I have come to the realization that I am depressed. If someone could please answer a few questions I have.

Question

Unfortunately after doing some research I believe that I am severely depressed. A few things I am wondering is that if I change some things in my life that I feel are making me this way could it heal itself? Also, being somewhat young (19) what is the best way going about telling my parents. This next question may be hard for some to answer due to lack of knowledge but I recently stopped smoking marijuana heavily which I was addicted to for the past year, could this be a withdrawal symptom? And finally if I do get some help and go on medication, would I be on that medication for the rest of my life?

Thank you all so much for taking the time to answer.

Answer 1

First, I respect that you are facing the truth about yourself and admit there is a problem.  That is a difficult step for most people to take.

Second, I'm not knocking your research, but only a professional can make an "official" diagnosis of depression & the degree of its severity.  This is important, because there are different categories of depression (not just one), and sometimes they are mixed with other psychological problems that might not be as obvious.  So it is vital to see a psychologist or counselor right away.  His/her insights are critical so that the proper treatment can be prescribed for your specific condition.

In general, depression may have a biological (internal) component, an environmental (external) component, or both.  So the recommended treatment for depression usually tries to address both through a combination of counseling & medication.

As the professional gains more insight into the source(s) of your depression, he/she will then be able to address the questions you have (which are excellent, by the way) regarding the roles of your lifestyle and/or marijuana use in your depression, and what can be done about it.

I can offer some insights into whether or not you'd need to take meds the rest of your life.  Typically, the longer the time period between the onset of depression and when it is actually treated, the less likely medication would be useful to the individual.  In your case, the probability you would need to take meds for a lifetime would be low, because you are still young and your brain still has several years to go before it is completely developed.

There are no guarantees, but in most cases like yours, as you learn to manage depression both internally & externally, medication may not be needed down the road, and the focus will shift more and more exclusively to therapy with the passing of time.

As you seek professional treatment, remember that it is OK to try someone else if the first person you see isn't connecting w/ you very well.  It is important to feel that sense of "chemistry" with your counselor so you can trust & feel confortable with him/her, and sometimes you may have to try more than once to find that person.  In the long run it is worth it, so don't give up!

I hope this was helpful, and I wish you well.

Answer 2

1.  In this case change is good.  Theres a chance that if you change some things about your life that maybe you wont be as depressed or depressed at all, but there is no guarentee, depression is very serious and you could easily suffer a relapse.  It all depends on who you are, but there is no harm in trying.

2.  There is no real best way to tell your parents your depressed.  You just have to tell them.  Maybe start by telling them what exactly your feeling.  Tell them your sad alot and let them know that you did some research and that you think you have depression.  Since they care and love you, they'll want to do everything they can to help you.

3.  Depression could definetally be a withdrawal symptom.  Its good that you can connect the two.  And its also good that you stopped.  For this, you may need to go to a counselor who deals with this issue.  You can find one in your area by going to www.psychologytoday.com  

4.  If they put you on medication it is very unlikely that you will be on that for the rest of your life.  Depression can be cured, but you need to be willing to get some help.  I hope you do.

Good luck!!  I hope I helped!!!

Answer 3

Sorry to hear you're feeling so down.  I strongly believe , from experience that changing the things that make you feel depressed, will do WONDERS for you.  I went through a "soul searching" time and kept a journal. That really helped just to write down your deep down thoughts.

If you can talk with your parents openly, just tell them.  Be honest.

Could be a withdrawal symptom, but if you have things in your past that you need to deal with, that's most likely the problem.

As for the meds...I'm not a huge pill taking person, but as you can see from my nickname, I've had trouble with emotion.  Talked with my Dr. and he said, if you don't have to feel this way, if you can fix it by taking something why not do something?  I was a little leary at first, but feel much better.  I take a pill everyday.

Be honest with yourself, trust yourself.

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

You are on the right track already, as you realize that you are feeling depressed and you have managed to get off of marijuana.  I wonder if your marijuana use was related to your underlying depression (a lot of people "self-medicate" when they are depressed).

You should make an appointment with your doctor, and ask for a referral to a mental health clinic.  There are people who can help you to understand what you are experiencing, help you to talk it out and make some plans to change some things in your life, and provide an appropriate medication if its indicated.

If you do need medication, don't worry! It is usually self-limiting; when your depression lifts (through therapy, life changes and meds) the meds can change or go away.

I wish you the very best, and I hope you will get the right help and feel better soon!

Answer 5

ok good questions....severely depressed people will cry or feel like crying at the drop of a dime....will not want to do anything...or even bathe....don't care much of their upkeep...body posture sucks....on and on...however YES quitting pot especially after being addicted does do that withdrawal...your brain has been so used to it its like..ok where is it...you mean we have to go back to making those endorphins on our own?!...but CONGRATS to you for taking that big step...stay strong....get into exercise to get those endorphins working....now if you decide to go to a Psychiatrist..they do an assessment and then see you monthly to give you your medication prescription if that is what you and they decide...once you get that you either see a counselor ( or also called therapist or clinician) or maybe a nurse practioner or psychologist who will work with the Psychiatrist who is a doctor....sometimes just talking will do it in therapy...and no once on you do not have to be on it forever...some people take Celexa..a very low key anti-depressant...there are others of course...so you could take that and work on counseling and then evenutally take you off of it...tell your parents right out if you can...you're an adult now..and if they're good parents they want whats BEST for you...and if they aren't always eye to eye with you YOU still have to do whats best for you...so tell them you've noticed you been feeling a lot more lately "down in the dumps" and you don't know why so you're going to go talk to your primary doctor and then he/she can refer you to someone...and if you don't have a regular MD but in school...ask the counselor there...or call your local hospital and ask them......good luck....

Answer 6

Changing things in your life may help to ease your sadness, but if it's real depression that you have - well, that's a chemical imbalance in your brain, so making outside changes may make you happier, but you'll be depressed.  

The best way to tell your parents, is to simply tell them: "Mom, Dad, I think I'm depressed." If they're the type that will deny it, take some of your internet research with you. You can also just talk to a regular doctor, they can prescribe you something.

It could be a withdrawal symptom, but seek help either way. Your brain's telling you something isn't quite right, listen to yourself.

Medication - some people take meds for maybe a year or so, then find they don't need them anymore. Then there's people like me who will be medicated forever. It varies.

Answer 7

awww why are you depressed???..i sit them down and tell them how you feel...im glad you stopped smoking ;)...it prolly could be i've never smoked so i cant help you with that.. i doubt it...you should probably go to consouling sorry bad speller...if you wanna talk just email me..princess_2hott at yahoo..kk i hope everything goes good :)