Am I depressed or just stressed??

Question

I have been on & off anti-depressants for awhile now. I was depressed most of my pregnancy and just was told by doctors to 'deal with it' (I wasnt able to take anything) Now my daughter is nearly a year and I have taken myself off my medication a month ago as I didnt feel as I needed it anymore. But more recently I have started to feel frustrated with everything and we are moving from England to Canada (my home) in a few weeks. I feel as if all the symptoms of depression are coming back.. I dont really want to go back onto my medication. I just would like to feel normal again. I have also been to see a therapist about some past issues that have caused my depression in the first place. That seemed to help alot but now that I am off my pills I dont know what to do. Do you think it is my depression acting up again due to a stressful situation? Or am I just stressed to the max? Should I go back onto the medication? What should I do?

Answer 1

Hi,

Often, depression is triggered by stress, so it would be good if you could find the reason for this stress. It seems that there are many changes going on in your life - your new daughter and your move to Canada. These are big things in any person's life so don't kick yourself for feeling stressed!

But perhaps you could talk to someone about it, say your husband or girlfriend? Or make a list of what is bothering you right now. Do it in the privacy of your room, just sit down and write it out. Then try to tackle each one in turn.

As for the medication, I suggest you go back to your doctor and tell him what is going on. Let him know about the move. I'm not sure what medication you are on, but if your doc has previously told you it's ok, you can go back on your meds for now.

Good luck. Hope your move back home will be smooth! (I've always wanted to visit Canada. =))

Answer 2

What ur are going through is pretty much all the above- Stress+ anxiety = depression. Its as easy (or hard - )as a math problem. If u subtract one or add something else Ie stress+ anxiety+time alone+talking about it= better. You should think about what is really bothering you. what about the move is so stressful. Why does it feel so over whelming. even if its obvious- just find osmeone to talk to about it. Do something to add to the equation to sind a solution to the problem. It really helps if u think f it as almost mathmatical. If u can break down the stressor u wont end up in depression.

Best of luck to you. Im happy you took the first step by comming on here and asking for help. Ur a smart girl. Best of luck.

Answer 3

Stress can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, nervous, or even anxious. What is stressful to one person is not necessarily stressful to another.

Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or fear. The source of this uneasiness is not always known or recognized, which can add to the distress you feel.

Anxiety disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions that involve excessive anxiety
Just like causes of stress differ from person to person, what relieves stress is not the same for everyone. In general, however, making certain lifestyle changes as well as finding healthy, enjoyable ways to cope with stress helps most people.
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. Don't overeat.
Get adequate amounts of sleep.
Exercise regularly.
Limit caffeine and alcohol.
Don't use nicotine, cocaine, or other recreational drugs
Take breaks from work. Make sure to balance fun activities with your responsibilities. Schedule some leisure time every day. Spend time with people you enjoy, including quality time with your family.
Try learning to make things with your hands (like needlepoint, woodwork, or knitting), playing an instrument, or listening to soothing music.

Answer 4

I would say that its more stress, such a big move is a hugely stressful event. Why not continue without medication and start doing some deep relaxation for a short time each day. That may be enough to help you in the right direction.

Answer 5

Double up of "B" vitamins. It can't hurt, and might help. Johathan Wright (of Tahoma Clinic) has been taking low dose Lithium (5 MG) for 20 years, and says everyone is deficient. Drink more water, and do something to clean your colon (death begins in the colon) . I recommend a salt flush. (two heaping teaspoons of salt in two quarts of warm water, drunk early in the morning on an empty stomach-- plan on spending an hour in the bathroom.) do that 4 days in a row, and the colon will be clean. Depression is often a symptom of a system that has a toxic build up.--- then there is liver cleanse, kidney cleanse,and blood cleanser.

Answer 6

If you just Quit it might be a withdrawl kinda thing it's possible as Stress can cause Depression..... Been there....

Answer 7

You've made the first step, you understand that you may have a problem. You need to talk to a health care proffessional to get guidance. You can also get some help on the net. webmd.com is a good info source. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

It's because you stopped suddenly. Before stopping, i would talk to my doctor. Because you stopped, i would talk to my doctor about maybe starting up on them again if needed.

Answer 9

You may need to get back on a anti-depressent
or anxiety med. but I encourage you to also do this, as positive coping techniques. Please Patiently read everything below, Thanks.
*As we approach the stressors in our life with an optimistic attitude, it will help us a great deal to deal effectively with stress, anger, depression, anxieties, etc. The main way I deal with stress, anger, etc. is I take 15 min. early in the morning, and 15 min. in the evening to practice a simple meditation called the mindfulness of breathing. [I also practice Analytical meditation for 15 min. a day; spoken of later].
Mindfulness of Breathing exercises:
1) Be in a comfortable position, whether sitting
or lying down.
2) Have someone watch your other children for
about 15 min. [Increase in time gradually, after practicing for a month].
Then close your eyes, and concentrate
totally on your breathing.
3) At the end of your first inhalation of oxygen,
count one. Keep doing this until you get to
ten. Remain patient with yourself.
4) Then focus your attention on breathing only
through your nostrils, which filter out all
the things, which are not healthy to breath
into your lungs. Be aware of the various
sensations through your nostrils, while you
continue the counting. When you get to
ten, start again at one.
5) When a distracting thoughts enters your mind
allow them to pass through {your mind], or judging them, or trying to fix them.
And then gently, patiently bring your full
attention back to your breath. Every time,
a distracting thought {any thought which
would take your attention of your breath),
comes to your mind, you need to use this
skillful, disciplinary method of bring it back.
Thoughts do come into our minds, especially
worrisome , or pressing thoughts
which indicate to us that we have an anxious mind.
Just be patient w/yourself, and keep practicing.
**"There is proven evidence of the
Success of The Mindfulness of Breathing
Exercises Proven by Dr. Jon Kabat-ZinnPhD
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD. has a book
out called, "Coming to Our Senses' which
teaches this. *There is also a book called, " The
Beginner's Guide to Insight Meditation"
by: Arinna Weisman & Jean Smith which is most
Excellent also.*” The Mindfulness of Breathing
greatly help us to clearly see things as they really are, in order to act and react in a healthy manner toward people, and situations in life.
I practice mindfulness of breathing to reduce stress and anger, and to cultivate Patience. I really enjoy the practice of mindfulness of breathing exercises. In Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn's clinic in Mass. he teaches the mindfulness of breathing to his patients to help them reduce pain, stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and worry. Many people establish the practice of mindfulness, as a way of life for themselves. For some, who are very Analytical, and might have a difficult time calming down their mind, "analytical meditation" is probably geared more for them. This method of meditation is excellent for effectively dealing with pain, stress, & anger. Training in Patience: The meditation of observing our stress and anger involves paying close attention to the storyline behind stress and anger. We note the blood rushing to our head, our heart pounding, the emotional pain of hurt feelings, disappointment, & unfulfilled expectations. Simply observing these, “but Not reacting to them by clinging to them or pushing them away, we experience them as they are in the present. In doing so, we watch them arise And Cease in their own accord.” Mindfulness is very effective in letting go of Negative emotions. “Techniques in which we re-frame the situation constitute most of this volume, and they fall in the category of 'Analytical meditation, in which we investigate our thoughts, feeling, and perceptions to discern if they are accurate and beneficial. Changing the way we describe and interpret situations subdue stress, pain, anger because we stop exaggerating and projecting negativities onto people, situations, and objects.' In this way, the external event, its meaning, & our position in it appear to us differently, and our stress and anger evaporates.” Meditation on love and compassion{loving-kindness meditation], (which many do as form of walking meditation) strengthens these positive thoughts and emotions in our minds and hearts, which are beneficial because these thoughts and emotions act not only as antidotes to stress and anger, but also as measures preventing them from arising. So for some, mindfully observing their Thoughts and emotions allow stress and anger to subdue naturally, while for others, a more Analytical approach is necessary. Through investigation{introspection), we see clearly that stress and anger are states of mind that misapprehends their object {either the person or the situation). But remember, subduing stress & anger, to cultivate Patience properly is a slow and steady process. Don’t expect them to always disappear overnight. Reacting stressfully and in anger are deeply ingrained habits, & like all habits, it takes time to unlearn. Practice Meditating daily. (Think about this, who really gives us the best opportunity to demonstrate patience, compassion, and tolerance? Not our friends, because they are nice to us. It is our enemies. Through having an optimistic attitude, we can clearly see that it is our enemies which help us that infinitely beneficial, wholesome quality of Patience. It is those who harm and offend us that actually give us excellent opportunities to cultivate Patience). “Meditation greatly helps us deal effectively with stress, and anger – to cultivate Patience and tolerance, resulting in Peace of Mind.
This “Patience” is the ability to remain internally calm, and undisturbed in the face of harm or difficulties. Through the situations in life which we are faced with, patience and wisdom are cultivated and stress-energy w/in us, and the anger-energy within us are slowly dissolved, resulting in peace of mind.*
Thank You for Your Excellent Question, Remain Optimistic. The world needs more people like you, who have a positive optimistic attitude in Life. I encourage you to daily practice the mindfulness of breathing!*