i was recently diagnosed with depression is it possible the doc is wrong?

Question

i don't feel depressed. the only time i feel really sad is when things are going bad in my life. like when we have financial problems or things like that. is there another type of depression or sickness for this? maybe the meds he gave me are already working? he gave me a 2 week starter pack. i just finished the first week but haven't been taking them consistantly. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

While I can't say about YOU, I can speak to my own reaction when I was told I had depression. I did not believe the diagnosis. Things in my life were difficult. I was experiencing physical pain, allergy attacks, became easily upset, and felt disoriented having moved to a new city. Sleep was a problem, I was eating next to nothing, and my memory was becoming a growing problem. BUT, there was no way I could believe that I was "depressed", because that was something that only happened to other people -- I thought.
Seeing a counselor helped me to sort out my lack of ability to function in each of the areas, and I learned some new ways to deal with life. But, the counselor still believed I was depressed. I still had difficulty functioning and difficulty with my emotions. Eventually I did see a Dr. who felt I would benefit from an antidepressant medication. You know, he was right. I am able to function better in most areas of my life.
It was explained to me that due to repeated trauma, my brain's actual shape and ability to function was changed. My body no longer makes the chemicals required by my brain to function in a normal manner. And, so, I need to replace those missing chemicals by taking them in pill form to get my brain to work normally. People with diabetes take insulin. There is no problem with replacing what their body does not make.
Why would there be a problem for people who's brain is lacking chemically to artificially replace what they, too, are lacking?

Happy or Sad is a rather simplistic description of defining depression. There simply is so much more to it.

Answer 2

about 5 years ago, I started to fall into a really depressive episode. At first I thought it was only because I had a bad break from a relationship but the feelings wouldn't go away even after I got a new girlfriend. It was wrecking my life until a point where it was seriously affecting my work and personal life.

She was very worried but at the same time couldn't understand why I was still sad and thought that I still couldn't let go of my previous relationship. Being the wonderful person that she is, she put aside her feelings and suggested I go for psychiatric evaluation. Many months later and even more anti-depressants, I was not coming close to being better at all.

After doing some research online, I found out the real cause as you described it really makes a lot of sense and purchased this program. The results were simply astonishing. I read this book over three times and put all words in action. Using this method, I've kept my depression at bay ever since. Up to date I'm still living happily with my girlfriend.

Depression Free Method?

Answer 3

Well, first, the meds won't work if you don't take them consistently. You have to take them every day. If you miss once every couple weeks, that's probably ok, but much more than that, and you may as well not bother.

I think you should go see the doc again and ask him WHY he diagnosed you with depression. There are online depression questionnaires. Google that term, and take one. I think some forms of depression don't make you feel sad, you just can't do anything and a bunch of other stuff. Mysterious aches and pains, lack of motivation that kind of thing. Sounds like maybe youre married? Ask your hubby what he thinks (if he's not all negative about mental health issues altogether, some people don't think mental health problems are real medical conditions).

All the best to you!

Answer 4

I have unipolar depression and have been on meds for 20 years. They are a life saver for me. But they are not for everyone. I fear that a lot of people use them who really don't need them and some antidepressants can actually cause depression and cause other negative side effects that only make daily life more difficult to handle.
I suggest you do a little on line research regarding the symptoms of depression. It isn't just a sad/depressed feeling. There are many physical symptoms that go along with the bad feelings. And if you don't have any of the other physical symptoms, it is very possible you are only dealing with situational depression that will pass as things in your life change. However, if you think you are clinically depressed, it is very important to communicate with your Doctor. If a medication is required it may take some time to find the right one for you. And if you are prescribed a med. Please, take it consistently, as directed or it won't be able to work as it should.
One final thought for you to consider. We are all spiritual beings. We can take all the meds we want to but if the issue we are struggling with is a spiritual one the meds won't help. Even with my meds, I know I would not have survived the last 20 years without the Lord God in my life. If you don't know Him and want to at least, know more about him, try to find a Bible believing church in your area and meet with the pastor.
God bless your efforts as you try to manage this time in your life.

Answer 5

Sure, your Doctor could be wrong, How often are things going badly with your life? I mean if they are happening often it could mean you just need some changes and expect more from you, and the people, places and things round you. Good luck, The first key to never getting severe depression is to never let someone tell you how you feel. You have all ready figured out the problem- these stressful incidents in your life. You should work to have them repeat less, no matter what ever such entails. The clinical definitions of varying levels of depression are broad and not operationally defined.

Answer 6

First off I agree about the other comments on medication: Either be in full compliance or get off of them--using your doctor's instructions. You are playing a dangerous game.

Now here are some questions for you:

1) Doctors don't screen for a condition unless there is a complaint from their patient.

2) Most doctors will have their RN's give you a depression screening test. Did you take a test like this?

3) Most people think of depression in terms of:

I am sleeping more (or less) than normal /
I am eating more (or less) than normal.

Most of the clients I screen report their depression is expressed more through their attitudes and actions:

Are you more irritable, grouchy than you were 6 months ago?

Do you lose your temper over little things?

--Now for the hard part--ask your husband if he sees you are being more irritable, grouchy and angry than you used to be.

Usually family members are impacted much harder than the client--so they are sensitive to changes.

It is common for a client to tell me that the meds aren't helping but everyone else in the family will say it has made all of the difference in the world.

Coordinate this as a family issue (because you are probably impacting your whole family) and go from there.

Now, can doctors make mistakes? You bet they can!

PTSD is a specialty area of treatment. It is poorly understood by most doctors and therapists and is often overlooked for screening.

When I screen clients I screen for depression and Post Tramatic Stress Disorder. For a lot of folks, they can cope most of the time, but when new problesms/stressors come along, with PTSD, not only do you have the current stress but all of the old stuff goes raging too! Depression and Anxiety are two of the primary symptoms of PTSD.

In my yellow page ad, I list PTSD as a specialty area. Look for a therapist who does. Many therapists claim they can treat PTSD but without proper training, they can do more harm than good.

If you do have PTSD there is a good chance you will need meds to manage the symptoms. Not everyone with PTSD needs meds (I don't take meds for mine) but I treat the symptoms.

How do people get PTSD? Victims of sexual assault, Victims and Witness of Domestic Violence, car accidents, Child abuse. Survivors of fires, serious crimes, combat veterans, etc.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Diagnosing depression is not easy. Some people just can't pull out and stay on the bottom, others, it's occasional and they feel OK most of the time. Keeping a journal or diary may help you see a pattern. Clinical depression is a chemical imbalance and needs to be corrected with medication the same way diabetics need insulin. Just pay attention to what's going on in your life and share it with your doctor.

Answer 8

Depression medication is very dangerous to play with. Either take them as prescribed or do not take them at all. If your doctor says you are depressed and you do not agree you should get a second opinion. If you need the meds another doctor could check it out and then you can feel comfortable about doing WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.

Answer 9

Of course the doctor could have been wrong, but depression isn't the same for everybody, and some people will go to great lengths to deny they have a problem.

I don't have enough information to have any opinion on
whether you are depressed or not.

If you don't take the medication every day, it's not going to work.

Answer 10

When you are depressed for various reasons, you may not feel it. However it is always wise to seek a second opinion from another medical proffessional. In the mean time if you have been given medicine to take for this please stay on it, and if you feel down or thoughts of hurting yourself talk to someone immediately. Im me if you need to talk. I am not a preditor and in no way want any personal information from you am just concerned that you are ok and getting the help and answers you need.

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