depression....?

Question

How do u know that u r going through acual depression instead of it just being a feeling that u get?

Answer 1

Symptoms:

You feel miserable and sad.

You feel exhausted a lot of the time with no energy .

You feel as if even the smallest tasks are sometimes impossible.

You seldom enjoy the things that you used to enjoy-you may be off sex or food or may 'comfort eat' to excess.

You feel very anxious sometimes.

You don't want to see people or are scared to be left alone. Social activity may feel hard or impossible.

You find it difficult to think clearly.

You feel like a failure and/or feel guilty a lot of the time.

You feel a burden to others.

You sometimes feel that life isn't worth living.

You can see no future. There is a loss of hope. You feel all you've ever done is make mistakes and that's all that you ever will do.

You feel irritable or angry more than usual.

You feel you have no confidence.

You spend a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong, what will go wrong or what is wrong about yourself as a person. You may also feel guilty sometimes about being critical of others (or even thinking critically about them).

You feel that life is unfair.

You have difficulty sleeping or wake up very early in the morning and can't sleep again. You seem to dream all night long and sometimes have disturbing dreams.

You feel that life has/is 'passing you by.'

You may have physical aches and pains which appear to have no physical cause, such as back pain.

Answer 2

The boundaries can be blurred.

If you feel you are possibly depressed, please do not take drugs, either street drugs or ones from a doctor. Doctors are giving out drugs like candy - especailly for depression - these days. Some times the side effects are even worse than the medications for certain people (including those kids from Columbine.)
I don't know anything about you but here are some words of advice. (I know - for what it's worth). I hope at least one thing I say can help you.
First, you need to have patience with yourself. No one is perfect, so you need to treat yourself as you would a beloved child of beloved friend. Be gentle and forgiving. Get sleep, exercise, fresh air. Spend some time every day on something you want to do that does not benefit anyone else. It could be reading, or something creative. Go to a movie you think might be fun. Call up a friend or someon you might like to spend a little time with (your elderly God mother perhaps) and go for a walk, where you can take in a lot of nature and fresh clean air.
Next, if you are not already in therapy, you need to find a therapist. Or if you are in therapy and your conselor just sits around waiting for you to whine, but gives you no real feedback, it's time to look for someone new. You might have to try out a few different people before you find one who clicks.
Try to keep your emotional level positive, as much as possible. Sometimes this can be really tough, but if you continually allow only negative thoughts and feelings, then your brain circuits for that will get stronger and your depression will increase. That is why I said that the boundaries can be blurred. See if you can make some changes throughout the day to change that. Buy or make yourself a new bracelet you can wear to remind yourself of this effort you are making to become a new friend to yourself.
Rent some seriuosly funny movies . Laughter blows off a lot of stored up steam.
After you have tried all that and have achieved some success, you need to make a personal plan. What you need to plan is how to trick yourself into painlessly getting rid of all your self destructive behaviors. It could be smoking, losing sleep over some stupid IM's at night that weren't really worth it, or perhaps something like letting your body get out of shape.
Think about what is really precious in life to YOU. Never mind what your parents want you to do with the rest of your life. Maybe some of their ideas are good ones, some not for you. Think about what you want for the long term and the short term. What is really important to you, and how can you communicate that to another person? If you can't communicate it now it's OK. At least try to think about it so you can recognize kindred spirits when you meet them.

Answer 3

The symptoms of depression create a buffer between others and us, thereby diminishing both the quantity and quality of social interaction. Depression isolates us, disables us, and can contribute to deteriorating physical as well as emotional health.

Depression is an internal “stress state.” To an outsider, the symptoms seem to represent a form of either agitation or withdrawal. But inside, each depressed person experiences the condition differently. The severity of symptoms varies by individual and over time. Some people exhibit a few of the following symptoms; some have many:

Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue
Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

Answer 4

Most Times If It's Just A Feeling It will go away in a matter of days or even a week. Depression last mo and sometimes even years.The feelings may be the same however true depression doesn't just go away.Most not all people have to take meds or talk to someone all there life.But either way I am no Dr. So you may want to go see him and get his insight.Good Luck!

Answer 5

For me, I know I'm depressed if the "gloom" lasts for over two weeks & I don't want to be botherd by anyone or anything. In other words, I withdraw into myself.(Interestingly- my focus improves when I'm depressed. -Perhaps because I'm not so easily distracted. I can more easily get "lost" in whatever I'm doing...) The bottom line IS; everybody has a few "off" days now & then. But if they stretch on for weeks- then you're probably depressed & should DO something about it.

Answer 6

Maybe you just have a seasonal disorder. Perhaps you just need to keep busy during the Winter months. I don't like the word depression even if some people become extremely depressed and they need medication. It can be a label overly used.

Answer 7

Feeling like hell! Really, it can just drain your whole body and mind. Constant sadness, not laughing or smiling much, not even wanting to get out of bed each day. Sometimes its easier to just sleep and forget about everything else. Its a constant battle, not sure if it can ever be completly cured, but I think it can be dealt with. Its not easy though. I think other peoples actions and comments can be the biggest key though. They are more likely to see the changes in you than you are.

Answer 8

depression will be prevacive and all encompassing...it wont be a feeling but it will be all there is ..if you have to ask me thinks yours may just be a feeling..get some exercise and fresh air and do something nice and fun...and hopefully it will pass...as it does for many people...

Answer 9

If you feel sad all of the or most of the time, then you should go visit a psychologist.

Answer 10

got $100 extra bucks? go to a stress room. Its where u break everything in there