Depression Understood Forums

Hello all,
My name is Sam and this is my first post on the forum. I have never posted about my feelings or what I'm going through ever, but this week has been one of those weeks where I simply feel alone and helpless. I guess I should include more about myself.
I am one of three kids, who had a great childhood. During my teen years, though, everything took a 180 turn. I come from a very strange family- my parents, who were brought up in a very narrow-minded society, forced us to follow in their footsteps. They forced their beliefs, their religion etc... for the kids to follow. I was raised in the UK so I always had problems understanding their tradition. My parents and I never got along. My father told me numerous times that I am not intelligent, worthy of his family. money etc... He always bullies me. I can't think of talking back to him because he would hit me, given the chance. My mother does nothing about his temper, and mostly takes his side. Recently though, the situation has gotten so bad that I can't take it anymore. I'm doing poorly in school because of how pathetic my life has gotten. My boyfriend isn't around anymore. My friends have started to pull away. I am not interest in the things I once loved. I don't know what to do anymore, so any suggestions to how to get up from years of feeling down would be greatly appreciated.

I know how it is to stand against our family, sometimes we need to be strong to our own ideas and confront them. Are you a minor? If they treat you with violence, you should search for help (school, or someone you can trust). I don't know if there is any space for talking (usually not), but if so, maybe an agreement is possible for better home relation. Also, try to focus on education (I know it's hard to focus on anything) so you can have resources to live on your own someday. But, most importantly, try to make friends, real friends, not the ones who hang with you to show you off and leave. Our real friends become our new family.

I hope this helps... in any way you have someone here who's concerned about you now, even if I don't know the details of your suffering.

I know this might sound silly or trivial or impossible or just wrong but...

I have been studying the subject of meditation for a few years now and I have come to believe that when we can gain better understanding and control over what our body is going through under stress then we gain the same understanding and control over our thoughts and emotions.

I know it doesn't immediately change situation, but it does give your mind some peace and with that bit of peace you can begin to see new options. And more options gives you real control.

So my advice, anyone can do this almost anywhere, is to sit still somewhere your least likely to be disturbed for 15-20mins a day (you need to give it a chance) and listen to your body. Where is the stress how are your emotions effecting your whole body. It has as much to do with how your handle your thoughts as they float through your mind (gently is the word).

There are so many references out there on the web. It's not Budhism, it's not religion (but it is discipline), but it gives your mind more space to find answers.

Hope it can help.