Am I depressed? or just sad?

Question

My husband thinks Im depressed, or headed in that direction. I used to be really lively and always laughing. Then I moved, now Im not around my family or friends. Im in an area where its really hard to make friends cause EVERYONE is related or went to school together. I know I need to get out more, Im aware of this. But Im also just there, I cry at the drop of a hat, I dont find anything funny anymore, all I want to do is watch TV, even when I know I have things to do. I never used to be this way...you couldnt get me to sit still before. And I never slept late, now all i want to do is sleep. And I get grouchy and nervous really quick Im always on edge. I've been here for 8 months now so I should be over being homesick so I just dont know what is going on, Im not me anymore. I dont want to resort to medication, any ideas? Has anyone experienced this before?

Answer 1

I would say, based on personal experience, that if this has lasted beyond two weeks that you are clinically depressed. It doesn't mean you are crazy so don't worry about that! It's just a temporary stage you are experiencing. Maybe you should seek out some counseling. I only took anti-depressants one time and quickly got rid of them. I thought they were like a pair of crutches, but I thought it best to rationalize by problems and work things out. I also know how you feel about losing friends and family. I've moved so often because of the military or other business pursuits. I also went to college 2000 miles from my folks and friends, and my other siblings were 3200 miles away--and that was before the internet. What I would suggest is get some counseling. Meanwhile, go to a library and get on the internet and start some communications with your family and friends. I am sure some will send you over some photos that would make you feel better and closer to them. Make a plan to take a vacation to go see them--say a few months' down the road. Always plan ahead and have options ready. This doesn't mean you have to shut and lock the door. Remember that phrase: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." You will better appreciate the times with them once you have a reunion. Also do try to get out and socialize more often. Talk to people wherever you go--and smile. Walk down the block and meet neighbors--start by just saying "hello". There is always someone like you and who shares your predicaments. Maybe you can go to group therapy and meet like-minded or like-situated people. You'll be surprised how easy it is to make new friends, and you'll feel much relieved once that is done. Good luck---see, on this forum you could make new friends as well!

Answer 2

yea sweety you are definately starting down the path to depression, and the majority of people out there have felt the exact same way, and yes I to have experienced this before. I recommend that you simply make yourself go out and do things. You don't have to be around people in order to be happy. Start off by finding something that you can do on your own as a hobby, something that makes you happy. Then after you have developed your hobby I recommend finding other people who are into the same things that you are or maybe that share an interst in your hobby. Another thing that you hould look at is your relationship with your husband and you work life. Make sure that everything that you do is something that is geared towards making you happy, no matter how strange it is or how eccentric. Life is here for only a breath and everyone should be able to find at least one thing that makes them happy for a breath. If you ever need some one to talk to about it I would say give me a call. I am a good person to talk to because I love listening.

540-392-6513
my name is Joe by the way

Answer 3

I am not sure if it is depression...I am also not a doctor...LOL...so I have no real right to say...but I understand what you are going through. My husband is in the military, so we move a lot. It is hard moving away from all that you know and love. You should talk to a doc about it. Sometimes, things we may think we need to just "get over", we can't alone. This in no way means something is wrong with you. You are going through a very rough time, and maybe someone who is a doc can help. Where have you moved to? I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 4

Yes, you do sound depressed. Those are some symptoms of depression and I am sorry you are having a hard time! I know you don't want to resort to medication, but listen, medication is not as bad as you may think! Medication is a really good thing when people need it. Therapy and medication go hand in hand. Try to be active, try to find a hobby or some thing you enjoy doing to feel better about yourself or your situation. Try to keep your mind busy so you don't have time to think about it all the time. Keep a journal, or write a feelings letter. You don't have to give it to any one, it will make you feel better to get your feelings out. Best of luck to you sweetie! ;o)

Answer 5

Perhaps it is depression, but it is understandable....u've moved 2 where u have no friends or family that's hard...if u don't want 2 resort ot medication then my friend u must force urself 2b lively again...go 2 church, join a dance club...an excersie club or even a book club...make a pact with urself not 2 turn on the tv for 4 whole days.....and to talk to atleast 1 new person a day......u can do it....just motivate urself...this new person is not U.....U are a lively, intelligent, upbeat woman....AND u need to get ur butt off the couch and start acting like it ;D good luck

Answer 6

Yah, I know what it feels like. Maybe, you were passionate about something before but things aren't going as expected - you don't know how to handle it, so you just mope around. I get like that when I use up all my energy on something and then when something doesn't go according to plan, I get overwhelmed, sad, grouchy, lazy, etc... I think everything is pointless. I guess, my only suggestion is try to be open to new opportunities and excitements in your new life away from where you once lived. Create the new you. You can still keep the old you but it doesn't hurt to keep on growing.

Answer 7

I can relate to what your going through. I think you might be both sad and depressed. Try taking a yoga class. That way you will get out and get a little exercise and stress relief. It may lift your mood and you might also make a new friend. I know it's difficult right now but keep your chin up! You seem like a cool person that is just going though a rough patch.

Answer 8

I am major depressive and that sounds like all of the symptoms I have....I would go seek help soon before it gets worse. I have had it for almost 15 years now and mine will be life long....if you don't want to take meds then i would suggest atleast talking to a counselor maybe they can help you through this.....good luck to you, I know it's tough....Oh yeah and it's always the ones who love you that notice this stuff and not you, so I really hope your husband supports you every step of the way cause you'll need it. Hope this helps a bit.

Also I know you don't want to take meds but Zoloft is a wonderful wonderful one if you ever consider taking a med for it. It worked wonders for me:)

Answer 9

it does sound like depression... but small towns can be tough. you should try going out more, go to the park. the sun is proven to raise your spirits because it promotes the production of vitamin k and other good stuff in your body.
also, plan a trip to visit your family and friends and see if your mood is the same there or if it's only that way when you get back to your new town.

Answer 10

that happened to me when i stayed in california for 6 weeks. i had only been there 2 days and found out my dog back home died. there was no one out in california to really comfort me - no one who knew my dog, no one who really knew me all that well, and all i did for a long time was just...be. i cried all the time, i slept A LOT, just sat around watching tv or listening to my ipod. but after a while i got really busy with work and that forced me to stop laying around being depressed. i would suggest that you give yourself something to do that will occupy your time, rather than just watching tv. find a project or something, or work part-time somewhere.

after my 6 weeks in california, i went back home and found it really comforting to be around my family and friends again. is there a way you could go to visit your family or friends back home? and don't forget, everyone is just a phone call away too!

hope this helps.