How do people know if they are depressed?

Question

You know, I was always somewhat wondering how people end up realizing that they might suffer from depression and actually do need medical attention. 

Considering depression alters the way you experience the world, if it has been chronic enough for long enough, then how would someone even notice there is something wrong with them? 

I would think there is a large chance that after a while, they would just brush it off and say it is just how they are. So how can they tell that they actually have a *problem*?

Bandit74 · Accepted Answer

That's a pretty good point, I'm not sure how you the individual could tell if you're depressed or if it's just the way you are. I think that someone that's close to you would have to observe this and point it out. You might be too clouded by your world to see the truth.

Personally I feel like I could be depressed, but I'm not sure. However I am fairly certain I suffer from mild anxiety, I've never been diagnosed but I often feel on edge /tense/jittery, or I'll just obsess over stupid shit that really shouldn't bother me.

As far as depression goes I feel like you've got to be sad, in pain, or suicidal but I don't really feel that way. I've thought about it before but never seriously considered it. I think that's one of the differences between being depressed and not, the loss of all. hope. So i dont feel suicidal bur i do I feel pretty empty, weak, and apathetic but I wouldn't say its excessive or that it hurts. Aside from the ocasional sinking/anxious feeling I get from time to time from my anxiety , I just feel empty. So I'm not really sad but I'm not happy either.

I'm not really sure what depression is or how they even diagnose it. Honestly I feel like everyone has some sort of mental disease, or could fit the discription of having a disease even if they don't actually have it. I dont want to go to a therapist since I'm really not sure if I'm depressed or if this is just the way I am. That's part of the reason why I don't want to go to a therapist. They'll likely just pretend to care, charge me a lot of money, and then just prescribe me some medication that fucks with my mind and changes who I am. I don't want that, I think who I am is because of the way I feel and see the world. If I change things then I wouldn't be me anymore.

JackKerouac77 · Accepted Answer

"Considering depression alters the way you experience the world, if it has been chronic enough for long enough, then how would someone even notice there is something wrong with them?

I would think there is a large chance that after a while, they would just brush it off and say it is just how they are."

I think a lot of artists end up adopting that mentality and use it as a way to keep themselves motivated/inspired, however ironic that may sound.

As far as clinical diagnosis? The only thing I can point to is certain neurotransmitter levels or biological reactions in the body. Even then, antidepressants don't help everyone. Can't say for sure.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Depression differs from person to person and it doesn't necessarily mean you're sad all the time. Personally, my behavior was withdrawn. I would sleep all day, people wouldn't be able to elicit any excitement from me, I was disinterested in everything around me and I didn't care about anyone.

It took my family a long ass time to realize I was depressed, because, as you mentioned, they just assumed that was the type of person I was. After 5 years of just dealing with it on my own, I decided to get help myself. That's how my family and some friends found out, from the various therapists I had to see.

If you think you might be dealing with depression, do yourself a favor and get help. I used to think it wouldn't make a big difference, but it really did. But, although I take medication and see someone regularly, it never really goes away. It does get more bearable and its definitely worth getting help for.
Good luck :)

specialdiamond · Accepted Answer

I didn't know I was depressed I was suffering from age of 13 and after I had my daughter at 18 I got post natal depression and when I went to the docs it turns out I had severe depression aswell I honestly had no idea as i thought it was just me I got help for a little whole but there sone stuff in life I've gone through that I can't cope very well with so I'm a silent sufferer I'm now nearly 21 i wouldn't wish it on anyone coz it makes you feel worthless and lonely

lanternhill · Answer

I've had depression off and on since I was 17. I knew that it wasn't normal to have my baseline mood be so low. It's hormone-linked usually - or sometimes stress-linked or both - and I have two types: detachment/lack of feeling and "black fog" painful smothering depression. Since I do, thank God, experience regular happiness and moods, I'm able to differentiate - and my baseline mood wasn't so low before, so I was able to notice a difference. Interesting question.

soccerchick4eva · Answer

ah well i used to not be able to eat anything, do anything really, i had no urge to get out of bed and all i ever did was cry -.-

Jerusha · Answer

I think all human beings somehow get depressed at some point lol. One however can know it's serious when it affects their life goals and everyday activity.

Anonymous · Answer

I was told at 14 that I had been severely depressed since i was a small child, so i guess i was always used to it. Kinda made me think if my perception of the world was skewed though

SatanClaus · Answer

If they start to lose interest in things, seem less excited about everything, spend lots of time alone, dont socialize or go out as much, and generally dont seem that happy about life.

Anonymous · Answer

I have to see a therapist for depression (among other things) and people do recover. There are ways of coping with it without medication.

Superboy_91 · Answer

I say that there are many signs of depression. Anger issues, sadness and a lack of interest are the few that I know of.

Anonymous · Answer

Sleep more than usual, doesn't leave the house, doesn't have any interest in anything

Keyspirits · Answer

its the reason why im leaving GaG.

How do people know if they are depressed?

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