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If You're a Kid Reading This ... - Page 2

© John McManamy

But don't expect miracles. After all, they're your parents. And there's certain things parents sometimes just don't want to hear. The shrinks have a term for it. You've probably heard it: denial. My baby? Depression? No way!

You might have to get them used to the idea. They're your parents. You know best how to deal with them. Keep in mind they may think it's their fault, for some reason. You have to be the mature one in the family, here.

You may not be living with both parents. Try the other one, then.

Okay, you've tried. Nothing's worked. Your parents won't listen. You really are alone against the world. Or are you? There's the school nurse, the school counselor. Perhaps you have a trusted teacher you can talk to. Maybe your minister. And of course you're on the Internet.

There are also local hotlines: youth hotlines, suicide hotlines, drug hotlines. Start ringing. Don't give up. If you don't get what you're looking for, say thankyou, and try another number.

Don't be put off by lack of money. Let that be the health-care provider's worry, not yours. Just get yourself where you need to go.

But serious depression has a way of sabotaging your options. Even now, as you read this, your brain is throwing out all kinds of negative thoughts: What's the use? No one cares. It won't work ...

Depression can be very cruel that way. The terrible truth is there is nothing anyone can say to you that will make you feel better, right now. It really is you against the world, for the time being, and you are locked in possibly the greatest challenge you will ever face.

So I won't say anything to give you false hope. Instead, I will congratulate you in advance on your will and courage, and the combination of grace and guts that has gotten you this far. I do feel a bit sad that adulthood has been forced on you at this early stage of your life, but soon, I hope, you can go back to being a kid again.

And by all means, do drop me a line when you feel up to it. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Some national hotline numbers:

• Assessment Center: 1-800-234-0038
• Alpine Health Care Teen Hotline: 1-800-827-7511
• Teenline: 1-800-522-8336

Another national hotline: 1-800-333-4444

For a directory of local hotlines, visit About.com.

For three free issues of my depression and bipolar newsletter, mailto:jmcmanamy@snet.net and put "Newsletter" in the subject line and your email in the body.

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