Verified answer

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Time for some epic wall of text copy-paste (I wrote all of this in a different answer but it got deleted);

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Stress and trauma release an hormone called cortisol which reduces the immune system and dramatically slows the growth of many parts of the limbic system (the unconscious part of the brain that regulates emotion, memory, behavior, etc..) including the amygdala (which controls social behavior, emotional and impulsivity control along with the fight-flight-freeze response system), the hippocampus (which turns short-term memory into long-term memory through neurogenesis), hypothalamus (which releases endocrine hormones that affect body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, sleep, and circadian cycles) and some of the areas included in the empathic pathways of the brain such as the inferior frontal gyrus (emotional empathy) or ventromedial prefrontal cortex (cognitive empathy).

The main idea here is that due to the constant stress many people have endured in early life, they have deficits in many areas of their brain. This is of course the cause of many types of depression, personality disorders and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. One important thing to note is that there is no direct impact on motor skills, intelligence or other general functions such as sensory processing. They're in no way "dumber" than the average unstressed person, they simply can't control emotion and certain behaviors as effectively as people who have not suffered excessive stress.

Thankfully, most of the damage caused by such trauma can be reversed. It has been scientifically proven that reading develops and strengthens both your cortex (your knowledge and logic) and your cingulate cortex (which allows logic to control emotion by connecting your cortex to the limbic system) through neuroplasticity. Love, on the other hand, allows for the synaptic pruning of unwanted neurons through the release of the neuromodulator named oxytocin. In a way, it's the only way to completely get rid of most mental disorders resulting from trauma. As far as medication goes, SSRI antidepressants temporarily increase neurogenesis in the hippocampus which is one of the most important aspects of recovery, this is the reason antidepressants take 3-6 weeks before reaching full efficacy.

Here are some guidelines I recommend for recovery (or personal development), which work independently of the root cause of the issue (abuse, stress, loss, genetics, chemical imbalances, neglect, etc..);

1) Get rid of the sources of stress and trauma in your environment. It's practically impossible for your brain to develop if you're still under excessive amounts of stress. If you're stuck with abusive caregivers or spouse, try meditation or other relaxation-inducing techniques.

2) Read, read, read - as much as you possibly can. Even if you have trouble focusing, just keep trying.

3) Find activities that release endorphins in your brain. They make you feel happy and counteract the effects of cortisol. Here are some suggestions; exercising, social contact, dance, write, paint, smile, laugh, listening music, helping others, relaxing at the beach, doing things you've been putting off, learning, cooking, etc..

4) Find someone you can trust and that can empathize with you, a teacher, psychologist, friend, boyfriend/girlfriend or whatever. Just make sure you carefully select them and that they won't disappear from your life and end up hurt you. Love and trust are very important, as it means your body is releasing oxytocin which itself greatly increases neuroplasticity while active.

5) If all else fails due to the nature of your disorder, try again but with the help of medication.

Hi, I wish I was there to give you a hug . I have 3 children of my own, and if I didn't have them or if something bad happened to them, then I would just die. I try to tell my children that other kids can be very mean and that life at this age seems very difficult. But, you need to find things besides the TV and the internet to occupy your time. Are you involved in any sports, or the drama club at school? What about joining the debate team? At your age, you don't need a serious girlfriend to add to your thoughts. Do you have any guy friends that you can hang out with, go to the movies with or play ball with? Please don't cry - if it's that bad that you are crying, why don't you go to your mom and tell her that you love her and that you are feeling sad. Just so you know, my daughter is 16 and her father died when she was little, she also doens't really leave the house with her friends that often and she is always watching tv, playing on the computer or sleeping. I think it's a stage that teenagers go through at your age. I hope this helps. If you have building talents, why dont you go to the store and buy a model plain or something. You need to do something constructive. I am sure these feelings will pass, just don't dwell on them too much. Good Luck to you.

If your depression is not from an imbalance of serotonin, the drug won't work. You'll just get the side effects from it. Request a referral to a therapist or see a psychologist.

dont take the drug if you dont want to. seek out a therapist because therapy lasts a life time, drugs give side effects

I am sorry. Idk what to tell you. They are being dumb. You don't need that pill but take it anyway and see a counselor

dont take it......