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

[Luke]

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?

Yes you Can!

Or, wait until Kirby Epic Yarn arrives.

Either way, buy Caron yarn. Please.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

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.

You know, I'd actually consider that were it not for the fact that as a kid my mom tried to convince people and psychologists that something was wrong with me. Between the age of 9 and 14 I was stuck going to a psychologist because my mom saw my always wanting to go outside and leave the house for the park or other places as some form of self-destructive behavior.

Of course whenever she told anyone this they looked at her like she was insane and told her that kids are supposed to play outside culminating with me and the shrink she'd been forcing me to go to telling her that if he didn't come off it we'd sick social services on her. I mean what kind of parent views her kids asking to go outside to play or hang out with friends as destructive and dangerous behavior!?

It was basically five years of hell and I'm not going to go through that again.

[BlackDS]

I feel this way sometimes too, usually when I listen to The Wall by Pink Floyd. THere is nothing wrong with not going to a concert or arcade, but Amusement Parks are amazing and you should go to one. You will feel better if you do.

Also, Get a nokia N-gage. You can colect games, and it is a great conversation starter! Every kid at school that has seen my phone has said something about it.

Not to derail the thread or anything, but one time someone sent me a text during class, and the teacher was gonna take my phone away, until she saw it was an N-gage and she let me keep it.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

I feel this way sometimes too, usually when I listen to The Wall by Pink Floyd.

Pink Floyd actually tends to have the opposite effect on me, I always feel better after hearing "The Great Gig In The Sky" and just letting my mind float about for a few minutes.

[BlackDS]

Well, most Pink Floyd music makes you think about life, and generally how it mostly disappointing, with a few brief moments of joy.

I also listen to The Beatles, Devo, and They Might Be Giants to cheer me up.

During the last half of 10th grade (so like 3 months ago), I was really depressed, I never wanted to kill myself or anything, but I realized that I am alone in this world, that I have no real friends, and that my life can only get worse from here. I was afraid of talking to anyone except aquaintences, and really I was on the fast track to "completing my wall", to put it in Pink Floyd terms. BUt, then I figuredthat is no way to live your life, and I plan on re-inventing myself socially next year.

[J T]

You know, I'd actually consider that were it not for the fact that as a kid my mom tried to convince people and psychologists that something was wrong with me. Between the age of 9 and 14 I was stuck going to a psychologist because my mom saw my always wanting to go outside and leave the house for the park or other places as some form of self-destructive behavior.

Of course whenever she told anyone this they looked at her like she was insane and told her that kids are supposed to play outside culminating with me and the shrink she'd been forcing me to go to telling her that if he didn't come off it we'd sick social services on her. I mean what kind of parent views her kids asking to go outside to play or hang out with friends as destructive and dangerous behavior!?

It was basically five years of hell and I'm not going to go through that again.

That sounds shitty, and your mom sounds like YIKES. Still, different therapists have very different approaches. If you can find one that works for you, they aren't bad. I recommend BA and CBT because they are more pragmatic, straight-forward, and they have science backing them up. Anytime you see a therapist though, you should be sizing them up in the first session to see if they will be a good fit for you. This is my field, so naturally I don't think so badly of it (though I know there are a ton of worthless, even counterproductive therapists out there). I have a masters degree in clinical psych and am working on a PhD. The choice is yours though.

[saturnfan]

You know, I'd actually consider that were it not for the fact that as a kid my mom tried to convince people and psychologists that something was wrong with me. Between the age of 9 and 14 I was stuck going to a psychologist because my mom saw my always wanting to go outside and leave the house for the park or other places as some form of self-destructive behavior.

Of course whenever she told anyone this they looked at her like she was insane and told her that kids are supposed to play outside culminating with me and the shrink she'd been forcing me to go to telling her that if he didn't come off it we'd sick social services on her. I mean what kind of parent views her kids asking to go outside to play or hang out with friends as destructive and dangerous behavior!?

It was basically five years of hell and I'm not going to go through that again.

But remember this time you would be doing it voluntarily, so you might actually get something out of it this time.

[env963]

I dont have time to read everyone's reply so forgive me if this has been mentioned. Sounds to me like you need a girlfriend? Try some of the dating websites. If there is someplace you ALWAYS wanted to go, now is the time to go ahead and do it. Alot easier to do while you dont have a wife/kids. As far as buying the NES games, it sounds like you are using as a way of escape, maybe all you need is some sunshine. I dont know your living situation, but why not invite the neighbors over and have a bbq. I dont know I think I have found meaning in my life, having my daughter in my life and being married. Who has time to be down! Cooking and cleaning and taking my daughter to the park etc etc. Yesterday, we went outside to blow bubbles. It was fun and relaxing. (she is 2-1/2 btw). I look forward to seeing her grow up and sharing in some astronmy. Oh, and I dont think you should get anyone pregnet either. LOL.. and get help if you think you might need it.

[thekorean12]

Also, Get a nokia N-gage.

lol...

[bobbynewmarkiii]

GET A JOB IN A BAR or a nightclub

why?

1 Forces you to be sociable, and you get paid for it
2 Hot birds often work bars
3 You can afford a mobile, and give your number to all the hotties at work and your sexy customers
4 Leaves a lot of day time free to do shit like go for a bike ride, play games, and meet up with your new friends
5 You don't have to shave to go to work
6 Pissheads will think you are the messiah
7 People with day jobs will be envious of your laid back lifestlye
8 It's low pressure, low responsibility work
9 You can probably get pissed for free when you do go out
and
10 you're 18 - it's a good thing for 18 year olds to do.

Everyone else's suggestions are good, but mine is better. I don't want to hear any bullshit like you can't get a ride into town - ride your bike - you've got all day to get there, and all night to get back. And it doesn't matter if your pissed when riding home - it's not like the feds can take your license!