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female
,
anonymous
writes: I think I have clinical depression or something so I want to do something about it, and I was just wondering if I were to go to my doctor about it could she actually do something about it? Would they give me drugs, as I'm 16. Does my mum need to find out?
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female
reader, DrPsych  +, writes (22 November 2006):
 You can go to your doctor on your own, and your medical records are confidential so anything disclosed would be between you and your doctor. A family doctor can refer you to child/ adolescent mental health services. Antidepressants are prescribed increasingly to children and teenagers although they are not always the solution - ask about cognitive behavioural therapy which is a useful treatment for clinical depression. I also think you should tell your mother if you are seeking treatment - you need supportive people around you at this time and it helps to have someone near you when you go for appointments (she doesn't have to go in with the doctor though!).
A
male
reader, cherub +, writes (21 November 2006):
 Hello
Depression is quite a common problem and the good new is that it can be helped successfully especially with so many different treatments out there.Also positive signs are you realise there is a problem and want to seek help.
Has your symptoms e.g low mood,poor sleep pattern(difficulty in getting to sleep,early morning waking),poor concentration,lack of energy,poor appetite(sometimes can be eating too much),feeling of guilt,thinking of a bleak future,diurnal variation i.e forse in the morning getting a little better in the evening,withdrawn,no drive and lastly but not least self harm ideation been over a period of two weeks or more.If you have then the first port of call would be your doctor.He/she if in keeping with mental health problems then he/she can suggest a two ways prong to help you.First is drug treatment which there are plenty in the market and the newer ones are very good and has less unwanted effects.It should lift your mood within 3-6 weeks then your doctor could refer you for talk therapy which would help you to cope in the future whatever cause your depression this time.You are young so a change in direction,learning coping strategies is easily managed.After 9 months or so you could taper off the medication and with new skills you could live a fruitful and happy life.
If you are not that depressed then talking to counsellor,excersises,nutritious diet and St John Worts can help.If your low mood is seasonal then sometimes using bright white light for a couple of hours a day can help.
With regards to your mum finding out,unless your depression in link to her or you are worried that she cannot cope then I think it is sensible to talk to her first.She cares and loves you so help you in whatever way both of you think is the best.I am not sure in UK whether 16 is still considered a juvenile,your doctor will know and treat you accordingly.
Hope you will feel better soon and find the true path to a happy life.
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