I am not depressed

Yes, I'm sure.

I know I don't participate much in class. I rarely see anything valuable I could contribute to the conversation. I'm not quick with words.

No, not all comments are valuable.

I know I look tired in class. That is because I am tired. I don't get enough sleep. It is entirely by my own choice. I could get more sleep if I wanted to. Coffee will suffice.

You're right, I don't talk very much with my other classmates. They have nothing interesting to say. There's nothing wrong with them, but I'd rather sit down and read a book.

Yes, I do have friends. They are people who I enjoy talking to and doing things with.

No, I don't laugh very much. I don't usually find what is being said funny.

I'm not bogged down with work. Nothing I'm assigned is that challenging. If I do poorly, it's because I didn't put much effort into it or I was reading in class when I should've been listening.

My parents? My parents are great.

Yes, they are pressuring me to get good grades. There is nothing wrong with that. I'd probably slack off without a few reminders that I'm not perfect.

Yep, I play violent video games. I sometimes watch violent movies. My parents believe that I am mature enough to make the distinction between fantasy and reality. It works off my aggression. I am not going to come in tomorrow with guns and bombs because of it. I will never go Columbine.

I have no hateful feelings towards my classmates. Many of them are nice to me, many are not. I am sometimes teased. It's of no consequence. There is nothing you can do about it. Kids will not listen to you. Just because I would rather be alone does not mean I have a mental illness.

I am not depressed