How do you know if your depressed?

skintchick

The Goldberg test is the one doctors use. It is NOT 'carp', it is an approved test that is accurate as long as you are honest about your overall mood when answering the questions.

bestpud

I'd be wary of the Goldberg test too!

I've just scored 51 and, having struggled with depression most of my life, can tell you for certain I am not depressed at the moment!

A good doctor will use it as one method of assessing a patient, or maybe as a means of opening up discussion about some symptoms. I'd be worried about a doctor who only used a test like that to diagnose someone!

A lot of the answers relate to thought patterns and methods of coping with stress. It is very possible to have a high score and not be depressed.

OP - if you don't feel depressed then I'd refuse medication for the time being and maybe see how you go? It is easy to convince yourself you are not depressed if you are reluctant to accept it, but there is no harm in waiting to see how you get on imo.

doodoot

If you GP truly thinks you are depressed then they will ask you to complete a questionnaire during an appointment.

Anti-d's will be prescribed if you score highly.

Sounds to me like your body is just mending itself, hence your tiredness and lethargy - energy is being diverted to healing the broken bits - but I'm no expert.

You should really chase up the results of the x-rays though, never presume that everything is OK just because they haven't beaten a path to your door.

cottonhead

Depression doenst always mean feeling really gloomy, wanting to commit suicide or becomming totally withdrawn. It can be small things like a loss in sex drive, not taking care of yourself in terms of personal grooming, avoiding social situations, not enjoying things that you used to enjoy etc etc. Seeing as you are recovering from an injury I wonder if its just the fact that you are less mobile ( excercise and sunlight help to keep you feeling in good mood ) and dont have so much of a purpose and routine?
At the end of the day only you know. If you scored high enough to warrant anti depressents then give them a go and see if they improve how you feel. Doenst mean you have to wear a label of being a depressed person or that it will be with you forever. Hope you feel better soon.

Candy53

Hi 'lovesabargain'.

I suffer from depression, and you don't seem to me to be depressed, and if you don't feel you are then you're not, but I should make that very plain to your doctor, as you don't want that on your notes.

Ditto with the slipped disc btw. I slipped mine at the end of March, and I'm still only at the 'carefully walking around' stage. It still hurts.

Candy