How depressed do you have to be to count as clinically depressed?

Question

I constantly feel depressed,but I'm not sure if its bad enough to go and see a professional about it.(I don't want to worry my family over nothing)
I might as well say all the things I feel to give you all a general idea of the way my mind works.
I'm a 17 year old male. I know I have a good life, but in my head, I see myself as an inferior person. I could go on for days about how crap I am,so basically,I have terrible self esteem.I'm always apologizing when I do things I think are stupid,because I'm an idiot.I think about stupid things I do for weeks afterwards,and exaggerate them a lot,I'm paranoid that my friends will desert me.
Theres probably a couple more things but I also have thoughts of suicide sometimes, and self harm. I've cut myself 3 times so far, and have been making a suicide plan in my head. It worries me that I plan out all this stuff in detail (possible dates, exact areas to cut, etc)
So,are these symptoms enough to look for help from someone?I want serious answers

Just to add slightly more, I feel really pissed off because all of my problems are in my head, which means I can never escape them. I'd say my friends, (who already know about all this) probably think I'm just looking for attention, which annoys me even more!

Answer 1

I think anything more then just the occasional down day is a probable clinical case. If the up days are fewer or farther apart then the downs, then it's probably clinical.

I think your best bet is to sit down a few times with a good psychologist who can help you figure out what is up and why you feel the way you do. From there they can better determine if medication is the best bet (because it's not always), or if you'd be better off with just counseling and learning how to get yourself in a more positive mental state.

Tell your family, tell them that you have this problem and need their support, have them help you find someone good and set up an appointment. Because of your age, do not keep this hidden. Men in particular tend to hide these things too much...one of my own that I will love forever decided to stop living at 27...and like with many men, no one really had any idea until it was too late. He should be almost 31 now, it never stop beings hard to deal with...

Hope you feel better soon, even if it seems bleak now, you have lots of good life still ahead.


1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433
http://www.hopeline.com

Answer 2

Psychologists have a book called the DSM IV(r). It has a list of symptoms for depression and a lot of other psychological issues. You have to meet a certain number of these symptoms to be officially clinically diagnosed. Definately talk to a professional about even thinking about suicide; evem if you don't have a definate plan, it is a SERIOUS issue to even think about. Brother, you are not an idiot OR stupid. Depression only lets you think you are. I used to feel much the same way as you do. I got help and I got proper medication. Now I have fun. I'm moving to Florida in a week because I pilot a Harley Drag Racing Bike professionally and there are more races down south. I have a gorgeous girlfriend who is 18 years younger that me (don't worry, she's 30 and races too). I do a lot of good and fun **** that would never have happened when I was in the depths of depression. When I was at my worst, I never even left my house. Now I can't wait to get up in the morning aand get out of the house and do SOMETHING! Life is pretty good; get some professional help and find this out for yourself.

Answer 3

You have my full empathy. I suffered from depression decades, since possibly the age of eight. I did not feel suicidal, but I fully understand the feelings of inferiority. It only makes you feel more guilty knowing your life is good, etc. Nevermind all that! Tell your parents. They are wise enough, surely, to realize that you aren't placing blame anywhere, and I'm sure they love you and would want to help you now before these feelings, even though they are unfounded, escalate. Your friends don't have to know this very personal side of your life. They likely don't have a clue about the anguish and despair you are currently feeling. I've heard it said that depression is anger turned inward. Part of me accepts that, but sometimes it's chemical and can be treated very well with the right medicines and a good doctor. Don't over analyze everything. Try to get a good night's sleep and some exercise. I promise you, as one who knows, physical exercise will do wonderful things for your mental well being. Don't wait around; things do sound serious, and you need to get some help from people who care and love you. There is hope; I promise you.

Answer 4

I am 17 as well, and even though I have never considered suicide, I have spent much time over the past 6+ months contemplating my own general unhappiness, crying for what seems to be no reason at all, trying to figure out what this "problem" of mine could be. (or whether its even a real problem at all) I understand how difficult a decision it would be to seek REAL help for your depression. But if everything you say about yourself is true (and I believe it is) then I think you have every right to seek it.

I can tell that you desire more from life than what you’ve been getting, and you must know that good things in life exist, otherwise you would'nt have bothered to ask this question.

It would be worth you while to talk to your family and/or a professional. They care about you.

Answer 5

Your symptoms are definitely enough to warrant seeking help.I'm a 39 yr. old female(who has a B.A. in psych.),and looking back,I was depressed enough throughout h.s. and college to have benefitted from help.I finally saw someone in my late 20's.If you don't want to worry your family,try looking into sliding-scale(or free) services offered by your community.I wouldn't waste time talking to "some adult at school that you trust,like a counselor".My personal experience has been that your depression is likely to get worse.There are some great new meds out now that work very well without serious side effects, and anyone can benefit from talking things over with an objective mental health professional.Being 17 is hard.You are expected to plan for your future as an adult, yet are still often treated like a child.Seeking mental health assistance will definitely help smooth out this rough time for you.

Answer 6

read some positive thinking type books and apply the methods i did when i was introverted as a child and made myself into who i wished to be .am a great salesman now
You can create a whole new you if you work at it.. have faith.
You have to just hang in there .we all do stupid stuff, i could write a book on the utterly stupidest stuff i have done,Its called life.get out and live it. be yourself and stop apologizing.laugh at life, enjoy your youth.have faith .love yourself, your a great guy.have a good attitude.it doesn't really matter what others say, if you want something, go get it,imagine all the great things you will one day do, have some hopes and dreams, Your going to make it just fine, i have confidence in you.

Answer 7

I want to suggest you get immediate assistance with your depression. It sounds very serious to me. I have suffered from depression in the past and that is exactly what you have described. I am sure your family would want you to ask for help. It can be gotten quickly and you will be treated immediately. Let someone know ASAP because depression can be treated successfully with medication and some therapy. Do not suffer further! Talk to someone you trust today. I urge you to do this.

Answer 8

Here are some signs of clinical depression:

Feelings of sadness and/or irritability.

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.

Changes in weight or appetite.

Changes in sleeping pattern.

Feeling guilty.

Inability to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions.

Fatigue or loss of energy.

Restlessness or decreased activity noticed by others.

Feeling hopeless, or worthless.

Thoughts of suicide or death.

Answer 9

Do see some right away...call your local crisis line.
When someone has plans of how they are contemplaing suicide that is clinical depression.

If you do not even think about suicide that is what is termed anxiety.

Answer 10

Stop reading this, and make a phone call NOW.

If you have cut yourself and are planning suicide in detail, don't worry about HOW depressed you are, worry about GETTING HELP.

And PLEASE, for what it's worth from a stranger on Y!A, don't hurt yourself. You have too much of your life ahead