Symptoms of depression?

Question

A lot of people say I sound like I'm depressed. if I am, I'm pretty sure it was caused by certain events happening in my life. How do I know if I am? I'm too afraid to see a psychiatrist because I have to use my parent's insurance and they'll find out and I don't want them to, yet. I tried talking to a school counselor but I limited what I said and all I got was to join their thearpy sessions. I'm afraid that if I tell them everything they'll send me to a hospital.
A lot of people say that I'm starting to act real awkward lately and a lot more wild than I used to. I get frustrated very easily and I don't seem to enjoy the things I used to.
To top it off, has there been any connection between depression and violence? lately whenever I see someone I have a tendency to want to hurt them. Both verbally and physically. I haven't done it yet but I'm afraid sooner or later I'm going to lose it.
Any advice is appreciated.

here's why i want to keep my parents out.
I had an eating disorder in high school. I told a teacher and the teacher got help for me. When the counselor told my parents my parnets got upset because I didn't tell them first and I kinda got my parents into trouble. The school called DCF. I always felt my parents have been in denial about it.

Answer 1

You might want to reconsider the choice not to use your insurance. That's what it's for. I can understand not wanting to tell your parents. What if you did it anyway, and if/when your parents realized you were seeing a psychiatrist/psychologist you could simply downplay it all if you want to and say it's no big deal and you were just discussing some personal issues with a counselor, etc, that you would rather keep private. And tell them there's nothing to worry about. I say all this because more or less sounds like you're limited in your options.

With regard to sending you to a hospital, if you're over 18 (I assume you're a college student from your message) no one can make you go into a hospital unless you make an imminent threat to hurt yourself or someone else. For instance, if you tell your psychiatrist that you are going to go home after the appointment and shoot yourself, he can send you to the hospital. But if you tell the psychiatrist that you simply feel suicidal, he can't make you do anything. Also, what you share with your doctor/counselor is confidential and can't legally be shared with anyone else without your express consent.

Answer 2

It definitely sounds like you need to get some help. Some symptoms can include sadness, not enjoying things you used to, sleeping too much or not being able to sleep, change in appetite, difficulty concentrating, moodiness, thoughts of hurting yourself, anxiety. Everyone is different, so your symptoms may be different too. I know it can be hard talking to parents about these kinds of things, but this is not your fault and I would guess they just want you healthy and happy. You could start with a standard physical to check for other causes. Then your doctor can refer to either a psychiatrist or counseling if needed. Typically, the only way they can force you to go to a hospital is if they feel there is a real, immediate danger of you hurting yourself or somone else. It can be scary reaching out for help, but it so very important that you do. There is help available. You can also try a local crisis line for referrel information. In some areas, the local health department offers free or low cost screening for depression. Feeling the urge to lash out, verbally and/or physically is not unusual for a depressed person. It is also another reason why you need to reach out for help. Find someone you are comfortable talking to. Maybe someone like a teacher you trust, a pastor from church, a responsible friend, a family member.

My daughter went through a very serious bout of depression last year. She hid it from me for a while and that broke my heart. Once I found out, we got busy finding help for her. She is still in counseling and taking an anti-depressant, but she is well on her way back to being her "old self".

Best wishes to you. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

What is really great is that you are aware of how you are feeling, not just acting out. You really don't have to see a psychiatrist, sometimes your family physician can help you, or a social worker trained for counseling, or a psychotherapist. You may have to see some kind of professional in order to be diagnosed. Once you are diagnosed you may be placed on some kind of medication or perhaps all you need are some private therapy sessions with said professionals. Do something to help yourself before it gets out of hand. We now know that depression can be a chemical imbalance in the brain. Or maybe something simple such as too much caffeine or sugar, or a food allergy. But you will have to see a professional to find out what is troubling you.
Good luck to you!

Answer 4

It's great that you're concerned enough to ask for help. That's a good start. You may be depressed - it's not uncommon, especially you have a lot of difficult things going on at the moment. Don't be afraid to speak frankly with your parents, counselor and/or doctor. It's more important that you feel free to seek the help you need to figure out what's going on with you.

Answer 5

Christine,
I am a nurse, I have worked in the mental health field some and you definitely need to see a doctor. Do you have a family doctor? If you have the feeling that you want to hurt someone it needs to be dealt with. Things are usually never as bad as people think they are. There is no shame in this day and time in getting help for a mental illness. The only shame is to realize that there is a problem and not address it before you hurt yourself or someone else. Please seek help from a licensed medical professional.

Answer 6

melancholy - a thank you to understand It the indicators of melancholy are as follows: • F eeling - depressed, unhappy, irritating or bored • E nergy -drained, fatigued, each and everything an attempt, slowed strikes • S leep - waking throughout the time of the night or too early interior the morning, oversleeping or difficulty getting to sleep • T hinking - slow thinking, undesirable concentration, forgetful or indecisive • I nterest - loss of activity in nutrition, artwork, intercourse and life looks uninteresting • V alue - decreased experience of self-worth, low self-worth or guilt • A ches - issues, chest or different pains and not using a actual foundation • L ive - no longer wanting to stay, suicidal ideas or thinking of dying If 5 or greater of the above competition (acronym) indicators are recent for better than 2 weeks, it in all probability is a depressive episode.

Answer 7

Don't take any advice from answers here. Depression can only be diagnosed by a doctor face to face (and only by a doctor with sufficient psychiatric experience).

The symptoms of depression are often vague or present in unusual ways. Also, many other conditions can produce symptoms similar to depression.

Answer 8

The two major symtpoms are a depressed mood and the inability to gain pleasure from things that used to be fun to you. You should still get yourself checked out by a doctor since this sounds serious.

Answer 9

Go to a doctor! Agitation/Irratibility is one sign. They will not just put you in a hospital for life. That doesn't happen anymore. You will not be hospitalized unless you are trying to hurt yourself or someone else. Get help now, depression doesn't just go away for everyone.

Answer 10

You need to go see a local doctor and talk about your feelings and how you are handling life in general. They then can work out if you need them or not. Please go and seek help ASAP, You dont want to hurt someone or yourself and if you have those kinds of feelings i think you need to seek help now.

Take care