Seeking Understanding About My Feelings
Hello! I’m uncertain about how best to express myself, so I’ll simply begin with an introduction. I’m Adeline, though I prefer to be called Linnie, and I’m 15 years old. I’d like to share what’s been troubling me. For the past three years, I’ve felt quite different from how I used to, and it all began in sixth grade. I noticed a shift within me, as joy seemed to slip away. I can’t help but wonder if part of the change was triggered by watching "13 Reasons Why"—while it made me feel even more down, I did find a sense of relatability that captivated me. This led me to immerse myself in literature focusing on depression. I’m unsure if my interest in such topics stemmed from my feelings or if those feelings were intensified by the content I consumed. Gradually, I distanced myself from my friends, and life often feels devoid of meaning. I’ve been trapped in a strange state of detachment, as if living in a somber dream. I truly wish to escape this state of being. When I visited my doctor last year, I mentioned I was okay, even though I don’t truly feel that way. I worry that admitting my struggles would label me as insincere. If I were to reveal my true feelings, would it be considered depression? Given that I potentially contributed to this state, would my doctor dismiss my feelings, urging me simply to get over it? Is medication the sole solution, or could there be other factors influencing how I’m feeling? I noticed that I gained a bit of weight around the same time my sadness set in, and I sometimes ponder whether my weight contributes to my emotional state. I was never the heavier kid before. Although I’ve attempted to diet and shed pounds, my efforts rarely last, resulting in a few lost pounds only to regain them later. I recognize that being overweight can have health implications, but could it also be affecting my mood? I’m reaching out for guidance and perspective on my situation. Thank you! 🩷
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 2:10:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your feelings and experiences so openly, Linnie. It takes courage to express what you’re going through, and I want you to know that it’s okay to feel this way. You’re not alone, and many young people struggle with similar feelings as they navigate through changes in life.
Main Points:
- Understanding Feelings: Your feelings of sadness and detachment are important and deserve attention.
- Potential Factors: Media consumption, body image, and life changes all play a part in how you feel.
- Next Steps: Explore safe outlets for your emotions, seek support, and consider healthy lifestyle changes.
Explanation:
It sounds like you’ve been experiencing a profound emotional shift over the past few years. Feelings of sadness, detachment, and a sense of lost joy can sometimes be signs of depression, but they can also arise from various life changes, including shifts in friendships, body image, and the media you consume. Your concerns about body weight and its effect on your mood are valid; physical health and mental health are closely linked, and changes in one can impact the other.
Your hesitation to express your true feelings to your doctor is understandable, but it’s important to communicate how you genuinely feel – using terms like “feeling down” or “struggling” is a step towards getting the support you need. Medical professionals are trained to understand and support people facing such feelings, and the right approach includes more than just medication.
Next Steps:
-
Journaling: Start a journal to express your thoughts and feelings. Writing can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions and track the patterns in your mood.
-
Connect with Support: Consider talking to someone who you trust, like a family member or a school counselor. Sharing your feelings can be a great relief and help you feel less isolated.
-
Healthy Habits: Focus on small, sustainable lifestyle changes. Incorporating regular physical activity, eating balanced meals, and ensuring you have enough sleep can positively affect your mood.
-
Mindfulness Activities: Engage in mindfulness or relaxation techniques, such as meditation or breathing exercises, which can help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.
-
Open Up: When you feel ready, have an open and honest conversation with your doctor or the trusted adult in your life. You can express your concern about your feelings and explore options together.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and taking these steps is a positive way to start addressing your feelings. You deserve support and to feel your best, both mentally and physically. Please reach out if you have more questions or need further advice. You’re taking a brave step by seeking answers, and I’m here to help. 🩷
Related Questions
Navigating Alcohol Consumption While on Antidepressants
I am currently prescribed Escitalopram at a dosage of 10mg and Trazodone 50mg, which I take before bed for my mental health. Additionally, I use Clonazepam to help manage my anxiety. Earlier today, I joined a few friends for a social gathering where we had some drinks. I informed them that due to my medication, I usually avoid alcohol; however, I opted to have a single beer so I could participate in the festivities without feeling out of place. Now, approximately three hours later, I do not sense any lingering effects of alcohol. If there were any, they are quite subtle. My question is: Is it safe for me to take my medications in light of this?
Concerns About Potential Brain Damage at 16
To begin, I’d like to clarify that I’m currently located in Europe, where I observe that many individuals in my environment engage in more extreme behaviors than I do, even as I strive to partake in social activities without crossing the line into recklessness. My journey with alcohol commenced at the age of 14, albeit in a very mild manner. By the time I turned 15, I started drinking more regularly, making sure to space out my experiences approximately weekly to monthly, totaling around ten instances of intoxication. Notably, I noticed I had an adverse physical reaction to alcohol—specifically, skin flush the following day—which prompted me to transition to cannabis as it felt easier on my body. I limited my cannabis use to weekends while adhering to similar spacing, with one exception. At 16, I found myself smoking almost every day for a week after a particular incident, but I was able to regain control thereafter. When I was 15, I also experimented with psilocybin mushrooms on two occasions, which proved to be positive experiences and made me realize I needed to cut back on alcohol consumption. Recently, I had a successful experience with 150 micrograms of LSD after careful preparation. This evening, I intend to consume half an edible instead of resorting to drinking or smoking, aiming to increase my intervals between substances to once a month at a minimum while maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Despite my efforts, my naturally anxious disposition makes me concerned about anything that may cause irreversible damage to my brain, including, for instance, excessive screen time. I would greatly value insights from professionals regarding these worries. For context: I’m 16 years old, assigned female at birth but have been on testosterone for seven months, standing at 5'4" and weighing 125 pounds.
Concerns about HSV Transmission During Nasal Suctioning for My Baby
Recently, I experienced my first cold sore at the age of 29, appearing at the edge of my lower lip. With a three-month-old infant, I have been particularly cautious, believing that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is transmitted solely through direct contact. I made sure to avoid kissing my baby and kept my distance. On her three-month birthday, she woke in the early morning with significant nasal congestion. Feeling exhausted, I instinctively reached for the Frida nasal suction, my usual go-to in such situations. While using the device, I made sure my cold sore was not in contact with it. Typically, I only use the suction in her nostrils, afterward blowing air onto my hand to check for any mucus and then continuing the process. However, as I performed this task, I began to question whether I was potentially spreading the virus; my research revealed that HSV can indeed be transmitted through saliva. Although most of my usage was suctioning, I realized I had occasionally blown into the tube to assess its effectiveness before resuming suction. Naturally, I'm feeling anxious and regretful for not thoroughly considering the risks involved. Additionally, I learned that my illness may have contributed to my cold sore, and now I suspect my baby may also be coming down with something—her first cold has me quite worried. I took precautions by wearing a mask, and throughout the week, she seemed unaffected. Being a breastfeeding mother, I hope she has received ample antibodies to help her. I would greatly appreciate any insights on whether I need to be alarmed or if there are specific signs I should monitor. Thank you for your assistance!
Dismissed as a Patient After 26 Years
For the past 26 years, I’ve been a patient at the same medical office, practically since the moment I entered this world (or rather, since I began my existence). Admittedly, I did transition from a pediatrician to a general practitioner when I turned 18, but I’ve mainly seen the same doctors throughout my life, including a general physician and a sports medicine specialist. During this extensive period, I have only missed a couple of appointments—perhaps just two in total—which seems quite reasonable considering I’ve had numerous check-ups and consultations due to various health issues, largely stemming from accidents and injuries. It’s not uncommon for someone like me, who tends to be accident-prone, to have over a hundred visits in nearly three decades. However, I recently discovered that I’ve reportedly missed three appointments in the span of six months. This unexpected revelation is frustrating, as those missed appointments occurred while I was recovering from orthopedic surgery following a significant work-related accident—I tumbled two stories off a ladder, highlighting my tendency for mishaps. The appointments I failed to attend were routine check-ups with my general practitioner, my sports medicine doctor, and a blood test. Unfortunately, they all coincidentally fell around the same period just after my surgery. I learned about the need for the surgery only a few weeks ahead of these scheduled appointments, and post-surgery, mobility was a challenge. I had asked my husband to cancel them on my behalf, but he neglected to do so—an oversight we share. While I take some responsibility for not ensuring the calls were made, I was heavily medicated with prescribed pain relief at the time. Despite my generally good attendance record, this series of missed appointments led to my dismissal as a patient. Today, when I contacted the office to request a refill for a chronic medication unrelated to the surgery, I was informed that I can no longer receive care there, as I was discharged as a patient back in early January. This came as a shock, especially since they had filled a different prescription for me just weeks ago without any issues. It raises the question: how can they discharge me and then assist with a prescription shortly before? I’ve been on the same medication for over seven years, and I am not asking for anything out of the ordinary. If they want to sever ties after 26 years, I’m willing to find another provider, but it feels absurd to deny me vital medication after such a long-standing relationship. Is this a common practice? When I explained my situation—politely and respectfully—the response was still a firm refusal to refill my prescription. My discussions were limited to administrative personnel, leaving me at a loss about my next steps. I’ve always been a reliable patient, with the exception of these recent three appointments occurring immediately after the surgery. The urgency of my medical needs can’t be understated: I am in need of key prescriptions and follow-up care due to significant health concerns from my recent injury, numerous corticosteroid injections, and a positive result from a cancer screening test. Although statistics suggest the probability of a false positive at my age, it still necessitates thorough follow-up, especially given my family's history of this condition. For the past week, I’ve reached out daily, always with courtesy, yet I’ve received no resolution, just the run-around among various office staff. They mentioned they sent me a letter to inform me of my dismissal, yet I never received a call, email, or any subsequent communication. One single letter does not suffice to terminate a patient’s long-term relationship with their medical practice, especially when it involves critical prescriptions and post-surgery care. Is this standard protocol? I cannot stress enough that I am not embellishing my situation. With an almost flawless attendance record and a recent misstep due to surgical recovery, being abruptly cut off feels excessive. I truly appreciate my general practitioner, need my medication, and face a myriad of concerns—from continuity of care to other pressing health issues—which makes this entire experience deeply troubling and perplexing.
Uncertainty Surrounding My Health Incident
I am a 15-year-old girl currently battling a cold, and I also have a confirmed diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Additionally, I suspect I may have POTS, although that's not officially confirmed. Earlier today, I got up to visit the bathroom, which requires navigating around twenty steps from the living room. As I stood up, I noticed my vision starting to blur, but that’s a familiar sensation for me, so I didn’t think anything was amiss. Upon reaching the bathroom, my eyesight faded to complete darkness. Losing my sight entirely isn’t unusual for me, and while frustrating, I merely found it bothersome rather than alarming. Once inside, I turned on the light, and although I couldn’t see it illuminating the room, I heard the click of the switch, indicating it was on. I then attempted to locate the sliding door to close it. However, I misjudged the doorway completely on my first try. I felt it was odd, yet I dismissed it and tried again, but I encountered the same issue. After my second attempt, I experienced significant trembling in my limbs, so intense that I realized I was on the verge of falling. To prevent that, I quickly lowered myself to the floor, remaining blind to my surroundings. After about five seconds, my vision began to return, and I noticed my legs were still shaking. A few seconds later, the shaking subsided, and I regained control over my body. I stood up right after, feeling relatively assured that it wouldn’t happen again, but I opted to sit for safety's sake. This event occurred just a couple of hours ago, and thankfully, it hasn't recurred. Although my vision tends to dim when I stand, that is a typical occurrence for me, and I’ve since retained partial sight. I did not lose consciousness during the incident and have clear memories of the entire experience, without confusion or disorientation afterward. Notably, epilepsy runs in my family; my aunt has it, and my mother’s cousin experienced several seizures a few months back, although he hasn’t had any recently. Personally, I have never fainted, though I’ve come close multiple times. It’s important to mention that I’ve never experienced a seizure before, and I remain uncertain whether what transpired was a seizure or something different altogether.