Hi there,
Anti-depressants can take a while to get into your system so it can sometimes take a couple of weeks for you to feel the effects. It's important to remember this if you're experiencing depression.
There are different therapies that can help with depression. If you dont feel like anti-depressants are working for you, its okay to say that to your doctor. You can find out more about the medication you're taking at Head Meds.
Your doctor may be able to suggest something else or talk through other ideas with you. Usually doctors offer counselling or support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to support you with depression. If you do have a counsellor or CAMHS worker, try to be as honest as you can with them.
If it helps, write down how you feel on a piece of paper or in a notebook and give it to them at your next session. There may be things in your life that are making things worse for you. It can help to talk about those with someone you trust and ask for help.
YoungMinds have some helpful ideas about managing depression. They suggest talking to someone, getting fresh air most days, getting regular exercise, trying to eat regularly even if its small meals and trying to do things you enjoy.
Depression can sometimes lead to suicidal feelings. If this is how you feel talk to your doctor or an adult you trust straight away.
Talking here on Childline is a massive step, especially if you dont know what to do. Remember that a Childline counsellor is always here to listen to you and to support you to think about what to do next.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.
