Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmoCat
(Post 564499)
guys, i seriously think I have depression, but how do you tell someone that? especially when i've been acting fine around other people. My mom will probably just say "you don't have depression because depression is feeling sad all the time". but i've heard that there's a lot more to it than that. i thought i wasn't feeling that bad, but then i have really super casual thoughts of suicide, my sleeping pattern is all messed up, i'm short tempered again, my short term memory is worse than usual, i've had a lot of trouble concentrating, i get stressed out/teary way easier than usual, i find myself monitoring my emotions more (like, oh did i smile too much? sound excited about this! don't make your advice sound too forceful), and i either never eat all day or stuff myself every 10 minutes. and lately i've been feeling like my body is three feet in front me. like i'm sometimes this transparent cloud that floats behind myself. my spirit has somehow distanced itself from my body.
this is really scaring me because i'm sure there are other explanations for this stuff, but at the same time there's a perfectly good explanation for me having depression. so, i'm not trying to get attention, i'm just trying to get help. please help me get over this before I do something terrible to myself.
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From what you describe, you most likely have depression. See, there are different TYPES of depression. Some are longer lasting than others, some are more intense. And some, you only need to be feeling numb/sad/distanced for a short part of the day or a few times a week to be considered actual depression. I usually don't recommend looking up medical/mental heath stuff on the Internet, because it can sometimes be misleading, but, I suggest you google "types of depression" and look up which set of symptoms fit you. If your mom doesn't believe you, you can try showing her a page or two that describes whatever type of depression you might have and ask her to recall moments that show you have it. And, of course, the definitive answer would be going to a doctor and having yourself diagnosed, but that might not be something you want to do, or may be too expensive.
And, of course, it's possible that you might not have depression; it could be something else. But, the absolute WORST thing you can do to yourself right now is minimize this and blame yourself for it. "I'm just being lazy," "I'm just having a bad day," etc. Because if you DO have depression, not understanding it and treating it can make it worse.
In the meantime, while you try to figure this all out, though, you can try doing some positive things to help manage your mood. I know some of this might sound cliche, but, coming from someone who actually has depression, I can say that they work for myself and a lot of other people: Try getting outside more, even if it's cold. Go on walks, if you can. Drink plenty of water (and I mean, go into the kitchen, sit down, and MAKE yourself drink a big glass every day), and DON'T deny yourself food. Even simple small things like washing your face, brushing your teeth, and opening up the window blinds can help you feel better emotionally and physically.
(*hugs*) And, remember, even though you might be feeling bad, now, doesn't mean things won't get better ever again. <:^) Things CAN and WILL improve for you. You just need to give it time, whether you have depression or not.
