depression

Slayerx

Going to my GP to get on the waiting list then, im willing to give anything a try to help me be happier in life.

Slayerx

Evening all, how is everyone feeling today?

I'm doing ok, got 5 days off work now so im happier going to try relax.

Jina

just noticed this thread and have a few questions.
How did you know you have/had depression? I've done some research on the internet but I don't think everyone has the same symptoms or I might be wrong.
I'm a bit confused because maybe it's just temporary sadness? Are you supposed to constantly feel depressed no matter what good things happen?

Slayerx

Hard to define, I've had depression for about 6 years but it can be bad and sometimes good.

I went through bouts of not having an appetite, not sleeping and not having energy things like that. Its hard because everyone is so different and reacts to it differently.

Jina

I guess I'm just having a temporary thing then as I do stop feeling depressed once I get a job. But I've been without job more often than I've been actually working because of contract ending, moving town & country, etc. So most of the time I'm job hunting and alone.
I do have moments when I feel like crying for no particular reason or for some reasons and I would sat there not wanting to do anything. Then I have headaches because I think too much and would feel miserable.

So, am asking myself whether this is just temporary or I have depression and it's just hidden when good things are happening.

Slayerx

I would recommend seeing your GP, if it turns out its not then your better safe than sorry, if it's depression then you can look at getting help.

Facing it to having it can be hard it took me 4 years to admit to myself I have it and to turn to someone for help, I wouldn't want the same thing to happen to someone else if they can deal with it early and not have it effect there life like it has mine.

It sounds like your going through a hard time and could just be related to that, still we're here for you if you need any help.

Jina

thanks for your help. I have an appointment with my GP next week for another matter. I'll talk to him about depression.

MinnieSpender

Hi Jina and welcome.

Slayerx has already given you some good advice here. Certainly talk to your GP about how you are feeling. Reading between the lines and noting what you've said about feeling low when you're not working, it could be a case of reactive depression - that is, you feel down as a result of outside influences and events. I'm not a doctor, so obviously, I'm not trying to diagnose here - that's your doc's job. But the good news with this type of depression is that you can learn how to respond to events that make you blue. CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) is very useful for this - ask your doc about it if you think it might help you.

The rule of thumb is that if you feel low for two weeks plus, you should see your doc about depression.

You're in a good place here. People are very supportive and will offer you advice and answer any questions you might have.

All the best to you honey - we're thinking of you. x

Jina

Thanks. Might be reactive depression. I did have lots of problems in my life since I was a kid and still have. I also thought about harming myself a few times when I was a teen till 20s due to certain bad events.

I know I should definitely talk about it to my GP. I've always said I should talk to someone about it, but then I end up doing nothing. So there's a chance I might not mention this to the GP thinking I'm alright.

MinnieSpender

OK Jina - if you've felt bad enough to consider harming yourself, it's serious.

Please make sure you mention it to your doc. If you think it's going to be difficult, may I suggest that you right down how you're feeling and take it with you? If you feel you can't mention how you're feeling, say to the doc "I've written something down - could you have a look?" He/she will understand that you feel shy about mentioning it. It's an old toughie, but they'll have heard it before.

PM me if you need extra encouragement or if you don't want to talk on here.