I think I've been in some sort of depressed slump lately.

[prfsnl_gmr]

Move to Charlotte. It is not that far from Statesville, it has a great public transportation system, and it is a much larger city with many more - often free - things to do (and many more places to find retro games).

If you get a roommate in the right part of town (NoDa, Midwood, Wesley Heights, Southend, etc.), you will not be spending much on rent, you will probably be able to walk to your job, and you are sure to meet lots of interesting young people (who, like yourself, are a bit more "grown up" than their peers).

My wife and I have lived here for several years, and we love it. (Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.)

[Benex]

Cure:

-Download knight online.
-Create a character on Ares server
-Pm me in game.
-Join my clan
-Make a lot of friends
-Let's kill tons of orcs in the most intensive and awesome pk over internet.

I know you probably need to go out and do "normal" stuff, but, playing a mmo with a lot of old peeps (like me), talking on ventrilo about life and stuff is probably more relaxing at the end of the day.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

Thanks again for the suggestions guys.

I'm gonna get out of the house today and see about just doing something to get my mind off of everything.

[Benex]

Seriously, we need warriors or priests.

[thekorean12]

Exercise. Seriously though, it's a natural cure for depression. That or sex, but it doesn't sound like you're getting any with your current situation. But, keep working out and then the babes will be all over you. haha

Anyway, I know that you got screwed by your overprotective parent, but if you can actually realize all of this and see all of your flaws, then do something about it. Quit being so lazy. You are 18! I am 18! Find something worth getting up for. Go to school, whether you're going into high school or college, and make some friends. At this point, this is your fault. You are now mature enough to make your own decisions so go out and change your life. Change your desktop background to this http://tinyurl.com/2ec3x2b (haha). Find a passion; music, painting, rock climbing, karate, running, basketball, sailing, hang gliding, I don't care. It's all up to you, because there are so many things in this life that you can do and there is at least one that will catch you. As a last resort, take some damn zoloft if it'll make you feel better about your self. I only mean for this post to be constructive.

[s1mplehumar]

^ I'll second that. Activity, activity, activity! I typically ride my bike 3 times a week after work and school to get the lead out. Try to find something active you enjoy, or used to enjoy at one time and stopped. For me that means a 25+ mile spin on my bike. For my wife, tennis is her physical stress reliever of choice.

Above all things, spiritual therapy is the most fulfilling for me. I said me. Find a church and get involved.

I think you'll find that the less free time you have for yourself you'll appreciate that time all the more.

My darkest days came after exiting 8 years in the Army. Having traveled across over 20 countries, living the life of a soldier, my arrival home just felt directionless and a bore. That's where the activity part comes in ^

[Luke]

Thanks again for the suggestions guys.

I'm gonna get out of the house today and see about just doing something to get my mind off of everything.

I'm on board with increasing activity.

I would highly suggest MMA. It's not for everyone, but if you have thick skin, aggression, and aren't afraid to get you ass kicked a few times, it is a great way to get in shape, take out anger, and build self confidence.

Or, you can knit and crochet. I'm serious. It's the new yoga.

[ujnhunter]

Start exercising, join a gym, go for a run, do some pull-ups & push-ups. You'll feel better.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

Or, you can knit and crochet. I'm serious. It's the new yoga.

You mean I too could be rehabilitated as the Demolition Man?

[J T]

I will reiterate that getting active is very important. Also, eat right, sleep right, exercise right. It's basic, but has a huge effect on mood.

Don't be afraid to see a therapist either, if you can afford it (and even if you can't, there are often other options). A good therapist can help you keep your life structured and active so you don't end up sitting on your hands all day in a depressed funk. When you're depressed, it's easy to get off track about this stuff when you don't have someone pushing you to keep it up. A good therapist can help get you back on your feet again. Make sure they do either Behavior Activation (BA) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) though. Those two treatments have the most science supporting their effectiveness. You can often search online for therapists in your area that practice these therapies. Both treatments will focus on getting you active, BA especially. CBT will include additional focus on how thinking affects mood and behavior.

Basically, you're in a cycle where you don't go out because you don't have many friends to hang out with, and you don't have many friends to hang out with because you don't go out. You've got to get out to change that, and unfortunately, that's going to be harder to do now than if you had plenty of friends and were in a better mood, but it's still doable.