How do you know if you're really medically depressed or just upset and down?

Question

I've been feeling real down lately. I dont seem to enjoy anything anymore. Not even my closest friends' company.. I even get bored when I'm with my bf. Nothing seems 'fun' anymore. I feel tired all the time and I'm easily annoyed by things that didnt used to annoy me before. I'm kind of hopeless when it comes to the future.. dont see it bright at all. I wasnt like that. Sometimes it seems like there's no good reason why I feel so down but also there isnt a good reason why I shouldnt! My father passed away about 4 months ago and its not getting easier by time. Looks like I'm the kind of person who would start greifing after so long. It was a sudden death abroad so I was busy finishing the procedures to bring the body back, I wasnt really thinking of anything but my mother and sister and how I wanted to be strong as the older sister. I didnt even cry enfront of them. I cry now at very stupid things and almost al the time I end up remembering my father. I don't feel much these days..

I rarely feel love for anybody eventhough I'm sure I love my parents and my bf but I just dont get that warm feeling anymore. I'm so bored and frustrated that I started reading books like crazy, I read almost all day and buy books every couple of day.. I was never like that! I'm the kind of person who bottles up inside.. I find it very hard to talk about my feelings and its not easy for me to open up to anybody.. the only thing I can do is cry infront of my bf listening to his soothing words and saying nothing.. most times he's not even sure whats wrong with me and I find no words to describe it.. it makes me feel better for a short time and then the pain starts all over.. whats wrong with me? am I really depressed or is this normal?

Answer 1

They best way to find out is to go see a therapist. They can help you find what's really going on and help in the decisions you make in the future.

Answer 2

First go see your doctor and get a check up to see if its a medical problem, if not you need to see a professional therapist who can guide you back to healthy thinking. you can also know right now than your not alone in these thoughts as we all have them at one time or another. you can seek guidance and comfort from friends and family and God. When I was rock bottom down i came across a book from Dr. Wayne Dyer called "Inspiration", it saved my life, my brother had committed suicide a few months before and I lost myself, I have read many more of his uplifting books to help me further, you can find his books on-line or at your local library. Please get help soon as possible. There are many grief consulars available, check you phone book.

Answer 3

you are grieving and yes those are signs of depression you havent had the time to grieve properly there are groups around to help u with bereavement please get hold of your personal physician and they can treat it you may need a little counselling with it do this and you will feel so much better i promise u i was there and was put on the anti depressant zoloft and got counselling im now off zoloft and out of counselling it took a year though good luck and so sorry about the loss of your father

Answer 4

well they are both different obviously but when you are depressed you have no fun u are sad every second it might b hard to go to sleep and if you are down you can be cheered up but it might not be easy... it all depends on what you are sad or depressed about..and about crying about stupid things ummmmm well..... think of happy memories or try to write down every bad thing or things that your down or depressed about and come back to it later and then read it when you feel a little better.and about your sister try to b strong but in your own way




with love, alex

Answer 5

For major depression, you may experience five or more of the following for at least a two-week period:

* Persistent sadness, pessimism.
* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness.
* Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including sex.
* Difficulty concentrating and complaints of poor memory.
* Worsening of coexisting chronic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.
* Insomnia or oversleeping.
* Weight gain or loss.
* Fatigue, lack of energy.
* Anxiety, agitation, irritability.
* Thoughts of suicide or death.
* Slow speech; slow movements.
* Headache, stomachache and digestive problems.

In children and adolescents:

* Insomnia, fatigue, headache, stomachache, dizziness.
* Apathy, social withdrawal, weight loss.
* Drug abuse or alcohol abuse, a drop in school performance, difficulty concentrating.
* Isolation from family and friends.

For dysthymia (minor, but long-term depression), symptoms are less intense and fewer in number, but long-lasting.
Call Your Doctor If:

* You or a loved one have suicidal thoughts, or have other signs of either major depression or dysthymia; help is available.
* You are considering alternative or complementary treatments. It's important that your doctor be aware of all aspects of your treatment.

NOTE: There is a distinct difference between feeling "depressed" and having a depressive illness. If you have low spirits for a while, don't be concerned. However, if you feel you can't lift yourself out of your misery, seek help

Answer 6

You are depressed because of the trauma. Eithr go to a regular doctor or a psychiatrist for anti-depressants or go for counselling. Or better still, consult a good homeopath who can help you much better.

Answer 7

Yep, you are depressed and all I can tell you
is see a doctor. I'm sorry about your Dad and
I know what you are going through. Been there
and it's not easy. I have one more thing to say
and that is, have you spoken with God lately?

Answer 8

if you live in a large city--go Voltaire at a comunnity center--im not kidding--you well get more out of the exsperiance--the the ones to help to help