how do you know if you are depressed?

Question

i think i am. and have been for a long long time. i never seeked treatment because, i am in denial, and or everyone gets sad sometimes. however, i go through emotional eposodise quite frequently. I talk to my mother about it, and she quitley brushes it off, and again tells me, everyone gets sad.

..... also, how can a doctor figure this one out?...

Answer 1

Basically, if you have symptoms for more than 2 weeks the Dr. will diagnose you with depression. Feel tired often? Not as social as you normally are? Do you find yourself wanting to spend more and more time alone, things you once enjoyed not so fun anymore? Eating habits changed? If so then you are probably depressed. Everyone gets the blues now and again but the difference is it doesnt last that long. If your symptoms have lasted more than 2 weeks I would recommend seeing a Dr. Good luck to you!

Answer 2

If you see a doctor, you will most likely be given a physical examination and asked a number of questions. If your doctor deems it necessary, he or she may refer you to a mental health specialist or therapist. There is no "test" for depression per se, but there are signs that medical *experts* are trained to recognize. (In other words, don't rely too heavily upon the answers you find here. Only a doctor can safely diagnose anything!)

If you suspect you're depressed, please do see a doctor! Don't try anything drastic to convince your mother you need to go- just do your best to explain why you feel the need. It really is important, if you are suffering from a health problem- and depression is a health problem!- that you be treated. If you are old enough, take yourself to the doctor. If not, _get in touch with your school nurse or counselor_ and explain the situation.

Good luck- I hope you feel better!

Answer 3

You should definitely see your doctor. Your doctor is the only person that can tell whether you are depressed or not. Your doctor will use a checklist which lists the criteria that a person must meet inorder to be diagnosed with depression. If you meet enough of the criteria, you will be diagnosed and be able to get the help you need to make you feel better.

Sure everyone gets sad now and then, but what matters is how being sad effects you. If your sadness interferes with your everyday life and makes things difficult for you, that's what matters.

Answer 4

I don't know. I have the same problem. I think I am to the point I really should get treatment, but I hate medication of any kind. It might fix one thing, but usually messes up another. If you're sad and feel bad most of the time maybe you should see a doctor. I think doctor's only go by what you tell them. I don't think there are any real "tests" for depression. You're Mom is right that everyone gets sad, but not everyone gets sad and stays sad. I hope you get it worked out. I think I know how you're feeling, and I feel for you.

Answer 5

That's sounds like my parents did, luckily my sister helped me seek help. I can develpe into a very serious situation if it goes too far. Many people who are depressed don't realize it because they can't see thru the fog of it. People do get sad sometimes but come out of it. If you've been sad or down for a long period of time then seek the help of a doctor. When the doctor asks you question about your thoughts and feelings you need to answer honestly. It can be very hard to admit your feelings. Good luck!

Answer 6

Please see your dr., and get some blood work done. Also, see if he can refer you to a counselor in your local area. The counselor can help by giving you a test to determine if it's Adhd, add, depression, bipolar, etc. If you think you are depressed, signs of that can be overeating (emotional eating) sleeping too much, or too little. If sleeping too little, do you wake up during the night, with too many thoughts on your mind? The dr. can also help you figure out if it is depression or not, by all the symptoms. Please, when you go see your dr, let him/her know all the ways you have been feeling how long you have been feeling this way (approx.), your eating, sleeping habits. Let your dr. know what you think might have brought this on-a break up with someone you loved? A friendship that ended abruptly? etc. I wish you the best. Take care.

Answer 7

you cant depend on a doctor to manage your health care totally anymore. If you feel you are depressed, and just cant snap yourself out of it then you probably are. You have to do your own research on your situation, and any possible therapy/drugs there are to help people with your situation. Take your research and tell a doctor you halfway trust about what you have found. YOU know yourself better than a doctor, only you have to be educated about your problem before you go in to talk to them. When you are clear with them, they can suggest the right solution. Then, you do more research on what they suggested and decide if you agree with them. If you are young and still in school, I urge you to talk to your school counselor. They are usually very understanding about young people's situations and offer good, unbiased advice. If you are older and can make your own appts. with a doctor, dont waste any more of your life being unhappy and go see one. There are chemical conditions within your body that you dont have any control over that can be caused by several different things, such as a thyroid disorder, hormone disorder, etc. So many things can cause mood disorders besides just everyday stress.

Answer 8

ive had depression twice now
i felt like i did not every want to do any thing
i wanted to sleep
i cryed all day
i had to make my self eat somedays
i ate all day long on the days i didn't have to make myself


the doc know what to ask you to find out what is wrong with you

depression is no fun

like you are locked in a dark closet

there is lots of meds out there for your doc to prescibe
and you dont have to take them for ever just till your doc or you know you are better

there are "test" they give you questions really they asked me how many presidents i could name what the date was they showed me a picture of some thing when i first walked in and sat down and at the end of the appt he asked me what that pic was he showed me and if i could ssay my alphabet backwards these are all things they ask you to see you observant you are and how well you can concentrate depending on how depressed you are

lol so i taught myself how to say the abc backwards cause i was disapointed that i couldn't so now i can

if you were physicaly sick you would go to a doc right well you need to take care of your mental health too...

good luck take care of your self dont be ashamed to get help

Answer 9

You know your depressed when you don't want to participate in any activities and unhappy either about yourself or anything negative going on in your life. You basically feel lethargic. You need to talk to a professional because obvioulsy your mother doesn't want to discuss this with you.

Answer 10

I think im depressed.I never been to the doctor either before for depression.1.I cry alot.2.I sleep alot.3.I lost intrest in things i once loved.I always get mad or angry when people talk to me.