Does Depression Slow Down Emotional Development?

Hello Finish, I'm not trying to be an AH but this depression you say you have you did not state in your message if you were diagnosed by a professional. So I was just trying to understand what is happening. If this is "your" diagnosis then I would recommend that you see a doctor. If you have seen one then yes you are correct that it is something that you have to accept. Basically I think you are doing at least half of what everyone in this forum does is push through. So that proves you are no fool. Try to get "outside of your head" trying to understand yourself. Maybe read a book, good TV program or something that interests you. A feeling is an emotion not a thought. If you laugh, cry, feel sad or even happy sometimes then you know you have feelings and you won't have to think so much about it. But if you haven't seen a professional psychiatric person, please seek one soon because if this has been going on since you were 8 that's way too long. If you have, I suggest you get back to them and good luck.

Thank you for the response. I was diagnosed at 8 and put on medication from 12-17. I no longer believe in mdicating and unfortunately can not afford therapy at the time. I think what I meant to say is that the control and logic that I have used to battle the depression all these years is starting to slip. I'm often being overwhelmed lately, which is stress induced, I know, but it seems that I'm having abnormal emotional responses to things going on around me.

The emotions make me feel very immature and childish. Like overwhelming feelings of rejection, resentment, and frustration. In the past I would just take things as they come and not focus on the negative. Now I feel as imagine a hormonal teenager does. I'm just concerned that because of my lack of emotional experience, now that I'm older and have to deal with them more often that I'm behind the 8ball with it all.

Hey Finish, it's all part of growing. I'm 57 and still feel and do childish things. Doing these forums you are doing right now shows me that you are not so childish. I know the "slip" feeling you are talking about and sorry about your financial situation. There are sliding scale programs around to maybe help keep you going. When I was young, I thought at my age I would be the normal Jones' with a family and stuff. But I was hard headed and took the long way around making bad decisions. I think I had been depressed for a very long time since I was a kid but didn't realize it and always hid my feelings. Back in the day, that's what most people did anyway. My mistake was to self medicate with alcohol instead of counseling. It is harder for kids these days because I think you all have lots more pressure. These days things are a lot faster. More peer pressure for sure. We didn't use guns and knives at our schools. We pounded it out by fists and then it was over. No grudges after. Sometimes friends. But one thing, you still are very young and can change things before it's too late. Just keep on trying, you are still here and keep fighting the fight even though the ship feels like it's sinking. That's what we are all doing in here. Take care.

i dont trust doctors.how about achieving something (i can guarantee your intelligent, i just think everyone is) its just... do you even feel like making anything?

my little bro is HOPELESS, he doesnt know what hes doing, he doesnt enjoy creating things, and he keeps telling me he just wishes he was popular, like an idiot.

i was the inventor artist type, and it gave me all the happiness i ever had, when i was ugly, doing bad in school, being rejected by others... failing miserably in things, just the little baby steps of insights keeps you active.

but hmm... maybe im being a little superficial, maybe you really are having a disagreement with existence itself. if thats the case, its a real tricky one, because im not even sure if i liked existing, i just liked being an inventor. cause life is horribly scary and painful, and scares the living daylights out of me.

I cant stop thinking theres only one way, and its to hell, for us all, and thats where we are now...

I actually went to school for studio art. I very much enjoy the distraction that making things provides. I unfortunately am currently struggled g and can not afford the supplies that things take.

... I always am in an argument with existence. I don't know anything so I don't bother killing myself. This may or may not be the only chance at life I get. No point in not giving myself the opportunity for happiness for once.

Hi Finish, I can go on and on thinking about my existence and why we are here. This may sound corny to you but do you believe in a higher power? If you do, that will answer half of your question about existence. If you don't well I can understand why. It's hard to believe something you can't see or hear. All I can say is take a look around. Is it possible that all of this world and intelligence is here by some slight chance? If you can start to see that then you will see we were put here for a reason. I really don't want to get into that because it is highly controversial and I'm sure someone will reply with a different point of view. That is cool with me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Just trying to give you a little food while you are doing your thinking. If you have any questions let me know and you can email me. Try to keep an open mind. I'm not trying to brainwash you or any s*** like that. I actually don't like religion. Again, my opinion only. As the stupid song goes...don't worry, be happy. Take care.