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I'm depressed. I feel like nobody loves me, and I always put myself down. I'm not a really bad person or anything, so I'm not sure why this is happening. What's wrong with me?

Nothing, maybe. But it sounds like you've made the mistake of viewing depression as the direct result of repeated faults or individual sins. Depression is a complex condition that's got physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects. It's not a punishment for wrongdoing, nor is it a sign of weakness or a character flaw.

Depression occurs more frequently among teenagers than most people realize, and it ranges from negative feelings to thinking seriously about suicide. In fact, depression is a very common medical condition in all age groups. One-fourth of all women and 12 percent of men in the United States will go through it. There's no clear answer why some people get depressed and others don't.

The first question here is not why you're depressed, but if you're depressed—in the clinical/medical sense, that is. Generally speaking, depression can include:

• feelings of sadness
• loss of interest in once- enjoyed activities
• changes in appetite or weight
• changes in sleeping patterns
• restlessness
• decreased activity that is noticeable to others
• fatigue or loss of energy
• difficulty in concentrating or making decisions
• feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

If you've experienced some of these symptoms for two weeks or more, there's a good chance you are depressed. Assuming this does describe you, talk with a professional counselor or your doctor. Don't try to climb out of depression alone.

Along with seeking professional help, you should read the Bible—the Psalms are especially helpful. Exercise and time spent with fun-loving friends are a must as well.

God meets us even in our darkest moments. Here are two of God's in credible promises to encourage you: green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul …"

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in" (Psalm 23:1-3).

"I will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

I know God wants us to work hard. But last year I got into perfectionism and demanded straight A's of myself in school. Throughout this year, I've gotten about five hours of sleep a night, so I had to drop out of sports and other things I enjoy—including youth group at church. Does God want me to work this hard? What does God say about trying to be perfect? I don't know how to stop pushing myself.

God doesn't care as much about grades or performance as we do. He's much more concerned with faithfulness, commitment and abundant life. While it's impressive that you earned straight A's, they're not worth dropping all the activities that make you a well-rounded person.

But I don't think your letter is really about grades. It's about a need to be loved and accepted for who you are. Well, here's the good news: God loves you not for what you do but for who you are—his child. You simply cannot earn unconditional love.

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