Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Finding support and self-worth
• Part 2 of 2: Treating depression
• Tips
• Warnings

Sometimes it is very easy to feel that no one cares about you. Even the most popular and famous sometimes doubt that the people close to them really care about them. Learn how to overcome these moments of doubt and appreciate yourself for who you are. If you often feel worthless or unloved, take steps to improve your life.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Finding support and self-worth

1. Fight feelings of worthlessness. People who often feel worthless usually can't believe that someone cares about them. Remind yourself that you are worth loving no matter how you feel or whatever someone says to you. Practice contradicting negative thoughts, even if you feel like going along with them.
   • Think about how you respond when someone offers you support. Do you argue with him / her, as if you want to prove how worthless you are? This only makes you feel worse, and others feel less willing to help you. Pay attention to how you react in situations like this. Learn to stop and say "thank you."
2. Contact old friends and acquaintances. If your nearby friends or family aren't there for you, think back to people who were nice to you in the past. Reach out to old friends. Share your feelings with a friend of your family, a teacher, or an acquaintance who is a good listener.
   • It's better to talk or call someone in person than texting or chatting.
3. Better understand indifferent reactions. When you are depressed, you can easily think that everyone is being mean, unkind, and indifferent. Most of the time people are just focused on their own lives. That doesn't mean they don't care about you. Responses like "It'll get better" or "Just ignore them" may sound like they're trying to put you off, but the person saying it often thinks they're really helping you. These people may be able to cheer you up in other ways, but you shouldn't talk to them if you're really down.
4. Find new hobbies and a new group of friends. If you don't have that many friends or family, one fight can kill your entire social network. Find new activities that allow you to meet people and tap into a new source of self-worth.
   • Volunteer. When you help others, you feel better about yourself.
   • Join a club, join a religious organization, or take a course.
   • Practice talking to strangers to get to know new people.
5. Seek support on the Internet. If you don't have anyone to talk to, you can find a stranger over the Internet to communicate with anonymously. Try Talk Anonymous or Kletsen.com.
   • If you have serious mental health problems, you can also call Suicide Prevention, 0900-0113, or visit their website.
6. Keep a collection of happy memories. When you are depressed it is difficult to remember positive events. A hug or good conversation may not even feel real to you, or you may have forgotten about them a few hours later. When you feel better, write down as many happy memories as possible. Keep them in a journal or in a box of letters. Always add something when someone sends you a happy message, or when someone does something nice for you. Read this the next time you think no one cares about you.
7. Spend time with animals. Pets can be great allies in troubled times, especially dogs. If you don't have a pet of your own, ask if you can walk a friend or neighbor's dog.

Part 2 of 2: Treating depression

1. Understand what depression is. If you often feel hopeless or worthless, you are probably depressed. This is a serious medical condition that must be treated. The sooner you understand that, the sooner you can find support and improve your well-being.
   • Learn how to spot the signs of depression.
2. Join a support group for people with depression. The people who attend these meetings share their experiences, support each other and give advice on how to deal with it.You will be surprised how many people understand exactly what you are going through.
   • On this website you will find support groups for fellow sufferers in your area.
   • Support groups also exist online, such as The Depression Forum.
3. Keep a diary. Take a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts and feelings. Many people feel better when they can "share" their experiences in this way. Over time, a journal can help you identify things that affect your mood, which things help and which don't.
   • End each page with something you are grateful for. Thinking back to little things like a nice cup of coffee or a stranger smiling at you can boost your mood.
4. Make healthy lifestyle changes. Forcing yourself to follow a regular schedule can greatly improve your mood, although it may take a few weeks to help. Try to get enough sleep every night and get dressed every morning. In any case, leave the house for a short walk. Healthy eating and regular exercise are also good for your mood.
   • Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs. While they may make you feel better in the short term, they make it harder to beat your depression. If necessary, get professional help to overcome your addiction.
5. Talk to a doctor. Tell your doctor you may be depressed. He / she can give you more information about depression and refer you to an expert in your area.
   • If your doctor dismisses your concerns, talk to someone else at the GP station. Perhaps a nurse or assistant can recommend someone to talk to or help you make a phone call.
6. Get therapy. Therapy is an effective treatment for depression, and it is recommended by many experts and organizations. Speaking with a psychologist on a regular basis can help you find ways to deal with your depression and make positive changes in your life.
   • You may have to try different therapists before you find someone you feel comfortable with.
   • Give it time. Many people see a therapist every week for six to 12 months.
7. Consider medications. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication for depression. There are all kinds of different drugs, and you may have to try different ones before you find something that works well. Regularly tell your psychiatrist how your new drug is working and whether you experience any side effects.
   • The most effective treatment is usually a combination of drugs and therapy, especially in teens. Medication alone usually works less well in the long term.
8. Practice meditation or pray. If you are upset, go to a quiet place where you are alone. A natural environment often works very well. Sit down and focus on breathing deeply and slowly. Many people can improve their mood by meditating or praying.

Tips

• Your self-esteem does not depend on the approval or acceptance of others. Be content with your own approval. Live your own life.
• Don't let the people who put you in this situation bring you down. Show that you are above them by refusing to give up.
• Distract yourself. Find a job or do a sport that you enjoy.
• If you think your parents don't care about you, talk to a teacher or counselor. He / she can refer you to the right people or authorities.

Warnings

• Sometimes it is impossible to remember that you were once happy, or proud or even calm. Don't worry, it's because you're so depressed. When you feel a little better you will remember.
• If this feeling persists and you think of suicide, immediately call the Suicide Prevention Line (0900-0113)
• Pity can be very nice, but at some point the conversation has to be about improving your life. People who linger on negative events tend to be depressed for longer, even if they can talk about it with friends.