depression?!
Question:
I don't know how to figure out if I have depression. I can feel content one minute and it's almost like a switch. I start to feel so down and it can last for hours sometimes days. I don't think I could ever commit suicide, but sometimes I wish I would just die. I know I should go to a doctor but I am affraid if I tell anyone how I am feeling, I will be commited. Can anyone relate or help me.
Answers:
I would suggest not seeing a doctor, because you are right, they'll immediately just perscribe you some SSRI without getting to the root of the problem.
I would suggest seeing a counseller or therapist first, maybe even just for one visit, so that you can tell them what you are feeling, and they can recommend a good course of action.
Also, have a look at official diagnosis guidelines for depression:
Diagnostic Criteria: Dysthymic disorder
1. Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated either by subjective account or observation by others, for at least 2 years. Note: In children and adolescents, mood can be irritable and duration must be at least 1 year.
2. Presence, while depressed, of two (or more) of the following:
a. poor appetite or overeating
b. insomnia or hypersomnia
c. low energy or fatigue
d. low self-esteem
e. poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
f. feelings of hopelessness
3.
During the 2-year period (1 year for children or adolescents) of the disturbance, the person has never been without the symptoms in Criteria A and B for more than 2 months at a time.
*****The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.******
I hope that helps!
Other Answers:
I can totally relate. Email me.
You won't be committed. My sister has clinically diagnosed depression and is on medication for it. She can be ok for a week and one day she'll wake up and be depressed for no reason. So, I understand what your saying.
i definetly feel that way too, and i have my entire life. i didn't do anything about it until last year, and let me tell you life is a whole lot better. You really don't have to tell anyone yet, I didn't, and i set up a therapy appointment for myself at age 18.. but eventually my parents knew. Therapy really works, and eventually you can go see a psychiatrist, who really won't do anything but prescribe you medicine!! I don't know why they get paid so much. (and that's why you need to keep seeing your therapist.) Anyway, you'll start taking the meds a little at a time and in about a month or so you'll feel a difference. Trust me it's worth it. ALSO. start excersizing if you can. It helps so much. Excersize is proven to be almost, if not just as, effective as medicine and therapy. I belong to a gym and i just love it. Trust me tho.. if you want, you can email me. i know so much about depression, i hope this all made sense!!
Source(s):
myself!
Check out this link for some really good information.
www.Depression-Guide.com
Don't be afraid. I was scared when I was younger that they would use electroshock therapy on me if I told someone. Only people that are so ill that they try to hurt themselves or other people are committed. Even suicidal people don't get committed. They go under a watch until they are at a stable point where they can go home while making visits to a psychologist. By suicidal, I mean people who are actively attempting to take their own life.
Please see my depression page. I've suffered from it for years
Source(s):
http://www.natural-herbal-remedies.net/depression.html
Most places have emergency numbers to call and you can speak with a crisis counselor in which you can talk to them and it's completely confidential. You don't even have to tell them your real name. It sounds like you are depressed. I am on medication myself for depression. I got put on it about 9 months ago. My husband left for Iraq a week after our son was born. I first called the number to see what they thought. Then I started seeing a therapist. After speaking with her numerous times I finally saw a psychiatrist and they put me on the medication.
Answers: