Ask Jeff & Anthony

This is a hard one

Submitted By: Anthony
Date: July 8

In Answer To: WHY I AMI SO SAD? (mike)

OK, I am going to try to give you concise and helpful advice to this difficult dilemna of depression. I know that you want your same sex attraction to dissipate and your minor hetero feelings to blossom into a straight as an arrow mentality. However, in my experience, this is not a likely outcome to your situation, so while it could happen, I wouldn't put all your eggs in that basket as a cure to your depression. A lot of it has to do with the fact that you are young. You are becoming an adult and you are for the first time dealing with a number of issues...not just the question of your sexuality. Cliche as it sounds, maturing is a painful process. The ideals and dreams of a perfect world dissappear as we discover a less than perfect reality. I have seen so many people go through this stage in their lives often referred to as teen angst (not to make you feel typical, I just want you to know that people do survive these feelings of impending doom and eternal dissapointment and melancholy). As you get older it will be easier to deal with these feelings and balance the many powerful emotions in your life. The important thing is to take it one day at a time. Find someone to talk to about the way you feel. When I was growing up I had a strong support system of friends with whom I could share my feelings. I honestly believe that that saved my life. And like you, I often appeared happy to others. I didn't want people to know I felt differently than the norm...I just wanted to fit in. So find a friend or a family member or even a counselor to talk to. If you ever feel that your depression is something you can't handle it is very important that you seek professional help. Too many teens these days feel they have no way out and do rash things without realizing that if they just tough it out, a brighter tomorrow may be waiting around the corner. Good Luck and Keep In touch!
PS Incidentally, music also helped me deal with a great deal of darkness in my life and I strongly recommend the CD "If you are Feeling Sinister" by Belle and Senastian. It helped me to feel less alone.

Questions In This Thread

• WHY I AMI SO SAD?
  mike -- July 6
  • This is a hard one
    Anthony -- July 8

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