Depression whilst smoking?

[nightlight]

When I smoke I think alot. and the last time i smoke I couldent stop thinkin about how fast I grew up and my perception of my future was grim. I know im not that old yet but what if, when I was younger I hadnt wished to grow up so fast? What if I could just go back and experience the innocence of being a child just 1 more time? Iv been wondering about this alot and its got me in a depressed like state.. I dunno who to talk to so I thought Id post it here since you guys are very nice and helped me in the past.

seeing as most people waste their childhood trying to grow up, it would be silly to waste your time now dwelling on how you spent your past.

[Runaway Jim]

Damn...
I lost my dad a few months ago, and it brings me down alot. Im kinda fucked up now because of it, and i also wish i was younger again (im 16 right now, i know im not that old).
That said... I do try and keep my head up and focus on some sort of goal to keep idle time down... I have been trying to get my drivers license and get better in school lately. Responsibility is key... do shit around the house moms doesnt have dad around to do that or nothing. I also always am down to make money, Im caddying again now but for a while it was just doing jobs for people and money in my bank from my last job. Just focus on one goal. My goal is to get enough dough to put some rims and a system in (for those who care, its a pioneer head unit and 4 6x9s, and 2 alpine 12"s in the back.), no i dont think im black or osmethin i just love bumpin music when im rollin around haha...
Keep that in mind.

[birdgirl73]

Weird thing is im not depressed all the time tho. I just think about what happend alot when I smoke and wish I could go back to being a child so I could see my parents back together. I think thats why Ive been feeling like this alot.

Depression comes and goes like that, hun. I'm sorry about your family situation. I'm sure that's rough, and I can certainly understand why a young man might be depressed at times with that happening. Keep an eye on that depression. Don't try to numb out too much with smoke or other substances. If things get too rough and the depression starts affecting the way you're functioning, make an effort to go talk to someone, OK? This is just the beginning, like NoChowder said, but you're in the middle of a heavy situation and even if you're young, you're still experiencing pain in life right now. Don't let anyone minimize that. Your reaction is normal. Hope you feel better soon, Greenport!

[Matt the Funk]

I'm pretty much the same age as you...and I get severe depression in conjunction with psychotic episodes every other month or so, so with that experiences, I can say you just have to put shit in perspective. Think differently. Don't dwell on the past, but don't forget. Focus on the present, and have fun. Everyone says how they wish they were a child again, but childhood is mostly having ignorance as many children don't have the experience to know any better. Anyways stay positive, smoke(but not too much), have fun.

[birdgirl73]

Hey, Greenport. Matt's got good advice for you up there--trying to stay positive does help. And there's a lot you can do by focusing on the present and controlling your own thinking patterns. I've only learned that trick recently myself.

One of the things I meant to write in my earlier post was what I do to counter depression, and that's exercise. It's the best natural anti-depressant there is--and no side-effects, either, unlike with pills. It really does do wonders for your mood!

[Nailhead]

The next time you start wishing you were younger, just imagine if in 10 years you are looking back wishing you spent your youth doing more interesting things than thinking about what you thought at that time was your youth. I'm 25 and I wish I could go back 10 years, but I know if I dwell on thoughts like that before I know it I'll be 35 wishing I was 25. So be happy you are still young and have a full life ahead of you.

I think the best remedy for depression is talking about your issues with a close friend, if you don't have one as a lot of depressed people probably don't, a shrink wouldn't be a bad idea. The important thing is to not sit and dwell about depressing thoughts too long, it isn't healthy. Maybe try to find something to do before you smoke, so when you do smoke your mind is on other things such as a good TV show, or a bbq with friends, whatever. Just don't continue to smoke in a situation that puts your mind into a depressed state.

Good luck!

[NextLineIsMine]

Ive had that same feeling before, im 18 and had thoughts of how I could have put myself in a better position now if I tried harder 4 years ago. I dont give a shit anymore ive come to learn that regret is the greatest waste of time, live your life without it

[UMrocksmysocks]

The next time you start wishing you were younger, just imagine if in 10 years you are looking back wishing you spent your youth doing more interesting things than thinking about what you thought at that time was your youth. I'm 25 and I wish I could go back 10 years, but I know if I dwell on thoughts like that before I know it I'll be 35 wishing I was 25. So be happy you are still young and have a full life ahead of you.

thats some great advice....

my dads side of the family has some seriously depressed people including my dad, and some of it has run off on me. do what i do,.. talk to a therapist once a week, it really helps cuz you can talk about whatever you want and it doesnt matter.. for now, stay up green:thumbsup:

[Greenport]

thanks for the advice, along with the depression comes a short fuse. I get angry incredibly easy and iv fought over the stupidest shit. I gotta go see a shrink.

[birdgirl73]

That short-fuse thing probably IS a part of the depression, Greenport. In young men--and in men in general--depression is frequently expressed as anger. Y'all tend to act out on depression more than girls/women do. We exhibit more classic, straightforward depression and sadness. This was one of the first things they taught us in my medical psychopathology class this year--about the different ways depression comes out in the two genders.

Shrinks can be tremendously helpful. It's been really nice to see how supportive everyone has been here, too. Thanks, guys!