mean? Anybody know how to fix it? I would greatly appreciate it if someone helped me solve this, but I just feel so hopeless right now.

P.S. Whenever I have to work with one of my managers, she is always yelling at people and never helping people and getting pissed off if someone doens't do exactly what she wants us to do. Like this one time we were told to clean one of the walls on grill area, during Saturday night supper rush, with only 2 people making the food and 3 people cleaning, and her yelling at us to get moving because customers are getting pissed, and not letting those 3 people help, and just getting so angry because of it. I hate her I hate her I hate her! I feel a little bit better now, talking about this, but still feeling depressed. Once again, anybody who can help please help!!!!!!!!!!!!! I neeeeeeeed it!

Oh please say a prayer with me...Heavenly Father I trust that you are in my heart, help me to feel your presence and your love. Help me to know that simply because I am your daughter I am lovable, I am a wonder. In Jesus name Amen. You are a wonder! And your are wonderful. It is doing your best always that will bring you happiness. There will always be those more and less gifted than yourself. Gifted with money, with grades etc. Focus only on God and be pleased with what He has given you. You are smart, talented, a joy to be around. Let those things shine, focusing on God and He will gift with even more when He has prepared your heart to recieve it. It is 10:33 am and YOU ARE LOVED

Oh honey, I just found this board and hope you're better!
And YES 16 years old CAN have depression!
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE find someone to share this with. Check with a school nurse or even the phone book under Mental Health listings. Have you talked to your family doctor? If you ahve a pastor that you can confide in?
There are national and state help lines also that you can call. I'm so sorry I don't have the list now, but GOOGLE it.
You need someone to listen! This is a problem that you need help dealing with, keep talking til you find someone to listen.
As far as you Manager, they sound like they are very unhappy and are lashing out at anyone or they just use this as a way to make themselves feel better. I've always thought that working in fast food to be one of the hardest and most thankless jobs!
Iam so sorry you fell this way, I know I was a depressed teen (way back in the 1970's) and people just called me "moody". Now looking back ( and really struggling with Major Clinical Depression/Major depressive Disorder for over the past 2 years) I know that's what it was. It just wasn't known then that YES teens can have problems too!
Please don't give up, I know it's very hard! You are in my thoughts and I wish you the BEST!
good luck and love to you poppit! dee

p.s. try support groups sometimes offered @ church and hospital outreach. usually Free! sometimes just meeting and knowing you're not alone helps!
Also some employers offer an Employee Assistance Program, you might also contact them for help and referral.

I just read this and my heart goes out to you. I am a mother of a 16 year old daughter...and of course was once 16 myself. It is a really tough period....even if everything is great. I am a 44 year old woman who recently (the past 5 years) has discovered I have had depression and anxiety my whole life. It is a tough pill to swollow...However, There is help. You need to seek help right away. Please! do this for yourself first and all, for the people who love you and for all of us who have read your note.

I sought treatment at 39 years. I felt like my world was crashing (I had a beautiful home, two wonderful and healthy children, a wonderful husband and a successful business...soooo what is the deal?? ) I had always kept my feelings and concerns (I knew something was wrong at a very early age) to myself. I did not want to seem like a freak or have someone send me off (not sure where??)
I was a child that needed help....I never sought it...until just recently. Things are better! Sometimes life sucks but.... That's a given. Now I can deal with things. It takes extra effort on my part...but it is possible.

Two days ago I disclosed all of this to my parents. What an emotional conversation that was. They said they knew something was wrong but could not pinpoint it (I was functioning like anyone else) They are coming to see me Tuesday to take me to lunch. I will tell them everything. I will also tell them I am seeking treatment and I don't want to be alone. I need support. Most of all I do not want to be judged...I can't have that right now. I am not blaming anyone. I just want to feel hopeful and happy.

With all of this being said....You sound like a very smart person. Please do what you need to do to be healthy and well. There are so many resources available. You will be shocked at how many people will want to help and the support you will get from loved ones. Do not be ashamed (I know I was) This is not your fault.


God bless and take care of yourself. Please let us know how you are doing. This is the first step...Be brave.

Your Rocky Mountain friend.