How do you know when you're depressed?

[prissybaby]

Can anyone tell me how you knew that you were depressed and what made you seek help? I don't know if I'm depressed, but I've felt so awful for a very long time.

 

[Lisa0315]

If you think you might be depressed, you probably are. See a doctor immediately. This is nothing to mess around with.

I had post-partum depression after my first child was born. It was just terrible.

Praying for you...
Lisa

 

[prissybaby]

Yeah I know, but I don't want to make big deal out of nothing if that's what it is. I've read about the symptoms for depression, but they're so vague. So I wanted to hear from other people about how they feel or felt and go from there.

 

[Lisa0315]

Yeah I know, but I don't want to make big deal out of nothing if that's what it is. I've read about the symptoms for depression, but they're so vague. So I wanted to hear from other people about how they feel or felt and go from there.

Well, I cried for no reason. I was tired all of the time. I came home from the hospital swearing that my husband didn't love me anymore. I just felt blue all of the time, like a dark cloud was hanging over my head. I wasn't suicidal, but I just felt so drained, overwhelmed, sad, miserable, and anxious. All of that is probably normal when you have a baby, but it continued for 6 months. I think that is one of the things doctors look for is how long you have been feeling this way. I had no interest in things that I used to love. I didn't eat. I didn't want to go anywhere. It was just like everything was wrong all of the time, and it would never be right again.

 

[nightingale]

Depression runs in my family - but it expresses its self in different ways with different people. Some are angry and irritable. Some want to sleep a lot and are not motivated to do anything but lay around. Some don't see any reason for living. I agree with the previous poster who said that you need to seek help.

 

[BohemianChris]

I didn't seek help for a long time and it just got worse. See your doc soon.

Best,
Chris

 

[katylees]

Yep see someone soon. I wasnt sure, but my friend took me. I was sleeping and missing my lectuires, i didnt want to be here, i hurt myself, i was always anxious, i couldnt get round to doing anything even my work. I didnt want to go up to my friends and see them, i just felt so blue, i didnt want to see people, ididnt want to do normal activities. Please see someone and just get it checked asap

 

[prissybaby]

Yep see someone soon. I wasnt sure, but my friend took me. I was sleeping and missing my lectuires, i didnt want to be here, i hurt myself, i was always anxious, i couldnt get round to doing anything even my work. I didnt want to go up to my friends and see them, i just felt so blue, i didnt want to see people, ididnt want to do normal activities. Please see someone and just get it checked asap

That really sounds like how I feel. More often than not, I just want to sleep and not wake up rather than deal with life. There's so many things I want to do but can't because I lack motivation. I get tearful very often, and over little things. Lately it hasn't taken much to hurt my feelings. I don't really want to have to deal with people at all. Just yesterday, on my lunch break I skipped going to a restaurant to get something to eat, even though I had nothing to eat, because I didn't want to have to talk to a waiter or waitress. I avoid going out with my friends. I'm tired of pretending to be happy all the time, but I don't want to bother anyone with my problems. I haven't hurt myself though, not now. I used to but I stopped because a friend of mine found out and I promised not to. That was years ago. I sleep to stop the emotional pain and that's mostly during the day after work, because its hard to get to sleep at night. I have too many thoughts in my head. I suppose I should see someone, but I don't know if I can. I don't know if I can tell my thoughts and feelings to someone. Not face to face, I would just feel ashamed.

 

[Lisa0315]

That really sounds like how I feel. More often than not, I just want to sleep and not wake up rather than deal with life. There's so many things I want to do but can't because I lack motivation. I get tearful very often, and over little things. Lately it hasn't taken much to hurt my feelings. I don't really want to have to deal with people at all. Just yesterday, on my lunch break I skipped going to a restaurant to get something to eat, even though I had nothing to eat, because I didn't want to have to talk to a waiter or waitress. I avoid going out with my friends. I'm tired of pretending to be happy all the time, but I don't want to bother anyone with my problems. I haven't hurt myself though, not now. I used to but I stopped because a friend of mine found out and I promised not to. That was years ago. I sleep to stop the emotional pain and that's mostly during the day after work, because its hard to get to sleep at night. I have too many thoughts in my head. I suppose I should see someone, but I don't know if I can. I don't know if I can tell my thoughts and feelings to someone. Not face to face, I would just feel ashamed.

Write it all down. All of the things you are feeling, all of the things that have made you sad. The big things and the small things. Then, go back through, and list the major points. Then, make an appointment with your OB/GYN or other doctor. Give the doctor the list. Tell the doctor these are all of the things you are going through, or have been through, and you need some help dealing with it. After alot of lab work, your doctor will put you on an anti-depressant of some kind. After a couple of weeks, you will feel alot better, and then you can deal with the list of things that are getting you down. If you are unable to work through these things on your own, then, again, get some help. This is nothing to mess around with. If for no other reason, then you need to get healthy so you will not bring this baggage into a marriage or affect your kids someday.

 

[Diamond2005]

I dont know if I'm depressed or just lonely, i moved away with my family and i have no friends, sometimes i look at the blessings God had given me and i feel selfish, but I'm so sad most of the time. I dont know what to do. I used to have so many friends in High School, but now i feel as if people dont like me or i'm just boring. I also sleep alot. I dont have job and I'm on break for the summer from college. I sleep almost 12 hours aday. I dont know what to do, I feel as if I'm a bad person complaining about my life. It makes me feel even worse.

 

[katylees]

hey again ...therefore you are feeling like me, i cant order certain foods because i get scared of talking to people ...I suggest that you go to a doctor, you're 19 and therefore its confidential and he/she will support you. Ive just got bak from doctors and is referring me to someone to talk to. Im getting counseling at uni when i go bak in september too. I get terrified when talking to people ...but i know i have to do this to help me ..Try to do this yourself ..it will really help you ..im here for you anytime ...im on msn yahoo or AIM ...do u have msn? or any of these? if u wanna talk .. *hug*

 

[prissybaby]

I dont know if I'm depressed or just lonely, i moved away with my family and i have no friends, sometimes i look at the blessings God had given me and i feel selfish, but I'm so sad most of the time. I dont know what to do. I used to have so many friends in High School, but now i feel as if people dont like me or i'm just boring. I also sleep alot. I dont have job and I'm on break for the summer from college. I sleep almost 12 hours aday. I dont know what to do, I feel as if I'm a bad person complaining about my life. It makes me feel even worse.

I feel that I shouldn't feel the way I do, also. I feel guilty and ashamed if I tell anybody about my feelings, because I know that other people have dealt with so much more in their lives than I have. I don't deserve to have another person try to help me with my burdens when they have their own.

 

[prissybaby]

hey again ...therefore you are feeling like me, i cant order certain foods because i get scared of talking to people ...I suggest that you go to a doctor, you're 19 and therefore its confidential and he/she will support you. Ive just got bak from doctors and is referring me to someone to talk to. Im getting counseling at uni when i go bak in september too. I get terrified when talking to people ...but i know i have to do this to help me ..Try to do this yourself ..it will really help you ..im here for you anytime ...im on msn yahoo or AIM ...do u have msn? or any of these? if u wanna talk .. *hug*

Thank you. I'm really thinking of visiting one of the counselors on campus. I just have to work up my nerve. I know that I have to see someone, But I still don't know if I can do it. I do have yahoo, but I don't think I'm ready to talk yet. Thank you though.

 

[bethdinsmore]

Hi there

Possible depression is a big deal. It could even have physical causes (mine did) that need to be dealt with. There are all sorts of symptoms, being "down" kind of describes it. It is hard to reach out for help when you are emotionally exhausted, but please do see your doctor. You're worth it, whether or not you feel that way.

I'll pray for you, friend. God bless you. Aloha in Jesus

Jer 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV)

 

[prissybaby]

I don't know if it is depression though. Sometimes, I feel fine, and excited about things. Like I'm on top of the world. Sometimes, expecially lately I just don't honestly have the will power to do anything. And as crazy as it sounds sometimes I just wish I could die in my sleep and not have to deal with living anymore. But that's not all the time, just sometimes. I'm not suicidal, I just don't want to be bothered by anything.

 

[bethdinsmore]

Hi again -
The doctor could also treat you if your problem is bipolar (ups and downs). It is involved with the blood chemistry and is treatable. Only a doctor or counselor would know for sure.

What is your payoff for delaying? There is no reason good enough for you to wait until you figure it out for yourself - that is impossible without medical training.

Say, for example, that you had a lot of fainting spells. Would you wait till you knew what was causing them before you went to a doctor?

Okay, well it's not my job to convince you. But I'll pray for you. God bless.

aloha in Jesus

 

[prissybaby]

It's not a physical thing. If I had a physical problem of course I would see a doctor. But this is something else. I grew up in a family where you keep your problems to yourself. I know that's not a good way to think, but it's all I know. It's not an easy thing to change but I'm trying and it's going to take a while.

 

[herev]

It's not a physical thing. If I had a physical problem of course I would see a doctor. But this is something else. I grew up in a family where you keep your problems to yourself. I know that's not a good way to think, but it's all I know. It's not an easy thing to change but I'm trying and it's going to take a while.

hello pb!
Please hear me when I say, if you are depressed--IT IS A PHYSICAL THING!!!
the problem is that too much today in most societies it is still thougt of as NOT physical, but so many times it is. It is the body's reaction to chemicals--see a doctor, I speak it cuz I've been there!

 

[ArmouredSaint]

I don't know if it is depression though. Sometimes, I feel fine, and excited about things. Like I'm on top of the world. Sometimes, expecially lately I just don't honestly have the will power to do anything. And as crazy as it sounds sometimes I just wish I could die in my sleep and not have to deal with living anymore. But that's not all the time, just sometimes. I'm not suicidal, I just don't want to be bothered by anything.

sounding like you're in that altered being we become that loses reality.it doesn't sound crazy,this is depression.you said "i'm not suicidal".suicide happens in an instant.to people who are walking and talking like us one minute,then become overwhelmed.you're post put a pit in my stomach.i wish you great help from above right now.take care.

 

[LadySue]

Depression is a physical thing....it can come out because of triggers, things going on in your life. As you deal with this...always remember that. People are so prone to think depression is a choice, or just a feeling...when there are physical causes for it. I doubt that anyone truly chooses to feel this way.

It is important that you seek help from a healthcare professional and possibly a counselor. It is also important to have a support system, be it your family and/or a group of friends. Make sure you trust the friends you confide in. I've had it said to me, "You are the only one who can pull yourself out of this." Yes...we do have to make choices that will help us get better, but if we seek out a counselor or / and go on antidepressents, that doesn't change the fact that we still need friends and family who can support us/love us through this difficult time.

God bless, and hang in there.
LadySue