I'm not sure if I'm depressed or just kind of down right now with life. I do show signs of depression but I'm not sure if I am. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.


I've felt stressed out alot lately with work and family. Recently when I had my blood pressure checked it was high (160/84) due to stress. I feel shaky at times. I fall asleep quickly at night but always wake up atleast once during the night and I have trouble getting back to sleep. However my appetite has stayed the same. Though I don't feel like a failure I do feel inadequate in life. I used to feel better when I'd get away from home/work, but now even going out with friends doesn't seem to cheer me up.
I sometimes break down and cry just thinking about things. I don't have alot of confidence in myself and things I do. I feel like alot of the future in my life is very bleak.


There's probably more things to say, but thats all I can think of right now. I'll add more if I can think of anything. Also if I am depressed do I just see a regular family doctor? If they prescribe me a drug how long of a time period do you take some of them for?

Like I said, all opinions and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Yes, I think you are depressed and stressed, some medications take a couple weeks to start working and yes, you can see your family doctor about depression, he may or may not refer you to a psychiatrist. Please, tell me what you choose to do next. And one more thing, ask your doctor if you can have a sleep study done, there may be something there. Good luck, I will be waiting for an update.

TonyaM

Hello Canadian B,
It sounds to me like you are suffering from at the very least a mild form of depression, particularly if the symptoms have lasted for more than 3 weeks.
A chat to your local GP would be my first stop. Go with a list of the things you know having been right (i.e usual for you). Sleeplessness, feeling inadequate etc. They will probably offer you some form of medication (low dosage to start) and maybe give you a list of names for counselling if they think you need it.
Do some research on antidepressents before you go in, as they can have various side affects. I found researching to be invaluable, as I was on 2 courses of medication that did not agree with me, before I found one that did work.
Going on medication isn't a sign of failure, or weakness and if taken under correct supervision will have you feeling like your old self in no time. Somethings depression can be a short term thing (a minor setback for a few months) other times it's a much longer road - but chat to your GP as soon as possible.
Best of Luck,

Myshy

Thanks for the opinions. I have a couple of more questions.

myshy mentioned researching antidrepressents due to the side effects that they have. Does anyone have any that they really reccomend or really don't reccomend?

Do antidepressents work that well??????? If I am prescribed them will I really feel that much better? I'd appreciate any stories.

I still feel really down right now and haven't been to the doctor yet.

Thanks.

Canadian B,

Any antidepressant is going to take a couple of weeks to become fully effective. There are different catagories of anti-depressants. I would recommend that you take a look at some of the posts here. Get a few names of anti-depressants the individuals on this messege board are prescribed. Start your research from that list. My general MD began supervising my anti-depressants. However, when my depression did not improve, he referred me to a psychiatrist. I go to see the psychiatrist twice a year. Also, some people believe that an anti-depressant works best when the individual is also in therapy. There are also some really good books available on coping with depression. Hang in there! :wave:

canadian, it is fairly important for you not to completely "hang your hat" onto Rx to "fix" you. Rx can help you to feel more like you and then you will have enough energy to address emotional issues. Antidepressant Rx is not a mood elevator, it is meant to regulate you back to what is your normal state.
It is a good idea to take one of those online depression scale tests. I took one and discovered my depression was rated as "severe". After taking Rx I took the test again and I was improved. After working with cognitive behavioral therapy (I use books and self help) my depression is now mild. Taking the same test throughout your program (whatever it is that you choose) will help you to gauge how you are doing.

First of all, thanks.

I have looked for some tests online to take but haven't had much luck finding any helpful ones. If anyone could provide a link to good one that would be great.

As for antidepressents. What does anyone use here. If anyone could let me know what they feel are good or bad ones and why, that would be excellent.

http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm

I started out with cymbalta and changed to effexor. My dosage is 75 m per day but it might get upped. I find the effexor to be helping (in combination with cognitive behaviorial therapy)

http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm

I started out with cymbalta and changed to effexor. My dosage is 75 m per day but it might get upped. I find the effexor to be helping (in combination with cognitive behaviorial therapy)


Wow! I scored a 58 on that test. Thats scary. Thanks for the link though, atleast I kind of know where I stand.

I took that little test from the link above and scored an 83, which is mot much of a surprise. Mind you the test seemed to be missing any self harm tendencies/thoughts also I am pretty sure they look over a 3 week period and not just one

[QUOTE=itzalluptome]http://psychcentral.com/depquiz.htm

I scored a total of 18 = borderline depression (already too much for me ! :D :eek: )

In your case, Canadian, I think acupuncture would benefit you a great deal. I would not advise the drugs at this stage. Maybe a nice long vacation somewhere sunny would do the trick.