Is Depression a figment of my imagination.?

Question

depression runs in my family as far back as i know but my dad doesnt believe in mental conditions unless its something like Dow syndrom, i've seen guidence counselors and all say i am severly depressed, but my dad wont do anything about it, i have thoughts of suicide and such, the only thing that keeps me going are my friends and thats not good. I've seen peoples friends of years betray them and if it happened to me i dont think i could handle it.

depression runs in my family as far back as i know but my dad doesnt believe in mental conditions unless its something like Dow syndrom, i've seen guidence counselors and all say i am severly depressed, but my dad wont do anything about it, i have thoughts of suicide and such, the only thing that keeps me going are my friends and thats not good. I've seen peoples friends of years betray them and if it happened to me i dont think i could handle it. Oh, i revised this with my age, i'm 17 and i wont have to be in his care for too long but i feel like i'm in a never ending pit that i cant get out of. I feel that even when i move i wont feel satisfied with life

You can use this list to learn the symptoms of mania and to check ([X]) off any you might have.

[X] Feeling unusually "high," euphoric, or irritable.*
[ ] Needing less sleep.
[ ] Talking a lot or feeling that you can't stop talking.
[X] Being easily distracted.
[ ] Having lots of ideas go through your head very quickly at one time.
[X] Doing things that feel good but have bad effects (spending too much money, excessive sexual activity, foolish business investments).
[ ] Having feelings of greatness.
[X] Making lots of plans for activities (at work, school, socially, or sexually) or feeling that you have to keep moving.
If you have had four of these symptoms at one time for at least 1 week, including the first symptom marked with an *, you may have had a manic episode. Tell your health care provider about these episodes. There are effective treatments for this form of depression

Symptoms of Depression
When someone is depressed, that person has several symptoms nearly every day, all day, that last at least 2 weeks. You can use the chart to check ([X]) off any symptoms you have had for 2 weeks or more.

[X] Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex.*
[X] Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps.*
[ ] Feeling slowed down or feeling restless and unable to sit still.
[X] Feeling worthless or guilty.
[X] Changes in appetite or weight loss or gain.
[X] Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts.
[X] Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions.
[X] Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
[X] Loss of energy or feeling tired all of the time.
Other symptoms include:

[X] Headaches.
[X] Other aches and pains.
[ ] Digestive problems.
[ ] Sexual problems.
[X] Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness.
[X] Being anxious or worried.
If you have had five or more of these symptoms including at least on

Answer 1

yes, I've struggled with depression the majority of my life. it doesn't seem to matter how good or bad things are going. below is some infor that may help. I wish you the very best. just remember, you don't have to do it alone. Please feel free to e-mail me anytime.

Who gets depressed?
Major depressive disorder often referred to as depression is a common illness that can affect anyone. About 1 in 20 Americans (over 11 million people) get depressed every year. Depression affects twice as many women as men.

What is depression?
Depression is not just "feeling blue" or "down in the dumps." It is more than being sad or feeling grief after a loss. Depression is a medical disorder (just like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease are medical disorders) that day after day affects your thoughts, feelings, physical health, and behaviors.

Depression may be caused by many things, including:

Family history and genetics.
Other general medical illnesses.
Certain medicines.
Drugs or alcohol.
Other psychiatric conditions.
Certain life conditions (such as extreme stress or grief), may bring on a depression or prevent a full recovery. In some people, depression occurs even when life is going well. Depression is not your fault. It is not a weakness. It is a medical illness. Depression is treatable.

How will I know if I am depressed?
People who have major depressive disorder have a number of symptoms nearly every day, all day, for at least 2 weeks. These always include at least one of the following:

Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps.
You may also have at least three of the following symptoms:

Feeling slowed down or restless and unable to sit still.
Feeling worthless or guilty.
Increase or decrease in appetite or weight.
Thoughts of death or suicide.
Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Loss of energy or feeling tired all of the time.
With depression, there are often other physical or psychological symptoms, including:

Headaches.
Other aches and pains.
Digestive problems.
Sexual problems.
Feeling pessimistic or hopeless.
Being anxious or worried.

What should I do if I have these symptoms?
Too often people do not get help for their depression because they don't recognize the symptoms, have trouble asking for help, blame themselves, or don't know that treatments are available.

Family practitioners, clinics, or health maintenance organizations are often the firstplaces that people go for help. These health care providers will:

Find out if there is a physical cause for your depression.
Treat the depression.
Refer you to a mental health specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
If you do not have a regular health care provider, contact your local health department, community mental health clinic, or hospital. University medical centers also provide treatment for depression.

How will treatment help me?
Treatment reduces the pain and suffering of depression. Successful treatment removes all of the symptoms of depression and returns you to your normal life. The earlier you get treatment for your depression, the sooner you will begin to feel better. As with other medical illnesses, the longer you have the depression before you seek treatment, the more difficult it can be to treat.

Most people who are treated for depression feel better and return to daily activities in several weeks. Because it takes several weeks for treatment to work fully, it is important to get treatment early before your depression gets worse.

As with any medical condition, you may have to try one or two treatments before finding the best one. It is important not to get discouraged if the first treatment does not work. In almost every case, there is a treatment for the depression that will work for you.

What type of treatment will I get?
The major treatments for depression are:

Antidepressant medicine.
Psychotherapy.
Antidepressant medicine combined with psychotherapy.
In some cases of depression, other treatments, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and light therapy , are also useful.

Symptoms of Depression
When someone is depressed, that person has several symptoms nearly every day, all day, that last at least 2 weeks. You can use the chart to check ([X]) off any symptoms you have had for 2 weeks or more.

[ ] Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, including sex.*
[ ] Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps.*
[ ] Feeling slowed down or feeling restless and unable to sit still.
[ ] Feeling worthless or guilty.
[ ] Changes in appetite or weight loss or gain.
[ ] Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts.
[ ] Problems concentrating, thinking, remembering, or making decisions.
[ ] Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
[ ] Loss of energy or feeling tired all of the time.
Other symptoms include:

[ ] Headaches.
[ ] Other aches and pains.
[ ] Digestive problems.
[ ] Sexual problems.
[ ] Feelings of pessimism or hopelessness.
[ ] Being anxious or worried.
If you have had five or more of these symptoms including at least one of the first two symptoms marked with an asterisk (*) for at least 2 weeks, you may have major depressive disorder. See your health care provider for diagnosis.

If you have some depressive symptoms, you should also tell your health care provider. Sometimes a few symptoms can go on to become major depressive disorder. Other forms of depression are milder, but persistent or chronic. Chronic symptoms of depression also need treatment.

Some people with depression have mood cycles. They have terrible "lows" (depression) and inappropriate "highs" (mania) that can last from several days to months. In between the highs and lows, they feel completely normal. This condition is called bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder.

Bipolar disorder affects about 1 in 100 people. Just as eye or hair color are inherited, bipolar illness in most cases is inherited. It can also be caused by other general medical problems, such as head injury, or neurologic or other general medical conditions.

You can use this list to learn the symptoms of mania and to check ([X]) off any you might have.

[ ] Feeling unusually "high," euphoric, or irritable.*
[ ] Needing less sleep.
[ ] Talking a lot or feeling that you can't stop talking.
[ ] Being easily distracted.
[ ] Having lots of ideas go through your head very quickly at one time.
[ ] Doing things that feel good but have bad effects (spending too much money, excessive sexual activity, foolish business investments).
[ ] Having feelings of greatness.
[ ] Making lots of plans for activities (at work, school, socially, or sexually) or feeling that you have to keep moving.
If you have had four of these symptoms at one time for at least 1 week, including the first symptom marked with an *, you may have had a manic episode. Tell your health care provider about these episodes. There are effective treatments for this form of depression.

Answer 2

That is an interesting theory you've got about depression being a figment of the imagination. In a way, it can be, if one allows the thought of one falling into a depression overcome their every waking thought; however, it ceases to be fictional once one is truly depressed. Did you know you can physically alter some of your depression (not all of it) by going for a walk at least two times a week or doing something that really gets your mind off things and keeps you physically active? That will help a little bit. I don't know how old you are, but if you have to rely on your dad to take you to a counselor or something, then maybe you can keep talking with the guidance counselor and somehow arrange to find a mentor or someone outside of home, but in a safe setting, such as a coach or teacher leading a hobby or team you join, who can sort of be a positive influence in your life while you're going through school. I grew up in a family that didn't believe in going to counselors and psychologists for any reason so I know how that is to have everyone telling you you need to but you can't. You'll just have to try to find your way through life but try to make as many positive friends and influences as you can. Don't worry about the people who may betray you someday. That'll depress anyone to worry about what hasn't happened yet. Just focus on getting your life into a good spot despite your surroundings, on becoming stronger, and you will see that all of this has been worth a lot.

Answer 3

As someone who's fought with (and sometimes continues to fight) depression, I disagree strongly with your dad.

There is plenty of scientific literature suggesting that depression is a legitimate medication condition, typically caused by quantifiable chemical levels in the brain.

I think you should try talking to your dad again. Let him know you are serious and that, whether he believes depression is real or not, you want and need help. I believe that a good father should put his child's interests well before his own personal convictions.

If he still won't budge, explain your situation to your counselors. They may be able to get someone involved on your behalf. Also, are there any free clinics in your area? Go to one of those, and explain your situation. They may be able to help. I'd almost go so far as to say that you should get the DCFS (department of child and family services) involved, but not until you've exhausted all other options.

In the meantime, there are two books I recommend that may not help, but certainly won't hurt: "The Feeling Good Handbook" by David Burns and "The Guide to Rational Living" by Albert Ellis.

Answer 4

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 5

No, depression is NOT a figment of your imagination! It is VERY real, and it's been called the "common cold of mental health". Millions of people suffer from depression each year, and sadly, some of these people kill themselves. I really wish that your dad would wake up and get the facts. No matter how badly you feel, though, don't kill yourself! If your dad won't get help for you, at least keep talking to your counselors!

Answer 6

Don't I wish it was a figment of your imagination. It's more real than I like to believe possible.
My advice for you is to either, see your family doctor, or if dad won't pay for that, you should return to your guidance counsellor, explain your situation at home and ask for help. Depression is a very difficult thing to overcome without medical help. Good luck and don't give up.

Answer 7

No, depression is NOT YOUR IMAGINATION. Let me guess, you have symptoms of tiredness, sadness, just feel like you want to be alone, you have problems concentrating, none of your hobbies are fun anymore?????

Well, I had that too, I still have it a little, but I had to get on medication. My advice to you....

TALK TO YOU DOCTOR!!! Let them prescribe something to get you out of that hole. I am on Lexapro, and it has totally gotten me back into loving life.

Please, don't commit suicide, you will make me cry :(.

Know, that you are not alone, you can get out of this, have faith, and get on some medication!!!

Luv ya!!

Answer 8

I can totally relate to your situation. Take care of yourself regardless what any one else says. Go so your doctor, go to the community mental health centre, call a distress line, do something. These people can help you and refer you in the right direction to get better. Hang in there please.

Answer 9

The first part does sound believabl. that actually does sound like it happened especially the part about Chaz loosing Chucky with his Mother. those statements above make a-lot of sense. and so does most of it but the drug parts I wouldn't think so but the part about Angelica being Bipolar and schizophrenic does sound somewhat right.