Depression? Anxiety? What?

[mckenziefomby]

I'm 13 and lately I've been really depressed and anxious. I have friends and a good family, but I'm still really depressed, i'll sit in the corner of my room with my laptop and won't come out all day, I stay up till 2-3 in the morning and don't eat a ton. I've also been really missing, almost longing, to see my family back home. I just moved and haven't even been here a year and miss my cousin something awful. I cry when I look at old photos, and get really anxious if she doesn't respond to one of my text messages.... I moved all the way from SC to LA and so it's really expensive to fly back, and I won't be able to see her till next year. Is this depression, anxiety? Do I need to see her again? I've moved before and although I did miss her not like this, is it possible that I'm depressed? I'm just really confused. I've told my parents I really miss her and they say it's normal, but is it normal to get really anxious because I'm not with her??

[ROSYouralright]

Change is always scary... Getting out and keeping busy will really help. Do what you dread the most STAY SURROUNDED BY PEOPLE! take up a new hobby or get active in an old one... Concentrate on the things that YOU have the power to change. It sounds cliche but IT WILL GET BETTER!

[BluCrystal]

I think that what you are feeling is 'homesickness' and that is making you feel some stress.  Do you have a picture of your cousin?  Is there a way you could video-chat with her?  Maybe you could talk to her on the phone instead of texting (texting is very 'impersonal' and does not give you the feeling of being in contact with your cousin).  Try what I said, and if you still feel bad after a week or so, ask your parents to look into some counseling for you.  You were not put on this planet to be miserable. :-)  Blessings - Blu