Hi! I am new to the world of anxiety and depression and am trying to discern the differences and similarities so that I can get a better idea of what I am suffering from. I know there seems to be a lot of overlap, and everytime I look at the checklists of symptoms I seem to have several on all of them.

I think that I am suffering from more than just an anxiety disorder, however I do not think that I have major depression.

Anyone here who is suffering from specifically chronic depression...would you be so kind to describe what this is like? What does it feel like to you on a daily basis and does it change? Is it possible to suffer for years and not really know it until it turns suddenly worse?

Any help you can give me would be greatfully appreciated. I just want to understand what's wrong with me...

depression comes in various forms and degrees .It is quite possible to have depression for a long time and not realize it especially if it comes and goes. my expiriences with it were that the bouts of depression seemed to get longer and worsened over time until it just wouldnt go away. I didnt know how bad i felt until i started to feel good again. Dont waste time and worry see your doctor .he/she will help with the confusion you feel .

good luck and keep us posted on how your doing
mizplaced :wave:

All I can say to you is that mine started off with acute depression with no understanding of why. I was so bad I couldn't care for myself let alone my two children AND husband (cringe). I have come a long way since then and it was only last year that I was able to realise I was surrounded by 98% negative people. I have left myself with very few, but they are POSITIVE and it helps alot. I now understand that the people I have asked for SPACE from were actually hindering any recovery. For me, I had to dissasociate from family aswell. It's still taking time but the really bad days become less, eventualy. This is all I can pass onto you at the moment. If only I could have seen this back then. But I am sure I made the right decision. Hope this help a bit. Take care. :angel:

see..that's what I don't understand. Those people, though few, in my life are very supportive. I have everything I could ask for. My husband is a wonderful person who supports me in everything I do.

In fact, I am going to be making a career change soon. I have been a kindergarten teacher for 6 years, and I just don't think I am meant to keep doing it for the rest of my life. I have discovered a talent for decorating and am taking interior decorating courses. I know its a big change, but we can take the chance financially. The only bad part is having to tell my fellow teachers and staff members that I don't think I want to be a teacher anymore. I realize this is a big decision that can cause some anxiety, but why and I suddenly so depressed? Why can't I stop crying? Why am I experiencing panic attacks and then extreme fatigue?

I just don't understand what is wrong with me. I hate feeling like this.

I was the same way as you . i found a great new job. my friends and family were very supportive . I was very disturbed about feeling so bad and couldnt stop crying either. I couldnt go out for fear that i would start crying for no apparent reason . It just got worse. It defies logical thinking .The doctor explained to me that even a happy event can trigger depression especially when its due to low seratonin levels . Dont feel guilty about wanting a career change or having to explain to anyone . This will only add to your depression . Perhaps in some way you could tell them you have found a new adventure you want to explore. Who could blame you for that? I have never been a teacher but I can imagine it's a very demanding and wearing at times no matter how much you might have liked it . Although i hated to leave the people I had worked with , I soon discovered it was the best thing I could have done. Do what is best for you , in the end it will be whats best for everyone .Happy trails to you on your way to your new career. I could prob use some decorating advice lol. :wave: