	AllExperts > Dealing with Depression
	Search

About Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychologist
Expertise
I have a degree in Psychology from the Sydney University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition. I am also the author of “GETTING OFF THE HOOK” which deals with the nutritional and psychological treatment of personality disorders. It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. I am interested in the relationship between nutrition and behaviour, and as a Probation ans Parole Officer facilitated groups for offenders, many of whom were alcoholics and drug addicts, sex offenders or compulsive gamblers, as well as the whole gamut of “personality disorders”. I am also the ex-editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia Newsletter, a quarterly publication dealing with hypoglycemia and related health problems. Its web site, together with a shortened course of PSYCHOTHERAPY can be visited at: http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Experience
Nutritional Psychotherapist

Organizations
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia

Publications
Book: GETTING OFF THE HOOK
Various articles in the Hypoglycemic Healh Association of Australia Newsletters

Education/Credentials
BA (Psych) Sydney University, Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr (International Academy of Nutrition)

Past/Present Clients
See My Career as a Nutritional Psychologist at: http://psychonutrionaltherapy.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-career-as-nutritional-psychologist.html

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Mental Health > Dealing with Depression > Depressed or just "a little down"?

Dealing with Depression - Depressed or just "a little down"?

Expert: Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychologist - 11/8/2009

Question
My name's Jarrod, I am 16 years old. I have a good life in small ways. I have good family and good friends. Yet when it comes to friends, especially female friends. I feel lonely, and I don't want them to leave me. This could because I have had only a few girlfriends and I learned a lot about sill love and just growing up, the normal. When I feel lonely, I feel as if I can't get enough company, guy friends just don't cover it anymore, I feel as if I need female compassion. I have 3 girl- friends that I can talk to more than anything and when they leave I feel cut off from everything else. I feel as if their company gone is horrible and I can't stand being alone anymore.All these thoughts keep occuring to me more often.
If i sound like just a complainer,and a total hypocrite, I could see why But I don't know if I am some what lonely/depressed or just regulary down,just noramlly sad??? If this is just me complaining, then whoever just let me know. Please email me back with whatever help,advice, or even corrections, thank you.

Answer
Hi Jarrod,

It is pretty normal for 16 year old to feel that way. But if you feel depressed it could be due to hypoglycemia. When you have hypoglycemia, you may feel depressed and have a low self-esteem. This is because in hypoglycemia your body is bombarded with stress hormones, that may make you feel anxious in company of other people.

Please test yourself with the:
The Nutrition-Behavior Inventory Questionnaire at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/nutrition-behavior_inventory.html

and the

The Hypo Quizz at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.org/hypo_test.asp

If you score high it may be positive for hypoglycemia. This can be treated by going on a hypoglycemic diet (Search our web site for this). Please discuss with a Nutritional Doctor, Clinical Nutritionist or a Nutritional Psychologist, if self-help therapy fails.

Other articles on depression are:

Depression is a Nutritional Disorder at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/depression_disorder.html
Depression: a Disease of Energy Production at:
http://curezone.com/upload/PDF/Articles/jurplesman/depression_energy3.pdf
Treatment of a Low Self-Esteem at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/psychotherapy/TOLSE.html

and discuss with a Nutritional Doctor or nutritional Psychologist.

Also read:

Summary of Self-help Pyschotherapy at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/self-help_personal_growth.html#PSYCHOTHE...

in its entirety from beginning to end. It includes a program showing you how to overcome a negative self-image, and assertiveness training program, communication course and values clarification course.

I hope I have been of some help.
_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychologist
Hon. Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search
Skype: jurplesman

Add to this Answer Ask a Question