IN COUNSELING FOR DEPRESSION

Dear Jellybean,

Ok i am feeling really upset latley. i mean ive been to the doctor and he has told me that i am in a clinical deppression. i dont like the idea but i know its true. ive cut myslef a total of five times in away i do it because i want to die in away i just want pain my parents and the doctor know of the first two and they have me seeing a councilor they do not know about the other three. i dont think that the councilor helps at all but i dont know what to do i write poetry to get my feelings out but it does not help as much i am so scared that i might go to far one day. my father is already dead and the doctors say that i am just having long terms effects. i donyt think that is the reson. Please help.
-Rose

Dear Rose,

I am very glad you are seeing a counselor. Clnical depression is a real medical problem that needs treatment, and it's good that you have found someone to treat it. Give the counseling some time to work for you. You have been through traumatic events (like the death of your father, I'm so sorry) and getting better will be a long and gradual process, it won't be instant. Start keeping a journal and write down your feelings and fears and angers in between counseling sessions so you can get those emotions out in a healthy, non-self-destructive way. Consider bringing your journal to therapy occasionally (you don't have to show it to your counselor) so you can bring up themes you've been thinking about a lot and discuss them in the counseling session. Also, for urgent help whenever you need it, here are 2 phone numbers that I can recommend to you. These hotlines are staffed by experts, they're free to call in the U.S. and anything you talk to them about is 100 percent confidential. They are:
National Depression Association: 1-800-826-3632
National Cutters Hotline for teens who cut: 1-800-366-8288