Summary
A 17-year-old describes low energy, frequent sleep, and a troubling sense that nothing matters. She wants to feel more motivated but finds it difficult to begin activities that might help.
The response considers physical illness, nutrition, family and school stress, substance use, and depression among possible contributors.
It recommends a full medical checkup and explaining the same feelings to the doctor, followed by appropriate mental-health support.
Parents may help with access to care, while a school psychologist or guidance counselor is offered as another starting point.
Question
Reader · Identity withheldI am a seventeen year old girl. I often find that my energy is very low. My favorite thing to do is sleep (and do math but that’s irrelevant). I have this feeling that nothing matters, and it bothers me, but I don’t do anything about it.
I care that I don’t care, but not enough, I suppose. And about the low energy, I know that exercise would help, but I don’t do it. So, here is my question: What can I do to make myself feel better, more energized, more DRIVEN, etc.
Answer
Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.- The low energy and apathetic feelings you describe could be the result of a medical problem that is, as yet, undiagnose. This can range from an underactive thyroid gland to your having mononucleosis. Part of the physical issue also depends upon your nutrition and how well you are or are not eating.
- Family life often accounts for much of teenage depression. If there is a lot of conflict at home, with parents, between parents and with siblings, that atmosphere of hostility can be a major stressor and the cause of depression. I will include in this the possibility that one or both parents are drinking or coming home drunk. Let’s not leave out the chance that your parents may be divorced.
- Your involvement in school, relationships with peers and the general school and classroom atmosphere are sources of teen stress. Do you have friends or are you a “loner?” Are you accepted and liked by other girls or are they nasty to you?
- If you are smoking marijuana that could contribute significantly to your tiredness and lack of zest. I strongly advise you to stop if that is what you are doing. Please understand, there is a huge difference between an occasional couple of puffs versus daily usage at home, in school or anywhere else. It goes without saying that alcohol and other illicit drugs are equally harmful and even dangersous.
- Of course, there is depression in and of itself. If depression runs in the history of the family then you would be a natural candidate for those down and tired emotions.
- You need a full medical check up and you need to tell your MD the very same things you wrote to me, here.
- If your medical exam does not reveal any underlying problems, your MD will probably suggest anti depressant medication for you, if you tell him about your feelings and I hope you do. It could be a very good idea for you.
- In addition to anti depressant medications, you should enter psychotherapy. At your age, its particularly important to have a counselor you can speak to. If you are more comfortable with a woman, there are plenty of excellent female therapists around.
Best of Luck to you and do not wait to reach out for help
