Do I suffer from depression? or something else?

Question

Sometimes (maybe 4 or 5 days out of the month for the last 6 months) I've been having episodes of extreme sadness, usually precluded by thoughts of self-worthlessness or an incident that gives me a feeling of self-worthlessness. One reason it happens so much is that I have no friends. Up to christmas eve, I had never talked to a girl on the phone, and had never even been close to being in a relationship. Now me and this girl have been talking for a month and gone out once (she had to cancel twice for good reasons). Twice since then I have managed to convince myself that her likeing me (she initiated the talking with me by the way) was some kind of mistake and that I was supposed to be alone, even though I do NOT want to be alone. Each of those times I got really depressed, and I hate it. Is this depression? or what?

I think I might need a therapist or something, but I am too ashamed to tell my family my problem. (I am 20 years old by the way)

Answer 1

This sounds very much like a situational depression. There are several ways to handle this and you have already thought of one. The two major forms of help for depression are therapy and medication. Research has shown that in combination, they work the best. I'm not sure why you feel you need to discuss this with your parents if you want to pursue therapy. You are an adult and can make those choices for yourself. The same goes for medication. And you don't have to worry about either therapists or doctors telling your parents/family, because they are bound by HIPAA, which forbids them from releasing any information regarding mental health issues (or any medical issues) without a release of information signed by you.

There are other ways of managing depression if you don't want to utilize the above. There are natural substances, like St. John's Wort, that are helpful in dealing with depression. Please get information about this before using this though, because there are interactions between St John's Wort and other substances. There is also exercise which is very good for dealing with depression. And lastly, there are support groups in just about every city to help with all kinds of issues.

I would hazard a guess that, in addition to your depression, you might have some self-esteem issues. I would urge you to find someone to discuss these things with.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Don't be ashamed! Most people suffer from some symptoms of depression or social anxiety. It's a tough world we live in - for lots of people - not just you :) Talk to your family - or if you worry about talking to them, maybe there's a family friend, teacher, or doctor that you trust more. Talking to someone really helps make me feel like I'm not the only one - which is important to know. There are also some great books. Go to the local barnes and noble and go to the mental health section and browse. There aren't any easy answers - but the most you can do is be as active as possible, eat healthy, get some sun (all proven to help depression) and talk about what you are feeling. Treat yourself well and others will follow your lead.

Answer 3

It sounds like you may be depressed (I would even say probably), you should see someone about it. I have suffered from depression for fifteen years and it doesn't always feel so bad but, as I think you are beginning to see, when it's is bad it's VERY bad. One thing I've learned to recognize now is that maybe the times when I feel okay I'm really not. Maybe I've just been depressed for so long that I don't remember what it feels like to be "normal". In any case, it's better to be addressing it head on - don't waste any time feeling badly if you don't have to (you don't).

When it comes to feeling ashamed, I don't really know what to say. I can't say that I ever felt ashamed but I have, at times, felt violated. Like everyone was trying to look into my head, explaining my emotions away. Now, I have one really close friend who I can tell anything and she totally gets it because she has her own things going on too. She never makes me feel this way, she helps me to feel better and convinces me to get help when I need it.

Answer 4

sounds like you lack confidence...make a list of your good points and refer to that list when you feel down. In addition pop some vitamins/minerals to add a boost, and eat well. Do something to increase your self confidence like take some courses, learn something new, have things to talk about, and get yourelf some support friends. Make a plan and each time you reach a plateau or learn something new then pat yourelf on the back for a job well done. Join a special interest group (try all the ones you know and search out for those you don't know about). Go to one meeting and see if you'd like it, there's no harm in visiting a group. Maybe you just don't know or won't let yourself acknowledge that people do like you.

Answer 5

I think it's more a self-esteem issue which leads you to being depressed. No one is supposed to be alone. No One. Continue with your talking (sometimes it's easier over the phone than in person). Get out more too, whether with guys your own age or family. Do you go to college? Go to a counselor there, it's free and you don't have to involve your family. Don't be ashamed. Everyone needs help and everyone needs someone.

Answer 6

I think that you had some circumstances that dictated your mood, which is very normal. When you get depressed, do you do anything else? Or is it hard to find the motivation to do anything else at all? That would be more like depression. Seeing as you don't have any good friendships, maybe it would help you to talk to a therapist about your feelings of self worth. Maybe they have a free counseling service at your school. They have a program like that at my husband's job. They don't even tell your co-workers or bosses you are seeking help. Until then, we'll all be your friend!

Answer 7

Unless you have been depressed for more than two weeks and sleep a lot and feel suicidal, I don't think you are. I just think you just get in a funk some days (everyone does). The next time you get depressed just find something you enjoy doing and get out of the house. Keep yourself busy and go somewhere where there are lots of people. Try going to a gym, the library, go out with friends or co-workers, volunteer your time to a charity or the local homeless shelter.
Remember we all get depressed at some point don't let it ruin your self-worth.

Answer 8

I think you should take some positive action to try to make friends. One great way is to volunteer for some charity activities, or join a bicycle, running, or other type of club. Try to talk to people there, see about going to the movies or some other kinds of activities with them.

If you are still feeling this way, then tell your parents you would like to see a therapist. YOu don't say if you have insurance. If you do (through being a student or your job) then you are not dependent upon their insurance and you don't have to tell them at all.

Answer 9

You don't need a therapist. Just focus on other things. Go for a jog everyday and boost those serotonin levels naturally. Find a new hobby, get involved in your community. Part of the depression may just be boredom and feelings of worthlessness. Find ways to boost your self esteem. Just start doing more.

Answer 10

We all go through low points in our lives, provoked by many different circumstances. You may very well be in the early stages of depression and there are ways to rise above the insinuating circumstances. Best place to begin is with your self-esteem/self-worth. Close your mind to negative thoughts/opinions of others, as well as your own, that have been judgmental of you. THEY ARE JUST OPINIONS! Opinions, are just thoughts >>>doesn't make them true>>> and have been known to be wrong!! Focus only on your strengths (strong points), associations, and activities that encourage you to feel/think positive about yourself, others, and life in general. Apply them habitually. Confidence, gives us the assurance and courage we need to cope and endure with problems, trials, and even loss/rejection. Those activities, individuals, locals, relationships, etc., which provoke a sad/depressed mindset should be limited or better still, eliminated from your life (perhaps permanent), or @ least until you're self-worth is healthy. Remember, we're ALL in the same boat and we ALL make mistakes. We ALL also inherit or obtain personality quirk(s) (irritating/annoying habit(s), that may rarely or occasionally expose themselve(s), thereby, annoying others, but who of us is better than the other and worthy to condemn, when we're ALL guilty of the same issue! Inspite of our quirks, mistakes, and failures, we're still enjoyable company, as well as lovable! Counseling and/or support groups can do wonders!!! The company of others, especially, those who can relate to us can offer one a priceless communication and friendship. It would be in your best interest to involve your family, too. (But, that's for you to decide). Lastly, the first step, to "overcoming," is NOT to worry about what others think! Most of us had or do need some sort of counseling. And that's a fact! (research it) PPL who "dis" counseling, support groups, and psychologists (pychiatrists prefer prescribing drugs than addressing the root cause/problem), are demonstrating their arrogance (sign of a poor self-image) and ignorance, usually find themself making an appointment, somewhere in their lifetime, too! I'm optimistic if you get some much needed support, you'll find your pinnacle of contentment and happiness, with yourself as an indiviual and with life. Then those valley's won't seem so impossible, after all!

You are what you think you are, so think what you CAN be,
You'll overcome defeats and set yourself free!