It
is quite normal to feel
lonely living away from
home. You may be missing your family and friends.
Things may seem much harder
if you have no routine,
like college or a job, and are in an area you don't know, with no pals
near by. Being lonely
and broke can make anyone
feel depressed.
Some people may be feeling down because of a chemical imbalance. This is called
clinical depression and
can be helped with medication.
A hormone imbalance and not eating right
can also make you feel down.
Some people may feel depressed after drinking or using drugs. Drugs affect the
way you think and feel. Some drugs may make you feel paranoid and others can give you really
big mood swings.
The
thing that helps the most
when you are feeling down
is talking to someone
you can trust. However,
this can be really difficult
when you just want to
hide in your bed all day.
Things that can help include:
Meeting
up with a friend, a
parent or calling a
helpline to talk things
through.
Trying
to leave the house at
least once in the day
for a walk – exercise
can lift your mood.
You can do this when
you're not up to seeing
anyone.
Planning
to see people regularly
so you've got something
to look forward to.
Getting
involved in volunteering
for a charity. You'll
feel better about everything
and may learn some new
skills.
Getting
in touch with your local
Careers Scotland Office
or youth information
project
who might get you on
a course.
If
you feel that you are
having more than a temporary
downer you should go and
see a doctor. The more
you can tell the doctor
the better so they can
assess how serious your
depression is and what
might help you most. A
referral to a psychiatrist,
a psychologist, a counsellor
or a drugs worker may
be the answer, or your
doctor may prescribe something
for you.
If
you
feel
that
drugs
or
alcohol
are
taking
over
your
life
you
should
try
and
talk
to
someone.
Your
doctor
can
put
you
in
touch
with
workers
who
can
help.
Living
alone isn't for everyone
so there is nothing wrong
with deciding that you
need more company. The
main thing is not to just
leave your flat as this
will lead to problems
with rent arrears and
getting another place
in the future.
If you are in a flat rented
from a private landlord
talk to them about the
possibility of ending
the tenancy early. You
may have to stick it out
until the end of your
lease but make sure the
next place you live is
with people. You could
lose your deposit and
be liable for the remaining
rent if you insist on
leaving before the lease
is over.
If
you are in a council or
housing association flat
talk to a housing officer
about the situation. Ask
your doctor for a letter
confirming that you have
been depressed. Hopefully they will try and find you somewhere with other people, maybe even supported accommodation.
