am i depressed??? how can i fix this?

Question

For the past few years I've been dealing with inconsistancy in my mood. Sometimes I'm happy and I like being around family and friends and other times/most times I feel really alone and isolated as though no one sees me or even notices me. i feel like i'm so differnt from other people. things that others have fun doing i tend to dislike. i just don't feel as though i fit in with the world all of the time. im always getting compliments in life on how i'm a great leader and how i am smart others seem to like to be around me. i don't see that though. when i look at myself i see a the opposite of what others say they see in me. i hate being around people now, i go out of my way to not be apart of family events and parties, because i feel so out of place and differnt. it wasn't always this way though. no one seems to notice that im this way. its like i have all of this bottled up inside of me and everyone sees me as happy-go-lucky. is this depression? should i see a doctor? can i cure mysel

Answer 1

While you do not sound severly depressed yet it does seem as though it's worsening. You should see a doctor first. It could be a chemichal imbalance or it could be psychological. If it is pyschological your doctor will likely reccomend a good psychologist to talk to. There are things you can do to bring yourself out of depression but often that is not enough and you still need assistance from a professional. Some things to try to help yourself are to make sure you get at least 15 minutes of sun everyday. Not that you have to go tan but just go outside and let yourself absorb some of the light even if you have to put on blocker to do it. Secondly. try cutting out junk food and soda from your diet and limit caffine intake from coffe or tea to 1 cup a day. Drink lots of water instead. Third, find something simple that you can acomplish everyday and then feel good about having gotten that one thing done. My friend would make her bed if she could at least make her bed she felt that she had at least done something so it can be something small. Fourth, try to find something that you at least like about yourself preferably find one thing that you love about yourself. Then everyday look in the mirror and take pride in that thing whether it's internal or external. Fifth, try to make sure you get at least half an hour of exercise in a day or take an exercise class. I would personally reccomend bellydance classes as they can not only help you with self esteem about your physical body but because there are such vaired people at these classes and events you can actually form a feeling of belonging and begin to enjoy being part of the community even if you think that's not going to happen or that you don't really want to be part of a community. If you decide that you would like to take classes you can send me an e-mail and I'll help you find some. It might also help you to read books written by others who have gone through something similar. I would reccomend Snake Hip by Anne Thomas Soffee (it's bellydance related but it's about finding herself again and coming out of depression so it could still be inspirational). If you just need someone to talk to who's already been there done that you can also e-mail me, I suffered from severe suicidal depression for several years.

Answer 2

You sound as if you are definitely going through some tough times right now, it is all a part of growing up and growing into yourself. Although a lot of the things you said are signs of depression it is always best to get a professional opinion. You should go and see a doctor and they will tell you what is best to help you with you mood swings. Most teenagers go through these periods and turn out fine. You should concentrate on things you like to do, just because you don't like doing things others like it doesn't necessarily mean you are depressed. Maybe you should find a program in your area like the YMCA and join a team, giving your self something to look forward to and making great friends will diffidently help with your moods. Also having someone in your life to talk about your feelings and share things with also is beneficial because you won't feel as alone. It is never good though to hold everything in, talk to your mom and dad or someone you trust. If you are still feeling this way and is not motivated to go out and join a team or make friends go and talk to your parents about seeking professional help. If you are depressed and you don't do anything about it, it will not cure it self it will only get worst. If you need to talk more, I will not ask you anything that you are not willing to share, just know that you can email me through YA. I hope you seek help and feel better soon.

Answer 3

If it has been this way for you for this long, then yes see a doctor. If you were to cure yourself, or get over it on your own, I'm sure it would have happened by now.So see a doctor. As well, you should think positively of yourself. Think of the good things you've done throughout the day. What did you do today that made yourself proud? What do you like about yourself? Don't deny these questions and think "Nothing", because if everyone compliments you, you must be what they are telling you that you are. So see a doctor, but also, try to work on your self esteem.You sound like a great person.

Answer 4

you are NOT depressed - ignore those who say you are

the world tries to fit everybody into the same mold - you have to be like everybody else or there is something wrong with you. If you like to be by yourself, there is nothing wrong with that at all! If you don't want to be with you family all the time, then don't! If they are trying to make you feel guilty then that is their problem.

Personally I would be more worried about you if you said you did fit in with the world. People forget that the geniuses and prophets throughout history were loners - they needed to be by themselves to think/pray/create.

DO NOT go anywhere near a psychologist - they will only try to put you on medication and force you to conform. Find a trusted friend to talk to if you can. The only time I would say you should definately go seek some kind of help is if you are considering suicide.

Answer 5

no.. you arent bi polar.. this is just the cause of letting your depression go untreated for an extended period of time.. theres nothing wrong with you other than you have been depressed for a long time and you need a little help to get you back on track... it's not you being bipolar (only about 50 true, authentic cases of bipolar disorders arise in the U.S. each year), its not that you're weird or different or anything. You probably have some event in your past like a relationship gone bad that has caused you to turn to this negative path. Go talk to your physician about it and ask him about the different treatments you can take such as medication or therapy. Just dont be afraid to go seek help, I mean.. whats the worst that could happen at this point? Nothing. Things can only get better.

Answer 6

In my late 20's I also had very serious bouts with depression.

I'm 52 now, and it took me years to figure out what I am about to tell you.

I'm not like other people, and I felt like you do about being different. People see what you look like outside, and assume you're something like them on the inside, and the conclusions they draw about you are actually more about them than they are about you. Pay no attention to them.

Over the years I have arrived at the conclusion that I'm hyper-sensitive to chemicals. Even stuff most people consider light-weight give me severe side-effects. I can't even take asprin.

You have the added factor of being a woman, so you have four different hormones that occur in differing quantities throughout your 28 day cycle.

If you're like me and you're hyper-sensitive to chemicals, these alone will cause radical mood swings.

If you drink alcohol, take any kind of pain relievers at all or any kind of drug whatsoever, stop it for a few months and try to track your mood daily so you can get used to who you really are.

Get a yellow legal pad, make numbers along the left edge. These are the days of the month. Leave it by your bedside. Every night think about your overall mood that day and write just one line for that date. Over a peroid of 3 or 4 months you'll begin to see a trend. You will know what to expect, and you'll know what's normal for you.

If you take any kind of medication or enebriant, note it and the date on the lower part of the page. If your mood in the next 7 days is different, look below to see what you took and how it affected your mood swings. Often a reaction to something occurs 2 days later, sometimes 4 days later, then it takes a couple days to return to normal.

I am so sensitive to chemicals, even artificial sweeteners make me lethargic and depressed.

It's difficult for me to even take vitamins & minerals because some will put me to sleep, and others will make me go faster.

I find I'm at my best when I take nothing, and eat natural food.

The most important thing for you to remember is 1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. KJV

Answer 7

I don't hate being around people, and I don't go out of my way to avoid family get-togethers.

But otherwise, I've often felt the same way you do. Very much so.

As I've gotten older, and as I've developed my relationship with Christ, I've gotten better at managing it mentally, and just accepting myself for who I am without comparing myself to others too much.

If the feeling is overwhelming you at all, I'd suggest going either to speak to a clergyman, or a mental-health professional, or both.

A close and trusted family member or friend could very well help as well.

Also pray -- remember to include in your prayer some thanksgiving to God for the blessings in life that you do have. He will help you see things more positively if you pray to Him in that way.

I think the feelings you're having are more common than many people realize.

Answer 8

No, you can't "cure" yourself. Perhaps seeing a doctor would be a good idea. If you are "chemically imbalanced" your doc might be able to help.

However, it could be spiritual. I noticed you posted in the Religious section. What is your faith based on? I know some might get upset with these next remarks...but perhaps they can help.

Depression is a mind-set (if it's not chemical imbalance). It's understandable when something happens (death to someone close to you, loss of job, relationship break-up etc). We go through a process of grieving. It's to be expected. However, to stay in that mind-set is not healthy.

Prayer is helpful. Getting out and enjoying the things that you enjoy (not necessarily everyone else) as long as it's not harmful to you or others, might pick up your mood.

If you are religious...get rid of your religion and get a relationship (Jesus) there's a huge difference. He's seeking a relationship with you.

Religion is based on rules and the action of men trying to reach God.

Relationship is God's way of reaching man, through Jesus Christ. There's an amazing peace that happens with this relationship...not to mention the freedom in Christ, Galatians 5: 1-15

You will know a tree by it fruits, Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:16-26

Grace to you and God Bless!

Answer 9

I know this may seem hard to do, but, you need to THINK yourself well. You know all these people obviously see something you're not giving yourself credit for. You must love yourself though, inside and out. Don't put yourself down, get out in the sunshine, and screw getting put on medication...it only makes those who are dependent on others for their happiness dependent on a drug also. In my opinion, it's more hurtful than helpful in this situation. You do have a mild case of depression, but I like to call it the blues, cause you can come out of it yourself, and it's only a temporary thing. You should talk to someone about it, get it off your chest, and figure out what it is that YOU need to do in order to stop feeling this way. Only you can do this. Nobody can cure this for you, but if you think positive no matter what life throws your way, you can pull through. Pray. I will pray for you. I truly feel (know) prayer is a powerful thing, and I've felt exactly the way you do right now, and God sees me through it all. If you don't like something about yourself, then change. If it doesn't kill you, it can only make you stronger!

Answer 10

You are not alone--I have been feeling like this too. It is ok. Some people will tell you to see a doctor and I am starting to think this is not a bad idea. My bad mood comes with headaches and sometimes some pretty scary thoughts. I have found that prayer and trying to take a positive attitude can turn it around quite a bit.