How do you know if you are depressed?

kirstiex

For several weeks (and probably months if I'm honest), I haven't felt 'quite right'. I seem to be tired and have no energy despite no change to my normal everyday habits but everything is such an effort, even brushing my teeth. I've gradually been getting up later and later then find I run out of time to brush my teeth, put make up on and take care of my hair. I never used to be like this. In my mind I want to make the effort but when it comes to the task I can't be bothered.

I have a full on job as a manager and have to deal with staff and their problems and I seem to be not too bad at work as I have to get on with things but the minute I get home it starts, even with 'cooking' dinner. My husband works away so I only have to cook for one but this generally results in a ready meal.

The smallest things seem to wind me up (like to dog barking) and make me want to snap. I really don't know what is a matter with me but I just seem to be very teary and anxious. I'd feel embarrassed about going to the doctor to ask if I'm depressed - after all what have I got to be depressed about? I have a good job that pays well, a roof over my head etc, although I am living in a state of DIY hell. What if the doctor said I was depressed, how would I tell my husband and work?

Has anyone else been in this situation and can relate to this or is it something I need to get a grip of and snap out of?

flashnazia

If you are getting on fine at work there is no need to let them know if the doctor confirms that you are depressed.

Could the DIY hell be making you miserable at home?

Froom2

Firstly, *hug*

Secondly,
Don't be embarrassed about going to the doctor. It took me years of feeling 'not quite right' and rollercoastering, and finally my boyfriend told me in no uncertain terms, 'look, don't take this the wrong way, but I think you need to get some help'.

And as soon as he said that to me it was like a weight lifted.

The thing you should bear in mind is that it might not be depression. It could be stress, nutrient deficiency, something else... and the only way you will know is to go and chat to the doctor. I know it's scary, because I was terrified. I was scared he'd tell me that I was being silly and that I was just moaning and all that.

But doctors won't do that. They're real people too, and they'll take you seriously. If you're finding it hard to carry out everyday activities then something isn't right, be it depression or something else.

Hope this helps a little,

~Froom~

Dawning

I completely relate. And I've had depression - diagnosed by GP's - on and off for 20 years.
Your comment 'what have I got to be depressed about?' is quite telling and a very common misconception about depression.
I would strongly recommend you to go to see your GP. You don't need to ask if you're depressed. Just tell them what you've told us. Sometimes they give you a questionnaire type thing to complete, I think it's called the Beck Depression Inventory. That can show how mild or severe your depression is, if you are in fact depressed, plus as you go further with your treatment you fill it in again, and it helps you to see that you're getting better. Not all GP's use it but if you're offered it, perhaps it will be helpful.
Your GP may also want to do some blood tests to rule out thryoid and other physical issues, if they do diagnose you as having depression.
Good luck!

fluffnutter

Why do you feel embarrassed? Depression takes no notice of personal circumstance; you don't have to justify it and it's nothing to be ashamed of. And why would you have to tell work? It's none of their business unless you want it to be.

Telling your husband's important though. Doesn't he know you're feeling low? Haven't you shared that anyway? If he already knows and you tell him you're going to see your GP, all you're saying is 'I'm doing something about this' which is great. If he baulks at the diagnosis of depression then what a great opportunity for him to start learning more about the condition. If he doesn't already know you're down, then you need to start communicating more with him.

None of us knows whether you're depressed or not (although you're certainly exhibiting many of the symptoms). This is something for you and your GP to discuss and deal with as appropriate.

TBH, this post is quite depressing in itself, not because you're feeling sad (for which I have endless sympathy) but because everything about it suggests that we're no closer to beating this ridiculous stigma that surrounds depression and mental health in general.

Go to the doctor's. And talk to your husband.

j.e.j.

Sometimes things like iron deficiency are mistaken for emotional problems or depression because of the way it can make the person feel. Try and get an appointment with your GP and see what he/she says.

the_cat

Go to the doctor

I understand your comment about feeling embarrassed going but think of it this way....... would you rather avoid feeling embarrased or have the chance to feel better?

VfM4meplse

Depression is very misunderstood, but you are certainly showing negative symptoms that would respond well to treatment if a diagnosis of depression were to be made. Your sensitivity to noise suggests an element of stress.

Take a look at the Goldberg depression test - it can be useful to see if you can relate to any of the statements before you visit your GP. Explaining how you feel day-to-day, as you have done on this thread will be helpful.

For me, depression isn't temporarily lifted by cake .

the_cat

Err how much should I read into the fact that I scored 26 on that test and classified 'mild to moderate depression'? Tbh I do feel I'm in a bit of a rut and often feel low, but I honestly can't remember a time when I haven't felt how I do now. I thought that what I feel like is just normal?

It's never ocurred to me before that I am depressed

Slinky_Malinky

I scored 81 on the test. I have tried to talk to my doctor, he told that I should get out and enjoy my life - not sure exactly how I can make that happen.

OP, talk to your doctor, I hope you get the support you need.

Cat501

Slinky_Malinky wrote: »

I scored 81 on the test. I have tried to talk to my doctor, he told that I should get out and enjoy my life - not sure exactly how I can make that happen.

OP, talk to your doctor, I hope you get the support you need.

Good god - I know it's hard to do ANYTHING at all when you feel as awful as you do but you need to find another doctor, that's appalling!!

I scored 65, I'm having a better spell at the moment :P

Best of luck OP, definitely go to the doc, much better to take action sooner rather than later with these things xx