Bulletin Board Post

Feelings

Increased Anxiety and Depression

<div class="ExternalClassA5DB552EC03B40D68E94F6C8D740B978">Hi! For a little while now, I have been struggling against some depression and mild anxiety. It wasn't very bad, and I tried to stay open with my parents. However, I have recently started taking a new medication for my asthma, which lists a number of side effects, including having increased chances of getting depression and suicidal thoughts. But, I need to take this medicine, or else I will barely be able to get through the school day with enough energy to do anything else that day. This medicine makes me feel terrible emotionally, mentally, and physically. I have talked to my parents a little, and we are trying to find other types of medicine for me to take, but those things take time, and right now, I'm not sure I can keep going when I'm feeling this bad. There are times when I think about what it would be like if I just took the whole bottle of pills in one shot, just so I wouldn't have to deal with any of this anymore. I am working towards finding other options, but I could really use some coping methods for when I feel this way. I don't think I could go through with actually doing it, but I want to make sure I have ways to deal if these feelings get any worse. </div>

<div class="ExternalClass8FF3DE045F2246C99110D696EF7ABB38"><div><div class="ExternalClassA5DB552EC03B40D68E94F6C8D740B978">We are glad you have discovered our website and are reaching out tonight. We can appreciate the concern, frustration, and feelings of depression you conveyed in your email. We must say, your strength in talking to your parents and letting the doctors know how you are feeling is so important. You are doing great in communicating with them, and giving them and the doctors the opportunity to make some changes for you. Try to envision this time as being temporary, like hitting some rapids while rafting down a river. It is time to focus on navigating through this time, one wave at a time. Reaching out for coping skills is a very mature thing to do. Try to stay active, even though it may seem hard. During times such as this, it is easy to succumb to the pull and to withdraw inside ourselves where the negative thought patterns can take hold. Be proactive, stay active. We want you to know we are here for you. Try reviewing the articles under the Tips section on the website, including “99 coping skills”. The Tips link is at the top of the homepage. Talk to your parents and tell them about your thought of wanting to take all of your medication. We know that you said that you didn't think that you would act on this thought but just to be sure, ask your mom or dad to be the keeper of your medication and to only give you the pills that you need for each day. Stay strong and keep reaching out. Sincerely, Larry – Counselor </div></div> </div>

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