Thanks for contacting the Boys Town National Hotline for assistance. It’s evident that you and your entire family are under a great deal of stress. That’s why it’s great that you’ve reached out for advice and support today. That is very important to do when dealing with challenging situations.

It’s hard to say for sure if what you’re experiencing is clinical depression or if you’re just experiencing the normal ups and downs of life. However, we typically advise people to seek help if their feelings of sadness or depression last more than a couple of weeks and if it’s preventing you from enjoying life. So generally speaking, you should seek help for depression when it begins to negatively affect your life, whether the effect is on your friendships, family, school or your entire outlook on life. If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, then it’s important to seek help right away to ensure your safety. To determine if meds are needed, you would need to be evaluated by a psychiatrist.

There are also things you can do at home to help combat your depression. Physical exercise is a great tool for reducing feelings of depression. Although it’s typically the last thing on someone’s mind when feeling depressed, the result is well worth the effort. Exercise increases your body’s natural neurotransmitters called endorphins; these are your feel good hormones that can elevate your mood. Overall, exercise is a great way to improve your well-being physically and emotionally. It’s also helpful to increase your support system when struggling with tough times. Look to positive friends and family for support when needed. Sometimes it can be really beneficial to just vent and have a listening ear when feeling overwhelmed. Your friends/family may not be able to solve all of your problems, but they can certainly provide you with support along the way.

Your parents are correct in wanting to shield you from the worry of financial stressors. We understand that financial hardships affect the entire family; however this isn’t a burden that you need to carry. As hard as it is, trust that your parents will get you through these hard financial times and continue to provide for you as they always have.

We hope that you continuing reaching out for the help that you deserve. If you’re interested in locating a therapist in your area, we’d be happy to help you get connected. We have a national data base and can provide you with referrals in your community. Remember that our hotline is available 24/7, so call anytime you need support.

Take care!

Jessie, Counselor