How can you tell if you really have depression?

Question

I've been feeling reallly low for almost 3 years now...and I want to know if I have the symptons of depression.

Answer 1

Depression can be hard to see within yourself.  Sometimes it takes an outside observer to spell it out for you.

For me, sure I had numerous problem areas where my life "didn't work",  but there was no way I would have called it "depression".  When a counselor told me I had depression - I didn't believe her, at first.   The way it worked in my case, was that aspects and symptoms of depression were observed within me by Drs. and Counselors.  What I would have attributed as problems belonging to others in my life, were actually my problems in how I was living MY LIFE.  I was stuck in how I lived my life.  

I was physically and mentally depressed, and incapable of changing much of anything for the positive until I began a regimen of anti-depressant medication.   Once the medication started putting the missing chemicals back into my brain, I was able to view my life with bits of hope, and was able to use what I learned in therapy to change how I lived and how I viewed the people around me.

There was no magic "happy pill".  It took work and it took years for me to find my way back amongst the living, average world, and to find joy, praise, and hope for myself.

Answer 2

I have to agree with most of the other posters. If you have clinical Depression you wouldn't be asking.

I know that with me I wasn't 'depressed' there was nothing wrong with me. Ok sometimes I'm a little sad but everyone is right? The fact that I cried all day had nothing to do with it?

It wasnt until months after I was diagnosed that I actually believed it.

If youre worried it would be best to see a Dr for a proper diagnosis.  

Answer 3

Depression will impose on your daily activities.

It can cause weight gain or loss

Unexplained tearfulness

Hopelessness

Irritability

Feelings of Loneliness and isolation

You may lose interest in things you use to enjoy

You don't necessarily have to be experiencing social issues to feel depressed.

These are just a few of the symptoms. If you have been experiencing these -I recommend you see a doctor for evaluation.

Answer 4

If you have true clinical depression, you won't even be thinking that you have it. It takes someone else noticing and helping you to do something about it.  You just have the blues.