Question about depression?

Question

I'm 19 and I've been really depressed for almost a month now. Like everyday, I feel really miserable, I've been really irritable with my co-workers, and I've been having panic attacks at night that keep me up really late. Should I talk to my doc about this?

I hope it's just a phase.

Answer 1

Hey...yes you should definetly talk to your doctor about this or consult a hotline. Nobody should have to put up with and if it's some chemical imbalance, you need to get it fixed and soon. However, if it's something personal and you have a REASON for your depression, you should first try fixing it yourself before going to a doctor or a psychologist.

Answer 2

Well the first thing you need to do is find out what happened about 1 month ago. Did you loose a family member, get dumped by a girl? did you fail a test?

It could also be your job, do you make enough money to cover bills? and how do they treat you there? These things could all lead to the panic attacks at night.

Try drinking milk before bed, and eating something small.
You might also try exercising about an hour before bed, this will relieve your stress and make you tired and its easier to fall asleep.


If you still are having problems in the next couple of weeks, i would see the family doctor or call for an appointment at a hospital

Answer 3

It's not just a phase. I have been clinically depressed myself, and it can be dangerous, even lead to suicide. YES, talk to your doctor about this.
I didn't have panic attacks, unless you count my OCD fits, but I was very irritable also.
Zoloft helps depression. It also helps OCD, but I'd consult your docter to see which medication is right for you.
Hope you get to be better. And don't keep down; explain to your co-workers why you think you have been this way. Trust me, it helps a lot. My depression and OCD was very annoying to my twin sister, because none of us in the family knew I had it. Once I was diagnosed with both, she was more understanding because she knew what the situation was.

Answer 4

It's best to see a doctor first, in case it's thyroid related. Because medication & counselling can take weeks to be effective, practice daily for 15 - 20 mins, and when needed, the mindfulness breathing method at http://www.dbtselfhelp.com/ Tai Chi & yoga may help, too. http://www.yogasite.com/ Take a vitamin B complex, and 4 fish oil supplements, and slowly work your way up to 30 - 60 mins of vigorous exercise, daily. Eat healthily & keep occupied. If you take St. John's Wort, tell your doctor, as it can affect medications. For panic, breathe in to the count of 8, hold to the count of 4, & exhale to the count of 8; repeat 3 or 4 times, or learn and practice the method at http://deeplyrelax.com Some breathe into a paper bag for 10 - 15 seconds. Others recommend nettle tea, honey, no milk.

Answer 5

Yes. You are at an age where some forms of mental illness, including depression, can begin to manifest. This may be something very temporary, but it's worth checking out. Many of those with depression and/or anxiety disorders are suffering from a chemical imbalance in the brain, and when the brain gets sick (like any part of the body can!), the symptoms show up as various forms of mental illness. Most of these conditions are very treatable (mine was!)...
Best,
Ed, RN

Answer 6

Teen Depression: Prevention, Detection
and Causes

"I'm depressed." You might say it casually to refer to sadness that engulfs you and then goes away. But depression is also a mental health illness that may require help from an experienced professional.

About ten percent of Americans suffer from a depressive illness. Some experts estimate that four to five percent of adolescents suffer from teen depression. If you suffer from clinical depression, you can't just "pull yourself together" and get better. Professional intervention is necessary.

Because most depressed young adults do not seek help on their own, your parents, teachers, school counselors and coaches have to recognize the symptoms and know something about teen suicide facts and signs. Without treatment, your illness can last for weeks, months, years, or a lifetime and can have impact on all aspects of your life.

High Risk Factors For Teen Depression

The following situations indicate that you may be at risk:

traumatic events or changes in your life (an abusive parent, divorce, death of a loved one, or breaking up with a longtime girlfriend or boyfriend, for example)
difficult coping with your anger
problems in school
lifestyle changes such as weight loss, weight gain, or difficulty sleeping
a desire to drink alcohol or use drugs
an interest in violence or a growing fear of violence.

As the rate of teen depression rises, so does the incidence of suicide. An estimated eighty percent of adolescents contemplating suicide will give clues that they are suicidal. One of your friends may have indicated that he or she wants to "give up" or "end the misery." If you suspect that someone you know is desperate for help, tell an adult—a teacher, a counselor, or a coach. If they ignore you, tell someone else.

Answer 7

I actually wouldn't go to a doctor, all they do is make you fill out this paper and put you on prozac, yes that may help you, but you might need to go to a psychologist for better help and yes I would seek some help because a month is a long time to experience the symptoms you are feeling. Did something happen to you recently that has made you depressed???

Answer 8

Lots of things can cause depression, it could be a chemical imbalance, or it could be a stressful situation or situations you have yourself in, life is hard and can eefect people in so many ways. Are you or have you done any drugs in the past or recent present that could have effected your bodies balance? Do you eat right? What is your stress level? Has anything happened in your life that was extremely emotional? So many factors could be it. Yet if your actually really in a misunderstanding of why you are depressed I would suggest going to your doctor and asking about it for sure. If you aren't into chemical treatment (if it comes to it) Look for someone in natural medicine (including chinese medicine) who could talk to you about St. Johns wort. MAke sure to be honest about allergies and any medical conditon you may have if any.

Answer 9

Yes, the sooner the better. I waited and almost lost my job. Talk to your doctor, then talk to your family and friends. I found the latter harder, but you really need a support network. And consider what changes you might need to make in your life, i.e., what's causing the depression? If it's your circumstances take action to change them. Don't let the depression lie to you that you can't. If it's a chemical imbalance then you will need the doctor's help to correct it.

Answer 10

Definitely. It would be in your best interest to seek some counseling/therapy. If you're getting panic attacks, you want to make sure it gets under control because if your anxiety gets worse, it could turn into a disorder which becomes more difficult to deal with.