Is this caused by depression?

That might a sign of mild trauma, Multis. Negative situations like that, even if minor, could trigger painful feelings or experiences from the past, which might explain why they're so bothersome.

Handling the root as trauma rather than just depression might help. Learning to face those painful memories from the past would probably be a step forward in overcoming it, but someone else might have a better perspective on that. Research on dealing with trauma might also be a good idea. I don't know for sure though, just my opinion.

Aldebaran said:

Has anyone, such as a doctor, come up with any reasons you may have become depressed?

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The cause of depression varies. There is clinical depression where the brain lacks the proper chemistry to support happiness. That is an illness that requires medication to alleviate.

There is also situational depression, where it is cause from your environment.

You have to remember with situational depression it's usually caused from offenses, mental abuse or similar. Lack of positivity, lack of good human interaction and lifestyle can lead to depression.

The point here is that the depressed can become angry or sad. Angry is outward pointed depression while sadness is inward pointed.

Whether or not you are suffering from depression? The rules of these mental health forums requires us to point you to a professional. We can't diagnose anyone.

I had about five bouts of fairly serious situational depression from about age 20 to age 40. It has now been about 25 years since my last episode. There are a multitude of good methods to fight depression and many of them are laid out in the classic book by Andrew Carnegie, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. What works for one person may not work for another, but the good news is that are a variety of techniques, so hopefully you can find one or more that work for you. Sometimes a chemical imbalance in the body leads to depression, though I suspect this is in a minority of the cases. Still, it is probably a good idea to get checked by a physician and examine your diet as well. Some have claimed for decades that the supplement called St. John's Wort is helpful. I never tried it, so I cannot say. Sleep is important to overall health, including our mental health. Exercise helps many sleep and/or fight depression. I remember reading that the Quakers discovered long ago when running a mental hospital, that patients seemed be much better off when they were kept busy doing some form of work. Perhaps this is evidence of the importance of exercise and also the need to get our minds off of our problems and onto something else.

I wish you the very best and remember, no matter what, it is important to try your best to keep a positive mental outlook, as depression tends to feed upon itself. God bless you.

Multifavs said:

For several years now, I've noticed that I can't handle when things are not normal at my home (which unfortunately happens fairly often). Whenever one of my parents gets sick or hurt or has to be away from home more often than usual, I tend to get very depressed and grouchy. Sometimes I'll feel better for a little while, but then I'll be reminded of the problem and feel worse again. I didn't used to be bothered so much by these things. Does this typically happen with depression? What can I do about it? (Remember you're in the Depression forum.)

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As to the specifics of your questions, it is very hard to generalize. Depression impacts people in different ways. Some lose weight, while some gain weight. Many will cry, while others will just sit quietly and feel sad. The important thing is that you recognize your depression and now you need to find ways to deal with it.

It could be. I would try to focus your attention on something else. Try a new hobby or do something you have been looking forward to doing.

Multifavs said:

For several years now, I've noticed that I can't handle when things are not normal at my home (which unfortunately happens fairly often). Whenever one of my parents gets sick or hurt or has to be away from home more often than usual, I tend to get very depressed and grouchy. Sometimes I'll feel better for a little while, but then I'll be reminded of the problem and feel worse again. I didn't used to be bothered so much by these things. Does this typically happen with depression? What can I do about it? (Remember you're in the Depression forum.)

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Having suffered from depression for decades i know that for me, a P.T.S.D sufferer, safety/security is very important. For years i was anxious when people were not home because i didn't feel safe nor comfortable with myself alone. This became a real problem in my psychotic times when i began to forcefully keep people home without realising that is what i was doing. All so i could feel safer and calmer.

In the end i realised i couldn't push my needs on others so i went to Jesus and He rescued me after i shared myself completely with him an unsafe person and He taught me to stay in his peace and to rely on Him for safety. A good thing i learned to do that for i know Jesus is with me 24/7 so i never have to feel unsafe again.

With you it might be something different, i don't know, but whatever it is is really important that you find an ability to be by yourself without becoming uncomfortable. Jesus can really help you with that. Learn to give your uncomfortable times to Jesus and ask for His peaceful rest back in return. Keep doing that until you have learned to find your safety/peace of mind in Him whatever your mood might be.

Peace.