Is there a lesser form of depression?

Question

I know depression can be so bad that it will have a profound effect on what you do. I recently moved to PA for medical school, and things just aren't good here. None of my friends from back home have attempted to contact me much, aside from an instant message here or there. There's also so much pressure for me to succeed in medical school from my family and it's really hard (I'm struggling to pass). Also, I'm very shy...so I don't really have friends here, just some people I talk to occassionally. I know people usually just say break out of your shell, but it's so hard for me... I just seem to always be thinking about home, and it deters me from what I normally would be doing. Sometimes I just lay down and cry. Would this be considered depression or a lesser form of it? (I'm def. not suicidal or anything). By the way, this is a nice site...let's you ask questions anonymously. Thanks people.

Wow, so many answers so quickly. A couple thing I'd like to mention. I do want to be a doctor. My parents love calling me doctor though, and I'm only in my first year in medical school. It's a lot of pressure when your family is calling you doctor before you even pass your first semester. Also, I have called my friends, but I never get a call from them, I always have to inititiate it (I also e-mail or IM them and they reply, they never e-mail or IM first). Another thing I forgot to mention was that I always think about the future, and how me and my friends will probably lead lives in different states, with families of our own, and I wonder how often we'll get to see each other. I always wondered when my parents would talk to someone they haven't in a long time, why they don't talk more, but I see now. People just move on. Kind of sad. Oh, and for the person that said we should be studying this in medical school, I think clinical starts next semester. Thanks for the responses guys.

Answer 1

Sounds like you're home sick. Quite a natural reaction to your situation. Mild depression is called dysthymia. I agree, it's very hard to "break out of your shell" when you're homesick and possibly slightly depressed. I've been there. Next people will tell you to "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" and "chin up!" These statements aren't helpful, but they mean well. Cut yourself some slack. You're going through a lot right now. Take it easy. I'm not saying to shirk your responsibilities or your studies, but simply remember to be nice to yourself, especially during this hard time. Go out to a movie (with or without friends), take a warm shower/bath, drink a little warm milk (it's relaxing), and wash your hair with that nice expensive good-smelling salon shampoo (that always works for me).

Answer 2

First of all, recognize that you have alot of life stressors going on right now. Major life changes such as leaving familiy, moving, changing jobs (or schools!) and death of a loved one usually lead to a common condition known as "situational depression".

If you are in medical school you have probably educated yourself by now on the major signs and symptoms of depression but yes, situational depression can be mild and transient as you adjust to the situation.

Things that are a flag: do you really want medicine? I personally know several people in medicine forced to conform to family expectations and they are the worst doctors I know because they are so profoundly unhappy. Kind of hard to change the career after the MD is added to the name. Take a hard look at what you are doing, get counseling if you need it and it sounds as if you do if shy and isolated.

Medication may be an option but probably is for the short term to get through this..good luck. Start with your family doctor..you might be surprised how much they empathize with your situation.

Answer 3

There are many symptoms that need to be present in order to be diagnosed for Major Depressive Disorder. These symptoms must include either depressed mood or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities. A person can be diagnoised with MDD if they have at least 4 of the following symptoms:

1) Difficulties in sleeping: trouble falling asleep; not returning to sleep after awakening during the night, waking too early; or, prolonged duration of sleep
2) psychomotor retardation or agitation.
3) poor appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
4) Loss of energy
5) Feelings of worthlessness
6) Difficulty concentrating, thiking or making decisions
7) recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

These symptoms are present nearly every, most of the day, for at least 2 weeks.
Symptoms cause significant distress or functional impairment. These symptoms are not due to normal bereavement

There is a milder type of depression called subclinical depression(someone that has 3 of the above symptoms for 10 days)

Personally, I dont think you have MDD. It could just be that your stressed about your surrounding in medical school, and your familys' pressure on you to succeed.(I know how that is like, believe me). Its more like adjustment issues because you just moved to PA for med school and not having your family and friends there with you..

I would suggest you to see a counselor/therapist to deal with the stress and probably help you to further identify any other problems.

Goodluck

Answer 4

What you are experiencing is common among students. The feel homesick for friends and family. It is almost a kind of separation anxiety. Discussing it with a school counselor may help. It is not a major problem. It is not permanant. If really extreme, you may need medication for a short time to help you get through it.

I do not think it is dysthymia. Dysthymia is a constant long term persistant low grade deprssion.

Answer 5

I am going through a similar situation. (The only difference is that I DO have depression). Sometimes stress and pressure can cause depression. I would say that right now you don´t have depression but if you don´t change your way of living you will end up having it. My advice: make an effort to meet new friends, exercise, relax when you can. If you want to e-mail me with further questions ([e-mail])

Answer 6

There is a continuum

The depression continuum

A lesser form of depression could be dysthymia.

Let me see what I can find for you.

There ya go - it's in the wikipedia.

Have a read of the dysthymia page. Or you could just have a mild form of depression, really.

If you think that this is in response to the recent move, you could actually have an adjustment disorder with depressed mood.

Answer 7

hi ...

Well what you decribed can happen tomost people especially when they come to USA from other contries for studies....

Hiowever, I think in your case it is happening even thou your are a local person..

See a psycotherapist and see if he/she asks you to see a doctor...they are indeed good and you may be able to overcome your issues without medication...
however if the psycotherapist sys you should see a MD then see an MD without wasting time...tell your mom.dad how you feel take a month or 2 break from school go home and continue school after semester. after all your health is wealth. And mental health comes first...so you can always skip a semester and catch up later...take it E..A..S..Y my friend. One day you may treat me in some hospital :-)[you want even know I gave you this free advice:-) & charge me a big fat $$] cheers!!!!

Answer 8

Sounds like your just a little bummed do to situational stuff. I would suggest maybe talking to a counslor to help you through. This could be why you are having issues in school as well. If your fighting back tears, it is nearly impossible to focus on school work. I can't even imagine how stressfull it is to be in med school!! One last note...are you putting in the effort to keep contact with your friends at home, or are you just waiting to hear from them?

Keep your head up, good luck with everything!

Answer 9

This is the only real answer you need.

Depression is a serious problem, which needs to be treated before it get's out of hand.

If you think you may suffer from any form of depression, seek help. It's that simple.

Answer 10

I think I know how u feel, and it's horrible 2 feel this.. still, I Know I don't know anything about what u think, but just try 2 b happy, think of all the beautiful things around u!.
I think there is in fact this lesser form.