Could I be depressed? If so, how bad....?

Question

I've been like this for a really really long time.. I have no energy, I avoid doing anything that could be difficult.. I constantly feel sad, down, and just plain empty inside.. I feel like I have no self esteem whatsoever. People tell me I'm pretty but I don't believe them at all.. I hardly feel like going anywhere or doing anything anymore.. And most days at work, I just sit there putting on a smile when I feel like I'm crying on the inside... And even friends are starting to get concerned about me. I've been to therapists before for depression, but it didn't help.. If any of you have any ideas, please let me know.....

i just wanna say thanks for everyone's answers and for getting them to me so quickly. i really appreciate it.. i'll be taking your advice very soon. thanks and God bless u all

Answer 1

Amand - We do not always get the right kind of help the first time. Your symptoms could be any number of things...even physical causes such as thyroid problems. Get a good physical from your doctor right away and let the doctor know what you are going through. Give therapy another chance. If you have not already, read The Feeling Good Handbook by Dr. David Burns as well. Call your doctor today hun.

The Skeptical Christian, JPO
Grace and Peace
Peg

Answer 2

Hi Amanda !
Depression is a real feeling . All Humans experience it . Some more often than others .
We must ask Ourselves ; WHY we feel this way .
What are the circumstances ?
What causes Us to feel depressed?
Is it anyone in our family?
Is it money related?
A Boyfriend issue?
Expectations of others letting us down?
Not living up to the expectations of others?
Confused about our purpose?
Etc. etc. etc.
In all probability, the answers to Depression lie within ourselves. Only We, would know the answer.
For each one of Us, there would be a different reason.
Our Faith has a remarkable influence on how We feel.
At some point and time in life, " A Premise must be Established !
Lack of Understanding can have a tremendous impact on Us feeling the blues.
There are myriad reasons.
Ultimately it is up to Us , to ask the questions as to WHY We feel the way We do.
Being mis-informed or mis-led?
Chances are , we've allowed the influence of another , or society itself to suck the Spirit out of Us.
Do not know enough about You or the situation, to give You any type of a definite answer.
I would cherish the moment of being able to assist You in feeling better about Yourself.
There does come a time though, where only WE can make ourselves feel right.
There is much understanding required in this statement.
Nonetheless I hope You are able to do the necessary personal inventory , so as to liberate yourself from ill feelings .
Best of luck

Answer 3

Hey there... it does sound like you're experiencing depression, i too have had similar symptons. To get over this i have basically surrounded myself with things that make me feel good (for example music- i go out regular now with my best friends and have a dance) I also keep a diary of when i have high and low moments so that i get to read into what its is making me feel that way.... then i can decide on how to improve the situation.
It is hard to feel good about yourself when you are feeling low.... i was lucky to have true genuine friends who are there for me no matter what.

A good tip i learnt was, once a week do something good for someone and learn to appreciate how much you helped them... you will soon become more confident ( knowing that you helped someone without even trying hard) and become confiodent in who you are as a person and begin to enjoy life more.

Good luck - keep smiling :o)

Answer 4

I'm sorry therapy didn't help you before. It does sound like you might be depressed. You might want to give therapy another try. If you don't feel like you are clicking with a particular therapist, you can ask for a referral to someone else. When talking to perspective therapists, be clear as to what kind of treatment you want (talking about your past, just working on immediate symptoms, etc).

You could also talk to your family doctor about the possibility of going on medication. A combination of medication and therapy can be very effective in treating depression.

Answer 5

I hope you get lots of emails from this because you are at a point where the best girlfriends are found . Don't give up. It really will all pass. But it is only now you will be able to experience the most passion and emotion. In this state it is possible to be euphoric but later when you are over the depression and know all the secrets of life your emotions will be mundane and boring. Good luck .

Answer 6

i like all of these answers. just take a look at them and you will see the common ground. you need to get help. either by going to your dr and getting a referal, going to a friend or family member, writing one of us strangers that have been there, or looking in the phone book for your own. most of us that are answering you have been there. i have the scars on my arms to prove it. we will help you as best we can but you need some one you can turn to in a pinch. do not feel ashamed or embarassed about what you are feeling. it is not your fault unless you just stop trying. i learned that the hard way when i had to sit down and tell my daughter how i got my scars. we are all with you and wish you the best. stay strong and you can write to me as well

Answer 7

I have depression and you sound like you are too! It took me awhile to find the right therapist. It sounds like you might need to be put on some meds as well. Working out finding something that you like to do. I found spending time outside helps me a lot! journeling is also very helpful!

Answer 8

hello...i know how you feel, i used to live like that for many years, but not anymore. what i did is that one day i said to myself that i was willing to do anything, absolutely anything that could stop my sorrow and pain. and with that in mind one day i met a christian who invited me to his church and there i listened carefully, and when i met the pastor or sheppard, he looked at me straight into my eyes like if he knew me and told me that if i wanted to he could help me, and that in 3 months i would be completely healed of my heart and soul if a was willing to go to his office for counseling. and there in his office he laid his hands on me and started praying, and every time he did that i felt the most strange and pleasent phisical and spiritual experience that i could have ever imagine. and it came true, by the next 3 months i became a very happy joyful person, that was a year ago.
and well thats my story, the story when Jesus saved me and healed me.
why dont you look for him.
look for Jesuschrist. he made our souls, so he is the only one capable of healing a broken heart, and a destroyed soul.
and i have to tell you that i also tried before all kinds of things that always didnt work.

Answer 9

Oh, Amanda, every one has bad days, sounds like this is yours. I've been that way before too, and I know it feels like it won't go away. I don't think that therapists will help, you just need someone to talk to that you can trust. I hope things get better for you and if you need someone to talk to, feel free to email me, I don't know you so I can't gossip about you, your secrets are safe with me. Smile, and remember, "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it.

Answer 10

Go to a physcologist! it could be very sever. You may even be bi-polar and not know it. I suffer prom depression. If it's effecting you that badly call your MHMR. you may even qualify for disability. Get seen this is NOT ok.