Ok I'll try it again- I lost the first post, but here we go again!

(1) No one's face is symetrical! Cut any photo in half and hold it up to a mirror. Looks like 2 different people. Usually it is girls who have this problem, but seeing your physical faults as being hugely magnified is not that uncommon. Lighten up! Anyone who judges you on just physical appearance is likely not worth having as a friend!

(2) Mom is hitting menopause (sorry if it grosses you out). She is feeling insecure and less of a woman. Dad is depressed and that isn't helping her at all. Their sex life is likely ziltch (again sorry, but parents do have sex or you wouldn't be here). She is keeping a "brave face" during the day, but slips at night when she is tried. Try doing little nice things for her and she may do a bit better. (Make dinner for her, wash dishes, buy her a single rose for no reason, compliment her on something, tell her you love her- just little stuff) You might tell her that Granny says that hot flashes are made way worse by drinking (I'm 59 and know!) And smoking gives you facial lines.

(3) GET THAT GED! You don't have a chance without one! My eldest son has a GED and works with computers at a school. You CAN make it with just a GED, but it won't be easy! Go back and get your diploma if possible.

(4) GET SOME HELP! A good buddy, a school counselor, the mental health clinic or a doctor is needed here. Talk it out.

(5) Get stoned and make a list of "to do's". I have a touch of bipolar (my Mom was really bipolar, as well as suicidal and alcoholic- so I know how your home life must be- been there, survived that!). Having a list helps keep you on track. Have both big and small things on the list. Try to get at least 1 big and 2 smalls done each day. I think your first "biggie" should be "how and where do I get that GED"? Mine for yesterday was "do income tax" (something I hate doing) plus I did the wash and the dishes. 3 things off my list and I reward myself with a toke. It also gives you a visible way to keep track progress in your daily life. When you are depressed, even if you are doing things, you tend to "lose" the fact that you are getting things done. A marked off list validates that things are getting done.

(6) Take care of yourself! Depression is linked to a lack of exercise, poor nutrition (especially lack of "B" vitamins), boredom, and not enough sunlight. Turn off the TV and video games and go for a walk in the park. Get some "B" vitamins (a month's worth will run you less than $3 at Walmart)and take them daily. Volunteer at the humane society, a food bank, Meals-on-Wheels, anywhere folks need help. Helping others really beats depression. If you can't handle people, then just grab a trash bag and clean up the park on your walk. The thing is to DO something.

(7) What music are you listening to? Regae is a good mood lifter. Yesterday, I "belly-danced" my way through the housework.

(8) Get a kitten or puppy. They are love and joy wrapped in fur. It's dang hard to be depressed while watching their antics.

Remember, depression is a temporary state of mind. Joy is out there waiting to be found. You will get through this. Love ya- Granny:hippy:
Storm Crow Reviewed by Storm Crow on . i have no clue why im posting this, i gotta get it off my chest tho- even if its to people i will never meet.. my dads got ups and downs with depression, i was said to get it maybe... well right now i could start crying for no reason... i cant stop thinking about the future, i dont know what to do or how im even going to do it, or get out of my parents place for that matter.. i didnt graduate high school, im almost 20 and im fuckin scared, scared of going insane cuz i can feel myself slipping.. thoughts of Rating: 5