First a bit of back story. I'm a culinary student, and one would think apart from the constant pressure to succeed every second of every day would be the source of depression, but no. I can handle that.

It's the lack of any sort of support for me that's got me so down, I guess. No one can talk with me, or flat out refuses to. I'm likeable, but no one wants to deal with my problems as well as their own.

My instructors have noted I have a self-confidence issue, and it apparently shows in my work. They recommended I see a Counselor, which I have, and we meet on a weekly basis. I've been told there's a very strong chance I have some form of depression, which isn't something that I needed. I'm willing to work at it, I guess, however, my family is anything but supportive. I've been scolded, lectured, interrogated and basically been told to "Snap out of it, grow up, and stop being a baby". Claiming that I'm blowing it (My culinary program, that is).

I'm not sure what to do. Everyday is another grey, lifeless day to me. How can I convince my family that I'm not just being a "big baby" and I'm really hurting? Assistance would be greatly appreciated, Internet.

Thank you.

Hi,
Our life is full of problems and personal struggle and frustration. So that nobody is willing to set down and listen to any bodies problem. What he have is more than enough. I suggest you try to pin point the problem. All what you mentioned is a result of the frustration you have, but it is not the main because of the deprecation. Maybe you are in love, or you are searching for your soul-mate, may be you have troubles to achieve an important goal or maybe you are just board from the routine life that you are living. But what ever the problem is I suggest you start by changing your surrounding environment it could be go camping with some of your friends, go visit a relative for few days. Or simply make a makeover for your room.
Why don't you try some of what I suggested? You won't lose any thing, but it may surprise you and work.

First a bit of back story. I'm a culinary student, and one would think apart from the constant pressure to succeed every second of every day would be the source of depression, but no. I can handle that.

It's the lack of any sort of support for me that's got me so down, I guess. No one can talk with me, or flat out refuses to. I'm likeable, but no one wants to deal with my problems as well as their own.

My instructors have noted I have a self-confidence issue, and it apparently shows in my work. They recommended I see a Counselor, which I have, and we meet on a weekly basis. I've been told there's a very strong chance I have some form of depression, which isn't something that I needed. I'm willing to work at it, I guess, however, my family is anything but supportive. I've been scolded, lectured, interrogated and basically been told to "Snap out of it, grow up, and stop being a baby". Claiming that I'm blowing it (My culinary program, that is).

I'm not sure what to do. Everyday is another grey, lifeless day to me. How can I convince my family that I'm not just being a "big baby" and I'm really hurting? Assistance would be greatly appreciated, Internet.

Thank you.



I am sure if you could, 'snap out of it' your would. The problem with depression is that it is not possible to do so.


beyondblue: the national depression initiative (http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id)


If you don't want to read through the lot then click on 'Depression' (left hand box near the top). Then click on 'Depression check list'( left hand box)... Do the tests.

Tut

As someone who has struggled with depression my whole life, I feel it is based on the sense growing up that I wasn't wanted, wasn't loved, and felt that I shouldn't have been born. As an adult it morphed into a general depression, but I said I was 'disaffected' mostly. I learned quickly that people don't want to hear about any of it. As you mentioned, they have their problems too. One huge part of the solution is to reach out to THEIR problems FIRST, to be supportive of them, then you shall receive.

As for self confidence, if you are constantly asking for affirmation (am I doing this right?), that is something you can force yourself to stop. That is neediness. Overt neediness combined with depression will drive everyone away. The depression part isn't something you can snap out of, but neediness is. If I am wrong about that part, forgive me.