What is this Depression hanging over me? Or is it even Depression?

Well im 18 years old, male, and im lost as i dont know what. I used to be fine about a year ago but for some reason iv'e been having a hard time figuring out who i am. I don't seem to have many friends anymore, actually none. More like aquantinces, not even. I dont have a girlfriend. I basically go out like once every 2 weeks. And my life is just flat out boring and dull. Im constintly thinking about what and where im going to be in the next month. When will i get my license. When will i work. When is my overbearing mother going to stop living through me. When will i basically just mature and have a good life, because life right now just sucks. I dont want to go to therapy because i feel like that stuff makes you worse and they give you pills to take which i dont want to do. I am by the way clean, no drugs no alcohol, no cigaretts. I'm just very upset. I can't understand what and why this is happening. What is this dark cloud hanging over me? Does anybody have any advice or sugestions?

It sounds like you're going through an identity crisis. Being 18 is difficult. Legally, you're an adult, but emotionally you've still got a little bit to go.

People tell you what you should do all the time, and it's very irritating. People assume you're the person you're going to be when you're not through figuring it out.

Try looking for hobbies you'd like to get into. Read a book, fly a kite, volunteer to help senior citizens.

Therapy will work, if you give it a chance. Not everyone will prescribe you pills and assume it's the magic solution. Talk to clergy, if you feel comfortable doing this.

Hang in there. Life, like a fine wine, gets better as you age.

I was clinically depressed. Excersise really helps because it creates a natural euphoria in the body and also can help your social life. Your problem is obviously that you are isolated from the world. So, the solution would be to put yourself back in. Are you out of school? If so, that might be why last year was better because you had friends at school. Just go out and meet new people and it will all come together.

the answer is your age,it would probably make more since to you if things sped up some,i mean you are 18 after all.just hang in there you are not depressed,just biting at the bit to get started with your adult life.it will come,slow down your thoughts ,no need to be so upset at this stage in your life.

You're problem is your mother; Over bearing, "you said". You and only you can change that! You dont have a job, and you really cannot have much of a life without one, and most important, you need to get one so you can leave your negative situation.. You did not mention as to if you are in college, thats the next step, and there are grants for that, unless all the illigals ate up that money. Get out of the house get your owmn place, live your own life quick....Why does your mom have such a hold on you, find out why you find it so hard to let go........Get out!!

Maybe not depression, just feelings of sadness. It may seem like a dark, cloud. At your age, you do have a lot to think about, everybody does. If you don't have someone to support you, things will seem even worse. You need a support person, someone you can talk to. Sometimes life IS boring. You are at an age where fairytales don't cut it anymore, moms want to help but don't know how. You have to understand her, even when it is YOU, that wants her to take the time to understand and listen to you.
Yes,I know what you mean about therapists. How can you look at someone who has a degree, sitting in an office, getting a regular paycheck, school behind them, and has no idea what real problems are. e-mail me. we can talk.