Losing All Interest

LegacyUser

Thank you for taking the time to read this guy's. So I guess my issue is that I seem to just be losing interest in everything really. Like I spend entire days just watching ****ty TV and going on my phone. I'm 16 and in Fifth year and can be really good at school if I try but I've just found that I can't sit down and concentrate. I've also began to distance myself from some of my friends. I don't know why I do it but I'm scared because this is what led to me moving school two years ago. When I'm talking with people now I have no idea what to say and it seems that I just have no passion left whatsoever. Should I go to the doctor or what can I do about this?

Hannaho

These are signs of depression

jooksavage

Those are definitely symptoms of depression. I experienced something very similar around your age. I didn't do anything about it for 18 months. I look back on this period with regret. In the end I spoke with my GP and he referred me for counselling. As soon as I said something, the weight lifted.

Keane2baMused

Sorry to hear you're feeling this way.

It's an old cliché but talk to someone you trust. Family members, teacher etc. about all of this.

Things will start to look up when you can talk about it it all.

Mongfinder General

What makes you happy? Focus on that. If I could get away with watching TV and dicking about on my phone all day I'd be a very happy man. However, at 16 you probably want more from life. You have to be able to motivate yourself though. Do you have any hobbies?

Esel

Hannaho wrote: »

These are signs of depression

jooksavage wrote: »

Those are definitely symptoms of depression. I experienced something very similar around your age. I didn't do anything about it for 18 months. I look back on this period with regret. In the end I spoke with my GP and he referred me for counselling. As soon as I said something, the weight lifted.

Please don't diagnose.

OP, as said above, open up to someone who can help - parent(s), teacher, school counsellor (if there is one) or doctor.

bp

Try step away from technology and even go for a walk after school with no phone, music etc. I read an interesting article recently about separating teens from all technology recently and it was very interesting that the majority couldn't go eight hours without it (I doubt many adults - myself included - could either).

I am too addicted to my phone and am trying to make an effort to put it away.

As the others have said talk to someone you trust and take care of yourself

CPTM

It's a good thing that you've reached out to get some ideas on how to change things. To be honest you sound like a happy person who has just gotten stuck in a bit of an unchallenging routine, and now wants to get more from life. I think you'll find that if you mention it to other intelligent people you'll find they feel the same. Technology has really taken a grasp and is feeding us with rubbish information. How does your stomach feel after a day of eating rubbish?

I went through a similar thing and it took some time to get out of it. But it's actually quite an easy thing to do, and there are some quick tips you can follow to fix it:

1) Get a balance. Focusing too much energy on one side of life could mean us neglecting another side which is very important. Know when to turn off the phone and go outside for a walk. Or catch up (in person) with a family member/friend.

2) Help someone. Find a way to make someone else happy. Happiness and fulfillment is not like currency. Giving it away does not take from what you hold. It multiplies, if you help someone you often help yourself.

3) Look behind materials. Success in the materialistic world is fine to have a priority, but the people who enjoy it most are those who have also prioritised their other values, such as friends, relationships, family, and sense of charity. Learn how to stay on top of these pieces.

Even the most interesting lives can become routine. Maybe this is a sign you're ready to shake things up. Maybe a new hobbie, light-hearted relationship, or a new set of goals will help restore balance in other areas of your life like school/grades/friendships. Always make sure and talk about it with people you trust and are mature enough to listen, there's plenty of people out there who've been through it and want to listen.

Best of luck with it, and don't panic, it will work out!

LegacyUser

I was a bit like that too at 16, op. I wasn't depressed, just severely bored. Time goes so slowly at that age, and you need new things all the time to keep up enthusiasm. Honestly, I would suggest picking up something new that you can do/go to at least once a week, something to look forward to, like a sport you like, community centers have a lot of things like that, maybe if you have a local one check it out. In my case , my enthusiasm for life came back when i finished school and went to college, as it was just really a change of scene i needed. It may be that you may just have to ride it out for another year, and then you can do whatever you like.
R

LegacyUser

Thanks for all the help guys, yeah it might be a mixture of stress with school/boredom/laziness I do have hobbies I play hurling and do art but find I underperforming or don't try when i m feeling like this

Ryan Mac Sweeney

Hi there
I have read your post. I am sorry to hear what youre going through. Yes you are showing signs of depression so I would suggest that you go and talk to your doctor and ask for a refferal to counselling. You should also maybe talk to a family member about it such as your parents. You should also take up a hobby to give you something to do in the evenings. Maybe join a youth club in your area. I know its sad but things will get better. You could also talk to your school councillor about how youre feeling.