Am I depressed?

Question

I am really down lately. My marriage is in trouble, my son is disabled and it is difficult at times, I lost a great paying job and now work for much less and I just feel like everything is down on me. My husband is never ever home so I have no help or no support, my folks are both dead and my brother is estranged out of state somewhere. My friends are minimal since my husband has driven them away with his nasty drunken self. Should I worry that I cry off and on during the day?

Answer 1

Well, it sounds like you have enough to be depressed about. If I were you, I would see my doctor tomorrow. I don't have any of the troubles you have and I still find myself feeling depressed at times. I think it can also come with getting a little older. 30's or 40's. I would definately see my doctor and I know he/she will be able to give you something to make you feel better.

Answer 2

You listed some very stressful and difficult life circumstances but didn't mention very much about your symptoms other than you cry off and on during the day. Here is a list of some symptoms of depression.
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
When someone has what is called situational depression, like you may have. That is depression brought on a one or a series of events it is most responsive to counseling. Some of the suggestions that others have made such as exercising and taking control of your life situation in whatever way you are able such as going to Alanon or other support groups or possibly leaving your husband (if the marriage is unhealthy as it sounds), are helpful in getting your life and mood back on track Medication can be considered in conjunction with psychotherapy if your therapist feels that your depression has progressed from situational depression to clinical depression. You should seek out professional help as soon as possible for support and guidance.

Answer 3

wow it sounds like you are going through a rough spot in your life, but NEVER lose hope and think this is the end of your rope. first, you shpould not worry that you cry on and off suring the day, this is a natural reaction to being upset/ depressed. you need an outlet and it sounds like most of yours are absent. that is not the only way to relax. you have to deal with one thing at a time. first, why dont you try talking to your husband about how you feel. communication is the key to saving any marriage. And your son is disabled, however, you are blessed to have a son, so cherish him, even the difficult times. as for your job, you just may have to wrok on your resume and apply to various places. everything happend for a reason. your husband being his "drunken self" may want to seek AA help to also assist your marriage and family life as well... i want to wish you luck and say not to foget how strong you are. and no matter what, you are NOT alone.

Answer 4

I think many of us have faced these problems or similar ones. I would say, yes you are depressed. But some of it is your own fault. I mean no harm by saying this. You have not dealt with your problems head on. Right now you are feeling sorry for yourself and looking to place blame for everything that has happened to. No one is to blame and yet, everyone is to blame. Your husband's drunken state is a problem that he has to change. You can't change that. Your son's diability can not be changed but, it can be altered for a greater good. Why you lost your job, I don't know and right now does not matter. What you need is a job that offers you better security. As for your marriage, you and your husband need to deal with. You need to recommittee for your own well being as well as your child's well being. Go to church and get a church family. You can find great friends there. Do not be judgemental, take what God sends you. Through the church you can get mental health care. If they can't provide the service and if they are worth their salt they will know where to send you for help with dealing with your depression and how to get out of the hole you have sunken into. Do not be afraid or feel crazy. You have the normal symptoms of depression and understandably so. Deal with it now. Help yourself. Keep calling numbers, keep asking for help. Do whatever you have to do. God wants you to be happy. But , He wants you to have the right kind of happiness. Hope this helps. God be with you. Annie56

Answer 5

Depression is a state of mind. It could be worse. For example, if you were in Iraqi and your family was all murdered by soldiers and you were left severely disabled, you would think your current life is great. Be positive. Do you love your son? if so focus on that love. Focus on good things. Whenever a bad thing comes into mind, force it out, and think of something good.

Also, extreme exercise will help balance out the neurochemicals/hormones in the brain that lead to depression. If you don't have time, there are breathing techniques you can do that also help. Look them up on the web.

Answer 6

i see a lot of things here:
marriage is on the rocks
disabled child to which ur the sole care giver
lack of spousal support with ur son, breaking a family connection betwn u all.
no close family
drunk spouse
few friends....which is ok, as long as they are close frds.

u do seem to have a lot interlinking problems.
FIRST think of ur SON. what will best benefit him.

but seriously......u may want to think about seeing a counselor......not a doctor for depression, b/c from the description, u do not seem in need of medication

but in need of counseling.

a counselor, such as certain social workers(lol...no the welfare kind, the counselors)
can help u sort through all of those areas.

it just seems to messy and overwhemling, and interlinking to try to sort out all by urself.

the counselor is trainned to look at these areas and see what to deal with first, how, and set goals and plans......specifically for u.

God bless

Answer 7

Any single one of the things that you mentioned could cause great amounts of stress. Which could then send you into a depression. If you can afford to speak to a therapist you should. If not, join a support group online. It is very hard to help yourself out of depression, the sooner that you take action for your mental health the better. I wish you luck! Because I struggle with depression too I know how hard things can be.

Answer 8

I've always thought that if you think you are depressed, you probably are. Nobody can take all that day after day without it getting to them. Doesn't men that you have a clinical depressive condition...just that you are having a bad patch and in your case nobody to help. Talk to your doctor and perhaps a mental health professional. Medication might help, but never underestimate the power of just talking to someone who will listen and help. Good luck... ;)

Answer 9

It sounds like you indeed have every reason to be in a state of depression. I am depressed to due to menopause, finances, being jobless, problems with my husband and kids. What you need is a support group and if you need a friend I can use one too so I'll be your friend if ever you need to talk if you are ok with it. Just contact me anytime I will be there if I can help in any way I will. God be with you!

Answer 10

YEAH!

These are not good times at all!

I'd get as much help as you can gather.... and then some.

But I would avoid pills... Some people say they help, others say htey are a crutch. If you want to progressively get help I say do EVERYTHING in your power to make some life altering changes.

Whether this is therapy, self help books, going to church, reaching out on message boards, getting new friends, etc. Or all of the above!

Do what it takes to do YOUR part only. Be compassionate to yourself in the process.