How do you know when you have depression or if it is just stress?

Answer 1

Everybody feels down and blue sometimes. That's normal.

Depression is when you feel down and blue all of the time even when there's no real reason for it. People who suffer from clinical depression can't just go out and do things to make themselves feel better. That's because, for them, it's not just a matter of willpower. There's a chemical imbalance that needs to be treated. Counseling may be in order too.

That being said, it's awfully easy to get doctors to prescribe anti-depressants these days. There are far more people on them than need to be on them. I'm not against anti-depressants. Some people truly need them. But if you don't suffer from true clinical depression, it's better to work through your problems than to medicate them.

Talk to a counselor. Tell him or her that you're concerned about depression, but don't want to be thrown onto drugs unnecessarily. Expressing concern about this up-front is a good idea. That way you'll get the help you need without simply being drugged.

BTW, if it is stress, a counselor will be able to offer good advice about that too.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you feel down a lot. Don't want to get out of bed, no energy then that's depression. With stress you tend to be more jumpy and active running around trying to deal with all the problems. It is possible to be depressed without having had any stress if you are bipolar (a simple blood test will determine that) but when you have a lot of stress it can lead to situational depression (life out of your control) either way, see a doctor because there is lots of help now and if you are stressed right now, you can relieve it before you drift into depression.and if it is either type of depression then now is the time to deal with it.

Answer 3

If stress goes on for a long time it leads to chronic deppression. You will have to start right away to find ways to manage stress. Ej: breath deep, take big problems and separate them into small ones, do activities such as Yoga, acupuncture. I am telling you this because right now I suffer from depression (and it was caused partly from stress). Maybe you can go to a psychiatrist and he can tell you exactly what it is

Answer 4

Well I am not sure how to tell if you have depression or not...but one thing I know is that everyone is REALLY stressed. You dont need to worry right now. Dont jump to conclusions. A lot of the time people think that they have depression but they really dont and they are just making themselves sad. BE HAPPY AND ENJO LIFE BECAUSE WE ONLY GET ONE! Go on a rollercoaster to cheer yourself up or just take a break sometimes.
YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

Answer 5

I knew when I started thinking things I normally didn't think that it was depression. Stress can be an added factor though. I am currently on an antidepressant and am seeing a therapist, both of which seem to be helping quite a bit.

Answer 6

Some depressed people hear things and see things that aren't there. You might lose weight. You might wear heavy clothes because you are self abusing. You may lose interest in everyday life. You may feel as if everyone is out to get you. You might be having suicidal thoughts. You should see a doctor a regular one or a psychiatrist.

Answer 7

depression occurs when you have so much stress you cant handle it any more, and rather than be productive in sorting out your problems, you get demotivated instead. Depression can come in many forms; turning to alcohol or other drugs more often than usual, eating more or less than usual, not finding pleasure in things you used to find pleasure in. also sleeping more or less. If you're worried you have these symptoms (or others), then see your GP..

Answer 8

Do the things you once found exciting, now seem useless and unexciting? Do you wake up every morning, and feel sad and worthless? Do you dread going to school, work, family gatherings? Do you have no sex drive (if you're an adult)? These are some signs.

Answer 9

Depression:
Depressed mood – most of the day, every day
Mood swings – one minute high, next minute low
Lack of energy and loss of interest in life
Irritability and restlessness
Disturbed sleep patterns – sleeping too much or too little
Significant weight loss or gain
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly
Loss of sex drive
Thoughts about death and the option of suicide

Answer 10

Site below helps people with depression and even if you do not have it.

http://www.phifoundation.org/heal.html