how do you know???

[brokenwings27]

ok, im sure this has been posted a thousand times before, but how do you know if you have depression???
i've wondered if i have it for... probably about 2 years now, and i was just wondering how anyone knows they have it.
i mean i know there's ups and downs, and it runs in families.. which, a large part of my dads family has it
also, last spring i started cutting... which is probably a big red flag...

but, i was just wonderin what anyone had to say...

 

[.chrys.]

I really think that when one starts to think they might have depression--they probably do. Cutting is a MAJOR sign. If you've started self-injury, please seek professional help before it gets worse.

~Witness

 

[cardfan1]

i wouldn't be too quick to diagnose yourself with depression, because you are right, everybody goes through those ups and downs. but if you have the symptoms and you think you might be, you should at least see a professional about it. I found a great Christian counselor at the church that has helped a great deal. I've also seen a good Christian psychologist as well who was great. also, if you have begun to harm yourself physically, I would definitely see someone. that is a major sign.

May God bless you and give you strength to get through this.

In Christ...

 

[brokenwings27]

what if I'm afraid to get help tho...?

 

[.chrys.]

To be honest, NO ONE is going to rescue you from your own fears. You must take that first step on your very own. Do yourself a favor and DO IT--show yourself the love that you would freely give others, and get thyself some help.

~Witness

 

[Aquamarine81]

what if I'm afraid to get help tho...?

I was afraid to get help too -- but I'm glad I did. I'm starting to feel somewhat better now, and plan to continue my therapy. Good luck to you, and God bless.

 

[jesussaves1989]

I have suffered with depression for 3 years. I believe it is hereditary. It's a mood disorder. Some signs of depression include feelings of frustration, sadness, anger, and so-forth. If all these feelings interfere in your everyday life, there is a chance that you are clinically depressed.

You say you started cutting yourself. Why did you start cutting? (if you don't mind me asking). If you're depression has gotten that bad, I think you should go to a therepist. I'm not the most educated person here but I'm trying to help the best way I can.

I hope my post answer you're question.

 

[brokenwings27]

my cutting started because of my sister moving away, but i had thought about starting it before then... that was just the final straw i guess, but..i do it because....i guess i just dont know what else to do. i just get really upset sometimes, and in between tears it just seems like the only thing i have left. i know its wrong and that i should be calling out to God for help, but i just dont. the motives have changed of course as to why i do it now, but, its like im sucked in to it now, and the sad part is, i dont kno if i want to stop

 

[cardfan1]

I know that fear of taking the first step and seeking help. But in a way, you've already taken that first step by just posting on this forum.

At first, I was embarrassed, ashamed, and scared to go see a counselor or psychologist. I mean I was definitely the guy who had it all together, and mental health conditions were for all those other crazy people. How could I possibly go to a psychologist when all my friends and family think that I have this great life and what would the people at work think?... and on and on

I drifted in this thought for awhile, but I didn't get any better. I needed help whether I wanted it or not. One thing that helped me is understanding that God loves me and doesn't want me to suffer. And He loves you as well and doesn't want to see you suffer either. He wants you to be happy. You need to let go of your own pride and misgivings about yourself, and trust in the Lord. God has allowed other people to go through tough times so that they can help others. God doesn't always miraculously heal you in an instant. Most of the time He uses others to help you heal. God has placed good Christian counselors and psychologists in this world to help people. Yes, the Holy Spirit works in you to heal you, but He has placed certain 'tools' on this earth for you to utilize. And many times that takes humbling ourselves and taking that first step in going to see a counselor. There are many good Christian counselors out there - if you have a hard time finding one, talk to your pastor. talk to your parents. Don't be afraid to start seeking help from those around you who love you.

Again, if you have started to physically harm yourself, you really need to see someone. They will not bite, or judge, or make you uncomfortable. Many times they have been through the same situations you are going through - they honestly want to help you.

I will pray for you. May God bless you.

In Christ...

 

[AWorkInProgress]

ok, im sure this has been posted a thousand times before, but how do you know if you have depression???
i've wondered if i have it for... probably about 2 years now, and i was just wondering how anyone knows they have it.
i mean i know there's ups and downs, and it runs in families.. which, a large part of my dads family has it
also, last spring i started cutting... which is probably a big red flag...

but, i was just wonderin what anyone had to say...

You are emotionally wounded sister. Please seek counselling and build your teachings of Christ.

Something has harmed you emotionally, and to self injury is pain detouring. Rather feel physical pain instead of the deep emotional pain.

Seek help and let your soul heal.

 

[brokenwings27]

"At first, I was embarrassed, ashamed, and scared to go see a counselor or psychologist. I mean I was definitely the guy who had it all together, and mental health conditions were for all those other crazy people. How could I possibly go to a psychologist when all my friends and family think that I have this great life and what would the people at work think?... and on and on"

that ^ is basically me.. im the girl that has the good school, good grades, awesome friends, and a great family that i know loves me. i mean i kno not everyone is gonna find out.. hopefully, but i just cant fathom telling these people...

but i really thought about what you had to say in the rest of your post, and i know your right, but im just too afraid

 

[AWorkInProgress]

"At first, I was embarrassed, ashamed, and scared to go see a counselor or psychologist. I mean I was definitely the guy who had it all together, and mental health conditions were for all those other crazy people. How could I possibly go to a psychologist when all my friends and family think that I have this great life and what would the people at work think?... and on and on"

that ^ is basically me.. im the girl that has the good school, good grades, awesome friends, and a great family that i know loves me. i mean i kno not everyone is gonna find out.. hopefully, but i just cant fathom telling these people...

but i really thought about what you had to say in the rest of your post, and i know your right, but im just too afraid

how many people who have fit that description end up taking their own life or worse?

I am reading a book on courage or integrity. He talks about 3 charactoristics to be successful. Last one and most important one is charactor. To not lose it. Many great minds aspire to the top with their skills and talents. Just to fall because of charactor weakness.

Our culture today is embarassed to show signs of weakness or accept mental help treatment. Do you know how much of a stigma I had against "strinks"? What did all that nonsense and fear of what other's think did for me? Nothing, wasn't until I found courage in my faith, that the works of psychology really blossum. For it is helping me heal and solve problems I didn't know how to treat.

If you need logic; if you are cut and are bleeding, do you not seek a nurse? If you are emotionally wounded or scarred would you not seek treatment?

Worse thing you can do is ignore it and accept that it is normal part of life. Yet it robs you of living your life.

 

[cardfan1]

"At first, I was embarrassed, ashamed, and scared to go see a counselor or psychologist. I mean I was definitely the guy who had it all together, and mental health conditions were for all those other crazy people. How could I possibly go to a psychologist when all my friends and family think that I have this great life and what would the people at work think?... and on and on"

that ^ is basically me.. im the girl that has the good school, good grades, awesome friends, and a great family that i know loves me. i mean i kno not everyone is gonna find out.. hopefully, but i just cant fathom telling these people...

but i really thought about what you had to say in the rest of your post, and i know your right, but im just too afraid

Again, I understand your fears. I know it's scary to think about how others may perceive you - especially about those who care about you. But the one's who care about you would be the very ones that you could confide in. Fear of what others think of you is basically just pride. I'm not downplaying it, we all have it, especially me, but it took me to realize that in order for me to seek help.

By the way, the only people that know that i have depression are the ones I have voluntarily told. And it was such a relief, they have helped me out so much. The more honest I am with them, the better off we all are.

Also, I have known my aunt my whole life and have always thought the world of her. She has a great husband, three kids, she's beautiful, smart, hysterical, warm, and is always smiling. She's always joking around with all the nieces and nephews (myself included), and is always such a joy to be around. That is why I was so surprised to find out that she has had serious battles with depression more than once in her life. I only found this out when I started feeling bad and my mom mentioned that I should talk to her. After speaking with her, I not only still enjoyed being around her, I respected her so much more.

It may seem difficult and scary through the depressive times, but it doesn't change who you are and the love of those around you. If you have people around who love you, they want to help you and would probably respect you even more for showing the strength and character in taking that step in seeking help.

Above all, turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. Let Him be your strength and comfort when you have no strength to go on. May God bless you.

In Christ...