I'm suffering from depression, what should I do?!

you do not mention how old you are, but since you mention that you are in school I'd assume somewhere between 15 and 18 years. You see yourself in a dark light--and when you see yourself in a dark light then others will also see you in a dark light-and when others do that it only reenforces our view of ourselves. You could start changing that with positive steps: if you are not depressed then you may be able to cheer dad up. If you are broke and cannot pay the rent that is depressing for anyone, but there are also places where you can get help---don't be too proud. Suggest to your dad to seek help from the Salvation Army or other organizations like United Way. As far as your sister reporting you guys to Social Services goes: she will need help one day and not receive it because things like that have a way of coming to haunt the person who does things like that. Sometimes in ways which are worse than what they attempted to do.

Here are a few things you can do:
1.Take a daily walk in BRIGHT SUNSHINE, for 20 minutes, no sunscreen. This will cause your skin do produce tons of Vitamin D which help the body in the serotonin uptake---and if you help your body do that then you'll already feel better. Take your dad with you whenever you get a chance--it will help him too, plus you guys are doing something nice together.
2.Set aside some time with your dad where you don't watch television, the computer is turned off and play a game--something like UNO or Pachisi---a game that totally relaxes and has nothing to do with what is currently going on. This will create a more intimate relationship between you and your dad where you also are able to talk about problems to be solved in a relaxed situation.
3.Don't tell yourself that you are ugly. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Just because you don't fit into the norm does not make you ugly. If there is something you don't like about your looks, try to change it. You might not be able to change your height, but you can change your looks with redoing your hair etc.
3.Exercise on a daily basis: a hoola hoop and a jumping rope are very cheap equipment and will do wonders for you and your self esteem. First of all, if you hoola hoop and jump rope on alternate days you will get a good cardiovascular exercise that releases serotonin into the brain--making you less prone to depression. In addition to that, you will tone your entire body. Just try doing it for 20-30 minutes each day--and wow.....you'll see how good it will make you feel. In addition, you can do that in the privacy of your room where no one is watching you, therefore the feeling of awkwardness or embarrassment is not there. It's fun and it works. If you can get your dad involved with this, that's even better, but he might not want to. These things alone will help you feel better and in time look better. It's called "taking positive steps".
Now to your sister: I had a sister who went through great leanths to put me down any opportunity she got--and she had plenty of opportunity because I was a very fat teenager. So I can relate to you feeling a little glad that she moved. Since something good comes out of everything bad that happens, the good thing is that you don't have to endure her abuse no more--the bad thing is that you still will miss her because she is your sister. Just tell yourself that it is easier to love her from far away.....I had to do that too. However, since my sister did not change did I make the decision to drop her like a hot potato. Sometimes that's what we have to do in order to be able to be true to ourselves.

School: Put all your efforts into school---make it a point to do extremely well. Those others who act like jerks could never be your friend---don't try to please them, please yourself(and your dad)with the best grades possible and always tell yourself that you won't settle for less. I did that too--it improved my self esteem to a point which I never though possible and made a totally better person out of me. I knew who I was, what I could do, and how I could get it--and that was all that mattered while I went to school. Once I finished school I kept that gung-ho can do attitude and it basically became a habit. The shy's the limit. So aim for the best in order to receive the best.
If you are old enough to work: try finding you a little job where you can make some cash that's yours. It will pay for a few things you'd like to have and it is kind of awesome to be able to buy something with your own hard earned money. It will help you to be around people other than those in school and give you a new perspective on things.

Lastly: don't get discouraged, don't let anyone tell you that you are ugly or stupid, and don't give up if things get rough. You will only become a better person and by being a better person you are able to help your dad overcome his gloom.......

Sending you positive energy to counter act the negative Hon. You have to recognize it and accept it though for it to work.

I am sorry you feel that way. Just know that you are not alone. I suffer with depression also and I know how emotionally painful it can be. The best advice I can give you is to help yourself. Get outside and run or do something you enjoy. Exercise is very helpful in treating depression. Whatever you do don't get on any antidepressants. These drugs can make you more depressed. I found that out for myself. Talking to someone also helps like a counselor. Don't give up!

It sounds like you have a lot going on right now and could really use some support. It's great that you are reaching out for support! Having conflict within the family can be very difficult to deal with and it is hard to see the ones we love struggling as well. It's great that you are being supportive of your father and continuing to let him know that you are there for him is a great thing. It also sounds like you need to find some support for yourself. Is there a trusted adult that you feel you could talk with such as guidance counselor or pastor? Letting someone know how you are feeling is very important in getting the help that you need. You may also want to talk with your doctor as they may be someone else who can assist you in getting help. Things can and will get better if you continue to reach out for help!!!

If you want to talk or need some advice, please call one of our counselors at 1-800-448-3000. We are youth crisis line and are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week to help. We look forward to hearing from you!!

Take Care,
AC, Counselor
Boys Town National Hotline
1-800-448-3000

www.yourlifeyourvoice.org

Nobody hates you, I can assure you of that. You are just experiencing some very unfortunate circumstances that have occurred through no fault of your own. Please keep in mind that human suffering is universal, and there are many people in the world who have experienced similar circumstances like yours. I know that doesn't make it any less emotionally painful, but sometimes it helps to talk with people who have gone through what you have had to endure.

Try reaching out to people within your community who may understand your problem, such as a neighbor, or networking through friends or friends of friends. You might be able to start your own blog on the internet, using a public computer at a library, for people who have had similar life experiences.

Most people do not understand the afterlife, but I do know that the afterlife really exists for reasons I will not discuss. The suffering that exists on earth is temporary, but the afterlife is an eternal place that exists beyond the comprehension of most human beings, and resides in a fourth dimension that human beings cannot fully comprehend due to mankind's limitations to five senses. What I can say, though, is that God does hear and know every single one of his children, and although we cannot understand everything that happens in this life, that all of these mysteries of life will be understood as God reveals them to you in a unique way that only you will understand.

All the best.

No one's life is perfect. The best thing you can do is let your dad know you appreciate what he is going through to care for you and don't fight with him. I am sure you are not as ugly as you think you are, a smile and some self confidence will do a ton of good. Just relax, you are not a bad person. If there is something about you you want to change the work on changing it. Don't rely on god to make your life perfect. Your mom doesn't hate you. If you are old enough you could work on weekends to help your dad out.

Katelyn you have taken the first step by admitting how you feel and wanting help for it. Now go to your guidence counseler or other trusted adult and tell them how you feel. Keep asking for help in dealing with your life. Social Services has resources to help you and your dad. But, you have to talk to them. A lot of people are in the same fix. You can't give up. Try doing things you enjoy or think of a happy memory and remember how good you felt. But if you can't do it anyother way. Talk to a doctor and try meds, I've known people who were helped with them and others that weren't. The only way to find out is try it.

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