What if it's not depression?

Question

I think I've been with a mild depression my whole life. When I was 15 I just thought that I just liked being at home more than other kids. But now I don't know anymore... is it just that? Because if it was for me I could stay in my bedroom lying on my bed forever. I don't care. I don't need to go out, I don't wanna go anywhere, see anybody. I just wanna be alone. People bother me. I hate people. And yes I've thought about commiting suicide. With what I've been through, who wouldn't think about it at least once? But depression is a lot more than that, right?

I just don't wanna go to a psychiatrist and have him tell me "you're fine". I'm gonna be really pissed because this is not fine. I hate doctors unless you're dying you're always just fine. But then again, I don't think I've experienced changes in my apetite... I could be sleeping a bit more, but nothing abnormal. And I don't have that much energy... I don't know anything anymore.
So it's not depression. Or is it?

I've done psychotherapy since I was 2 because my mother died then. And I've done it for about 18 years. I'm not currently doing it, though. I never brought this up because I thought it was normal. I mean being 15 and wanting to stay at home the whole week-end. I thought it was just who I was. I never considered it could be depression.

I forgot to say I'm 21 now.

Answer 1

There are various degrees of depression, and there is a fine line between some personality types and minor depression. But your condition fits what doctors call dysthemia or low-level, chronic depression. Most people with dysthemia do not think they are depressed, and few seek treatment, while people with more obvious depression tend to get help. Consequently, dysthemia is probably a more serious problem than major depression, since it usually goes untreated and last longer.

If you wanty to avoid dealing with physchiatrists, you can try antidepressants and see how they work for you. I doubt that most physicians would tell you are fine with the things you described.


Take a look at this link- it reads almost the same as your question. http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/dysthymia.asp

Answer 2

Depression really isn't a lot more than that. You have the classic signs of a major depressive episode (suicidal thoughts, lack of interest in activities, lack of energy, etc.) You claim to have had mild depression for as long as you can remember. If that's so, look up some information on dysthemic disorder, one of the lesser known forms of depression. Basically, to be diagnosed with dysthemic disorder you have to have suffred from mild depression for over 2 years (1 if you're under 18) and haven't suffered from a major depressive episode (meaning the depression keeps you from functioning, like skipping school or work out of lack of enegy or despair) for more than 2 months. If this sounds like you, you may want to do some research on the subject. I had never heard of it either before I was diagnosed with it.
I don't think you need to worry about any doctor telling you that you are "fine" and pushing you out the door. Anyone with any sort of mental health training should be able to see you need help, as long as you tell them the same thing you wrote here.
I suggest that you see a psychologist or a mental health counselor before a psychiatrist. Psychologists and counselors aren't M.D.s (medical doctors) and can't prescribe medicine. I to say it, but a lot of psychiatrists just dish out the and ignore the pyschological side of depression. It's better to start off with talk therapy, because that can relieve a lot of the stress and emotional turmoil caused by the depression. Also, most psychologists work closely with a psychiatrist, so once you find a psychologist you like (this may take a few trys) they can refer you to the psychiatrist they work with, who is likely to have similar methods of treatment.
I thought it was normal to be depressed at one point too. I went to see someone once it got to be too much for me to deal with and was diagnosed with dysthemic disorder. That was five years ago, and the only treatment I'm recieving now is a low dose of antidepressants. Of course there are times that I still get sad or angry or hopeless, therapy isn't going to magically cure you. But it can make life a little more tolerable.

Answer 3

It's depression, for sure. And the best short definition of depression I know is 'anger without enthusiasm.' Sounds like you have rather a lot to be angry about and you're in one of those awful cycles where everything seems to take so much time and energy and bring so little reward that one asks 'why bother?' It also sound as if you haven't had particularly good experience with psychiatrists and doctors ... you're not alone in that.

Please try talking to The Samaritans; I'm sure they have a presence in your country. Their mission is simply to befriend; they won't talk religion at you, they have all the time in the world for you, and they pulled me out of the times when I felt exactly as you did. There *is* something in you that wants to reach out into the future and make it better, otherwise you wouldn't have written to Answers. Hang on to that something, because it's trying to tell you that while things may seem dreadful now you do nonetheless have something in you that's worth preserving and, in time, enjoying.

You say you don't know anything any more. Without belittling that in any way, I'd suggest that you do know *something,* even if it's only a favourite book or piece of music or a computer game you like playing. So find that, whatever it is, and treat yourself to it.

Take care. Almost certainly, one day you'll be able to use these experiences to help other people, and they'll come to value you as a person with wisdom and insight - as opposed to those members of the human race who seem to be coated with Teflon and never experience any self-doubt or insight into themselves or others ... and we can see what damage they do.

Answer 4

It sounds like depression to me. Wanting to commit suicide is pretty serious. If I were your therapist and you told me that, I sure as heck would't say "your fine". I don't know of a single therapist who would say that. The key is to be honest with your therapist. If you go there and lie, no matter what the reason, you are wasting time for both of you. They are not there to judge, just to help. Another helpful hint is you need to get some exercise. Even if you don't want to get out of bed, if you want to feel better you really should exercise. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphines. Endorphines are our bodies own natural little happy pills. Also, eat a well balanced diet rich in Omega 3 and fatty acids (found naturally in fish, especially wild caught salmon). Get on a regular sleep schedule, allowing yourself at least about 8 hours of solid sleep every night. After doing all that, over a course of time, you should start seeing results. But either way, get help. No therapist is going to turn you away if you just tell the truth. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Join the crowd..I didn't even know I was depressed..I went to the doctor and they said i was suffering from post tramatic stress ..same as depression..But just like you I always spent alot of time by myself and stayed at home alot..I don't think that is a big deal ..My wife was and is the same way.. Although right now we have been diagnosed with post tramatic.. I don't think what you are thinking is really that much depression..We are loners..just never liked other people that much.. or their company and found things we like to do ..and im talking about before i met her .some people are just that way.. We like to be alone and do our own thing..I used to depend on people to do things I wanted to do and I would end up waiting on them.. So i decided then and there I would rather do it myself and come and go when i got ready..Really I don't think that you are having that much of a problem..Everyone thinks about suicide once in awhile ,the fact that you haven't done it says right there you dont want to ..To tell you the truth..there is nothing wrong with wanting to be a recluse..I have read online they actually live longer than most people..and most enjoy their lives.Just because you aren't in tune with the other billions on earth doesn't mean anything just means you want to avoid as much hastles and bull as you can..I know exactly what you are saying and there are many people that feel exactly like you ..Don't let it bother you ..just go on and do your own thing..read,watch tv..go for walks..that really helped me ..the walking I could get lost in my own world..You didnt mention if you have any interest but get into them and forget the world..its as normal as anything ..besides what is normal?I have never met a "normal" person in 52 years.. So you are fine..just believe it live it and enjoy it.. who needs doctors to tell you that..

Answer 6

15 years of suffering with this is 15 years too many. Psychotherapy is a wonderful thing, but I believe you do need to see a psychiatrist as well. You are definitely suffering from some form of depression. If the psychiatrist says that you are fine, print this page out with what you have described to us and take it with you. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Yes it sounds like depression to me also. Do you ever feel goo? Maybe too good? If so you could be Bipolar but if not it's defiantly major depression. Tell your therapist, there are medications that help allot, it just takes time to find the ones right for you. Don't give up!! It can and will get better, you've suffered long enough, you don't have to any more.
If your therapist can't help find a good psychiatrist. Best of life to you and I hope it gets better soon.

Answer 8

You have a " Good Depression "
Even 600 years ago people had depression and it was associated with the Roman God Saturn.
Depression is simply a state of being,something the mind does for it's own good,reasons.
The resistance to this is called depression.
May be you will appreciate the role of depression in the economy of the soul more, if you could only take away the negative connotations of the word.
Depression is not what you have.you are in a condition in which there are no ideas - nothing to hand on to.
Broaden your vision and see that feelings of emptiness,loss of familiar understandings and structures in life,even though they
seem negative,there are many things that can be appropriated
and used to give life fresh imagination.

Answer 9

Yes darlin', that sounds like classic depression. You need to see a professional. I work in the mental health field and recommend that when you see your doctor ask them about other things than just medication. Types of strategies or techniques to over come this, and alternative treatments. Unfortunately some of those strategies will be difficult because they involve forcing yourself to do things you don't want to do, like get out of the house even if you don't want to go. Medication only goes so far in treating depression; those who I know to over come it are those who have changed their lifestyle as well as taking medication. And if you don't like your doctor, don't stop seeking another one until you find one that is the right fit for you.- They don't all suck. I wish you the best.

Answer 10

Some people are just introverted and simply do not get off on going out and doing things with other people. Instead, they gain strength from within themselves, by being alone. I am the same way. It is not necessarily depression. However, if you are seriously considering suicide on a regular basis, I suggest that perhaps help is needed.