Am I suffering from depression?

[ama]

Hi Guys,

I wonder if you can tell me if you know when an individual is depressed or has depression? What is depression and if you are suffering from it does that mean you can't work any more?

I've always been quite a bubbly person, although suffering from anxiety, I've always pushed through it with my positive take on life and my positive attitude. I've found recently however that I'm becoming more down. On a low. It's just one anxious situation after another. As I said, I feel really low. I work full time and as soon as I get home I'm on the sofa all night till I go to bed. I feel extremely tired, unmotivated and upset all the time. I have little cry's throughout the day and I spend my weekends at home doing nothing. Everything just feels like such a effort.

I'm concerned that I'm leaning towards depression and this frightens me but I'm finding it difficult to stay strong and get through stuff.

[Captain Caveman]

Hi. I used to freak out about "GETTING" "Depression" like it was something that attacks your brain. Language is power, and I prefer to say things like people are depressed, rather than saying they HAVE Depression.

People display depressive moods in various ways (some are high then low, some are at a constant low etc..) Here is some info: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=89.578

Some people can maintain a job, whilst others can't. It's different for everyone.

Therapists will use the following type of questions to make a diagnosis of depression. ANgain, I agree with therapists who don't agree with making diagnosises (sp?) of made up concepts like "depression". Instead, I'd say a person is depressed. Makes recovery easier, in my opinion.
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=103.882

I used to be depressed. Now I love life. You can also get better:)

[ladybird64]

Hi Captain

Why do you think depression is a made up concept?

[ama]

Thanks very much for this info. I've been doing some more research tonight and looked at those links you recommended. I did one of those check list things and I scored quite highly that it recommended I see my Doctor. Why do you think this would be? What can my Doctor do to help? I don't like to make an appointment to see my Doctor if it's not needed that's all. Don't want to waste his time. I don't even know what I would say to him.

[ladybird64]

Hi ama.

Can I make a suggestion?

Print out your post, make an appointment with your GP and take this post along to show him.

It certainly sounds like the level of anxiety is causing problems for you and you have realised yourself that things are not as they normally are.
There are various schools of thought on this forum re treatment for anxieties/depression but I honestly think it would be worth having a chat with your GP.

It may be that you don't need any treatment at all but it is worthwhile discussing what's going on, how it is affecting you and how you can best deal with it.

Good luck :flowers:

[PoppyC]

Hi Ama
It does sound like perhaps you are depressed. Are there any specific reasons for why you feel like you do or not? Maybe it would be worth you going to see your gp regarding how you feel?
Try not to be frightened by depression. There are all different levels of depression and most people do suffer in their lifetime with depression at some time or other.
Do you feel like how you do all month long? or just at certain times?
Medication plus self help, and therapy, exercise and diet, can really help too.
Even if you do have depression, it doesn't mean that you will always feel as you do. There can be brighter and happier times ahead for you.
Wishing you all the best.
:hugs:

[Peakdoodle]

Hi there, firstly I have only recently discovered that I am ill with depression. I was always negative in my out look but at the time I was not aware of it. I thought I was just getting on with life in difficult times. I thought my partner was cheating on me. I thought no one at work liked me as I had just joined a new team . I was loosing my temper easily with a drop of a hat plus finding myself breaking out in tears at the slightest thing.my partner told during one of our arguments that she thought I should see the doctor as she thought I was not right as she could not take anymore of my bad behaviour. That was the best thing anyone could have. Actually she made the appoint for me. So I went and when asked , what's wrong? I said, everything and explained how I felt. Described to him my behaviour and I asked him if there was anything he could do. He handed me a six questioned sheet which I graded my feelings from 1 to 5 for each question. He took one look at my results and told me I was suffering from depression. I have been on 20mg anti depressant now for 18 days now. The first two weeks were bad, but doc had warned me it would get worse but to stick with them as they would not tale effect till after 2 weeks. But not, last weekend was the best time ever. I am a totally different person. No more negative!!! My partner is simling again, we are talking and she said that I was like my original self, the person she fell In love . So please go to your doctor. Just ask. The most important thing I have learnt is that your depression does not just effect you; it effects everyone close to you!!!

[kathyanne]

You could be having a depressive episode but you won't know that for sure unless a qualified doctor tell's you. Please, please, please go to the doctor. You are not wasting their time, depression is an illness and should be treated the way any other illness is treated, with care and respect. You need to know and then you can get help, work with the doctor. Don't wait to long.

Kathy

[Captain Caveman]

Hi Captain
Why do you think depression is a made up concept?

Hi ladybird. 'Depression' is what has been coined/made up by someone(s) in the psychiatric community. The people they are describing are people who are depressed. Just like 'OCD' has been coined/made up to describe people behaving in an obsessive and compulsive manner. But in my opinion, it is better to say to someone that they are behaving in a depressed manner, versus saying you "have depression". I know I used to walk around trying to force myself to constantly be happy in case I "got depression." It was like there was this THING I didn't want . I agree with the following comment by Dr Sallee McLaren:

"The main problem with making a diagnosis is that it labels a person. And so that person often then feel like they've got a fixed, often biological kind of condition. That diminishes their motivation from thinking they can change it, and get better. Now within things like DSM-IV, it's all very much the framework of a medical model. "

When the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) came out in the early 1990's, there were 22 disorders listed. Today, there are over 400! http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/stories/2009/2619066.htm For example, if a person gets really angry from time to time, he/she may end up being diagnosed as having Intermittment Explosive Disorder (IED). People are being diagnosed as having all kinds of disorders from merely displaying human behaviour. From my experience, being told you have such and such, makes you feel more ill.

So yeah what I am trying to say is that how people are spoken to by the therapists is important. Charles S. Mansueto mentions:

"Language used to describe the clinical conditions matters too. Children can feel like “damaged goods” when told that they have neurological disorders. They respond in notably positive ways, however, when described as “extra alive”, with “supercharged” nervous systems, “brimming over with energy that is almost impossible to contain—spilling out in bursts of behavior, emotions and spontaneity.” A metaphor can make a world of difference! They drive a Ferrari through life, while most others drive a Toyota. The engine may be cranky, the handling may be skittish and quirky, and driven carelessly it is an accident or speeding ticket waiting to happen. But when you know how to handle it is the most impressive vehicle on the road. "




Thanks very much for this info. I've been doing some more research tonight and looked at those links you recommended. I did one of those check list things and I scored quite highly that it recommended I see my Doctor. Why do you think this would be? What can my Doctor do to help? I don't like to make an appointment to see my Doctor if it's not needed that's all. Don't want to waste his time. I don't even know what I would say to him.

You're welcome ama. Your local GP can put you in contact with therapists who specliase in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Local GP's don't tend to specialise and don't have the required time to deal with anxiety and depressive issues. This is where it's helpful to do as much research as you can though, so you don't end up getting some treamtent that is A)not helpful and B) not soemthing you find you agree with. I'd advise you to researach about the differences between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. THe following is from a book by Bruce Hynman discussing obsessive and compulsive behaviour (I try to avoid saying OCD), but the general message applies to everyone:

"Medical doctors specifically trained in the diagnosing and treating the biological basis of psychiatric and psychological problems are known as psychiatrists and are licensed to prescribe medications to alleviate OCD symtoms. On the other hand, psychotherapists are experts in the cognitive and behavioural influences impacting mental health problems..."

"You can assume that a psychiatrist will focus on medication, although you can and should ask about concrurrent CBT with a therapist experienced in treating OCD. If psychiatrist is not, at least, familiar with CBT for OCD, or disimisses it completely with a broad brush for all OCD patients, that should be a strong signal to move on. Or psychiatirst who tell you, "I can do that (CBT)!" are probably overestimating their skill level (few psychiatrists have training in CBT) or are too inexperienced with CBT to know that they don't know enough. "

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/images/nmp/misc/progress.gif


There are various schools of thought on this forum re treatment for anxieties/depression

As ladybird says, there are various schools of thought. That's why research is important. Years ago when I first was having issues with feeling anxious, panicy and depressed, I had no idea about how things worked. I used to be like one of those clowns in the showground with my mouth wide open. I was like a puppet just nodding my head not really having a clue. So yeah, you'll find lots of opinions and disagreements between people as to causes and treatments. So I would encourage you to read both side of the arguements, and then make up your mind. Coz whilst it's important to have trust and faith in docs and therapists, you could do with trying to educate yourself enough to know whether they are leading you in a direction you don't want to.

You'll be able to sort it all out though:)

[Captain Caveman]

Ama, I should say that whilst I've mentioned about seeing a therapist, people can get better without seeing one. I actually made the biggest improvements whilst going it alone. However, that was after I tried a number of therapists and used bits of advice I got from them, and then also did a lot of research. The role of a therapist is to guide you. You can still teach yourself how to change and guide yourself so to speak. But you really need to do your research, as it can be tricky going it alone. But if seeing a therapist is not an option for you because you you can't afford it, then you can look at this thread with links to websites where you can do it yourself http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=88243 .

And there plenty of self help books around. Here are a couple of threads relating to self help books. Here is one thread from the other day for self help books for anxiety/panic http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=88162

Regards books feeling depressed, there is the book ('Feeling Good' by David Burns) which apparently has been the most recommended book to depressesed patients by doctors, and was also voted the number 1 book in a survey of 500 therapists who had to list the best of 1000 self help books.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Feeling-Good...3704863&sr=8-1

A really interesting book which has had a big impact is : "The Emporer's New Drugs - Exploding The Antidepressant Myth". There are a couple of posts here about the book:
http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=82360&highlight=Irving

Again, you can get better. :)

[scaredstiff695]

hi my opinon on wether your depressed or not s not one to really use if that makes sense.

you yourself should no
but all i will say is my panick attacks and anxiety has escculated badly and i feel low i cant be bothered to do anythng whch is making me feel worse. dont think m depressed i think im low and need a kick up backside to be perfectly honest ive seen people depressed a friend of mine is and it aint nce im not showimg sighns of that just low cos of my anxiety xx

similar to you x

[ama]

Thanks to all for all of your words and thoughts on this matter. Sometimes it's just nice to talk I think.

Captain Caveman, you mentioned about therapy and CBT. I thought CBT was just for anxiety? Apologies if I am being ignorant here. I have in fact did CBT and found it helpful a couple of years back when I was settling into my new job. Everything was a little bit up in the air for me and I found CBT helped me be positive about things. But now, its a different feeling. I just can't be bothered any more.

It's mainly work that's causing me a problem now. Now this anxiety I feel at work comes and goes. Sometimes I'll have a whole week of it, even three weeks, but I've always got through it because I know it won't last forever and because I know I can get through it. But now... I don't know. I feel, not angry, but not myself. I don't want to go to work. I don't want to sit at my desk feeling anxious all the time and being quiet, trying to get through the day. I want to wake up and look forward to going to work. I enjoy my job and work with great people. We're like a little family. I can't see why suddenly I want to not be a part of that.

I'm so obsessed with not working now I'm doing my finances to actually see if my boyfriend and I can live with just him working. I'm also thinking about if I don't work what will everyone think? I don't want people, friends and family to think I'm lazy. If I don't work what will I do? I don't want to not work forever. I want to.... I want to do what I want if that makes sense and doesn't sound too selfish. I'm just so overwhelmed by everything and tired.

I do hope my words make sense. It's difficult to explain one's feelings sometimes. Feel like I'm trying to juggle. And I can't juggle!

On another note...

ladybird64, you said...

The great debate? Whether we should use the term learning difficulties or learning disabilities.

What does it matter what term we use. At the end of the day I'm sure your always going to offend someone right? Or have I misunderstood you perhaps? :)

[ladybird64]

Ama, I have deleted that post, I hadn't expressed myself particularly well.

I hope you start to feel better soon :)

[kezstar]

Please go to the doctor! Yes there is loads of info online and lots of self help books but there's so much conflicting info it can be really confusing.

If you aren't feeling yourself and you are having trouble dealing with everyday situations have a think about what could be causing it and what you can do to help yourself, diet, exercise, relaxing etc but if your mood still doesnt shift go see your gp and have a chat about what youre feeling like. A good gp will listen and advise you.

Dont just leave it!!!

I suffer from depression! I dont feel depressed everyday so my mood isn't low all the time so im not constantly depressed but i do have a chemical imbalance which means i will be on medication for life. Just like someone may have diabetes and need medication for life. I know its classed as psychological but the chemical imbalance is physical the same as diabetes and etc. Theres nothing to be ashamed of.

Theres lots of different types of depression and unfortunately mine is here to stay, i manage it but lots ofppl with low moods can come and go and disappear alltogether.
But def go to the doctors, if you find it hard to express what you're feeling, write it down and give it to them to read.

cbt is about thought patterns and can be about anything like depression, phobias, anxiety, public speaking etc.
x

[Captain Caveman]

Captain Caveman, you mentioned about therapy and CBT. I thought CBT was just for anxiety? Apologies if I am being ignorant here.

No need to apologise ama:) Fire away with questions and I will do my best to help.

The following article will give you some background and an explanation about CBT for depressed people vs CBT for anxious people. For anxious people, CBT is altered. Thus, it won't do people any good getting the wrong type of CBT.

This is an excerpt from the following article: "Traditional CBT was developed as a powerful treatment for depression. Cognitive therapists who specialize in the treatment of depression would do well not to attempt to transfer this strategy to anxiety disorders, particularly OCD"

It's a long article, but if you read the section under the first sub-heading " Traditional Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For Depression", you will have it explained better than I could in this post http://www.ocdonline.com/definecbt.php


Please go to the doctor! Yes there is loads of info online and lots of self help books but there's so much conflicting info it can be really confusing.

Hi keszstar. I guess the thing is though that whether a person reads it or hears is from a doctor, it's going to be conflicting either way. A doctor is going to have his/her own beliefs, just like the books or articles are going to lean one way.


I suffer from depression! I dont feel depressed everyday so my mood isn't low all the time so im not constantly depressed but i do have a chemical imbalance which means i will be on medication for life.

I like to try and educate myself as much as possible. Could you please provide references for your comment about you having a chemical imbalance? Thanks.


Theres lots of different types of depression and unfortunately mine is here to stay,

Why do you think you will have it for life? I think like all humans, you have everything at your disposal to not have to suffer for life:)