Losing hope - life is filled with anxiety and stress

Sorry your not getting help from family. Talk to a school nurse or your doctor next time you have an appointment. Theyll listen to you.

@desi09858: I encourage you to do a little research on what teenagers feel about themselves, their parents, their future and what is most important to them. By accepting this exercise, you will learn for yourself that your current problems are felt by most teenagers. You are not alone in the feelings of “lost hope” of a better future.
During these years you are wanting more control over decisions, but few have acquired the knowledge to make productive life choices. It is time now to appreciate the guidance and exposure to learning new skills and explore various avenues where your curiosity leads you. If you choose to “go along” with the educational process it will accumulate in the knowledge you will use in the next five years to make the best life-altering decisions that will form your future.
When you feel the pain of others and find the gratitude that your life could be so much worse, you will have the perspective to see your world more realistically. Learning the self-worth that hard work, being reliable and digging down when you feel discomfort, you will reflect the qualities that employers, school administrators and professionals are looking for. Gratitude & a good work ethic will open many doors for you as you experience more success than you can even dream of today.
Concentrate on becoming a good person who avoids decisions that lead to bad consequences and learn from your mistakes and strives to be a good citizen and good neighbor to all. You can do this!

I can totally relate to what you are feeling.

My teenage years were the worst of my life, and I say this as someone who became permanently disabled seven years ago.

"Home" was full of anger, mistrust, and violence; school the source of unremitting negative peer pressure; I had virtually no social life, so loneliness was my constant companion.

I coped by creating my own world and withdrawing into it. Physically, since there was no peace at home, I went for long, long walks nearly every weekend, hot or cold, rain or shine. I also got deeply involved in 19th-century Russian literature, but that's not for everybody.

What do I suggest for you?

First, realize that 16 isn't forever, even though it seems like it. Neither is 17. Or 18.
Next, do not let your current situation affect your self-esteem. [This was my big mistake.] You're better, stronger, and have vastly more potential than you realize.
Third, realize that everyone feels insecure. Everyone. All the time. You, me, your family, schoolmates, teachers, cops, politicians -- everyone. Don't let anyone turn your insecurity to their advantage.

I could go on and on. I know your pain is real, pervasive, and persistent. But you can overcome it. A bright new day will dawn. Maybe not tomorrow, or next week. But you will come to see that there is love, and joy, and peace. All this, and much more, can be yours if you hold your head up high and hang on.

This is the voice of experience, not the idealistic rambling of some sad old fossil.

Be good to yourself. You deserve it.

(Photo is me at 17, a long, lonely time ago.)

There is a LOT of hope for you, but you will need to make some uncomfortable decision. I am 50, I did not grow up with a TV or cell phone. Sure school sucked and hated getting out of bed but I spent every waking moment outside with friends, seeing movies with friends and family. The challenge for many is managing social media, because it will lead to depression/anxiety. I made a tough decision to give up all social media for 1 yr. Now I only use Linkedin.

I also have ADHD, anxiety, PTSD. I take road trips to see friends in-person or we talk on the phone.
Avoid medications for depression or anxiety. Once you start, you will be hooked on them for life.

@malebreastcancer47 honestly, I have started to realize social media doesn’t help me at all, this realization lead me to delete a few apps, but I still get sucked into scrolling on my phone to try to cope with my feelings. I don’t wanna take medication at all, but I don’t know what else will help me, I’m tired of feeling like this.

@scottrl thank you for your kind words! I’m trying to realize 16 isn’t forever, but everything feels so hard right now. I’m gonna keep trying to find things to look forward to and hopefully I’ll start to feel a little bit better about the way my life is going I guess. Nice photo!

@dbamos1945 thanks for your kind words and advice!

@desi09858 I recently experienced brain fog at work, due to long term effects of chemo and 2nd cancer treatment. My first thought was to quit my job, leave silently because I didn’t want my coworkers to see me decline. I haven’t even told my family. I also get hot flashes, irritability, due to medication. Its uncomfortable coworkers seeing this, as am I but as everyone has said, share, lean on your tribe. A Sr leader said, Arvind you have a bigger tribe than you realize. Don’t run away, share, likely others can relate.
I also pushed away friends, family and coworkers that only text. I don’t mind driving to see people but limit myself to either a phone call or in-person chat. You have to lead, but should not expect others to know what to do.
My parents dismissed my ADHD, kept saying its me over thinking. I leaned on HS friends, their parents and a HS and college counselor.

Its not easy, it can be down right scary who to trust but being vulnerable is important trait to have.

@desi09858 I am glad you found us here on Mayo Clinic Connect. It takes a lot of guts to put down in writing what you are feeling, and reaching out to others can be a great first step.

As we have said, 16 isn't forever. Right now, no doubt you are going through so many emotions and changes. And so are your friends! It can be so confusing. I bet all of us who have responded to you, experienced similar situations like you are telling us about.

Keep writing down what is going on in your mind, and watch for patterns. Get outside and get some fresh air, and a fresh perspective on life. Eat healthy foods. Limit your time on social media, and think for yourself! Think about something you might like to explore deeper, an activity or subject, then dive into it! You might find that enthusiasm for something new will help you alot.

And lastly, please let us know how you are doing, okay? We care!
Ginger

@gingerw thank you for your advice! I will definitely keep it all in mind. I’m doing okay today! Better than yesterday so that’s a small win.