Two different types of depression...?

Question

for the past years i have been kinda upset. like two years ago i would get upset at least once a day, or every other day. last year it kind of slowed down. but this year i have gotten horrible depression, i would have people say or do things that would hurt my feelings and i dont know how to handel them, i would just blame it on myself, do stuff to hurt myself in anyway i could. (cut, hit my head on something hard, etc.) but lately its getting so bad that i end up crying at night and during the day, im so sensitive to everything and i dont know what. i havent been checked or tested for depression or anything. so i dont know if i had it. but my friend told me that there are two types. because now im starting to cry without the thoughts of things hurting me. for example: i used to think of my parents hurting me which would make me hurt myself. but now i dont think of that, i just hurt myself for the heck of it. my friend told me the two types are two completely different types of depression and ive been through both i guess. is that true? what do doctors do to test you? i want help. but i am scared to tell people, especially family. how do i tell a doctor? because this is getting bad. i dont know what a doctor can do, but im sick of being upset all the time, honestly. sometimes its getting to the point where i dont care, and i like the feeling. im confused. help anyone. answers to my questions would be helpful. thanks.

Answer 1

being hesitant to tell someone is normal, and it proves that you're not just moping about for attention. i had to tell my mom i needed therapy and it was tough for me but i am so, so, SO happy i did. the best thing to do, in my opinion, is to just explain to your parents/guardians (with minimal detail.. no need to have them worked up if they tend to over-react.. which mine do) and tell them you're interested in helping yourself through getting tested (psych therapy).

doctor's don't usually test you. generally you go to a psychologist and they just ask you a bunch of questions. not too scary. i just found it difficult to talk about myself in depth.

you sound like you just really need to talk to someone about it. medication helps certain people and there's no harm in trying in your case.

anyways, i hope this all helps. and i hope you feel better. you're not alone.

Answer 2

Basically all a Doctor does to know if you are depressed or not is evaluate your psychological state, meaning they get your mood about things, like in movies were they show you a blob and  ask what you see.

You could see a therapist, get counseling. Tell someone that you know will listen to you and help you and not go and tell everyone.

But you should try and get a different out look on things. Have a hobby. Maybe even work out, it's actually increases a persons self esteem.

You can make it through a lot easier than you might think.

Good luck  

Answer 3

To Foxes:  Happy pills???  Get a hobby???  That's truly insulting to anyone who has suffered from a chemical imbalance.  You can't "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" out of depression anymore than you can talk yourself out of cancer.  Our brains are capable of becoming sick just like any other organ in our body.  Educate yourself.

As far as two types of depression--there are many types of depression of varying severity.  Seeing your regular doctor first and being COMPLETELY HONEST is the first step.  Hold nothing back, no matter how disturbing or embarrasssing--it can all help a licensed professional diagnose and then refer or treat you.  And treatment WILL help, just don't give up.

Answer 4

Your friend is probably referring to dysthymic disorder, which is a form of chronic mild depression (but still a form of depression). And major depressive disorder, which is exactly what it sounds like. Major depression that affects one's life.

So. What to do about it. I agree with some others here: I would strongly encourage you to talk to your regular doctor. How do you start? Just start with "I've been feeling really depressed lately and wondered if you might be able to help me with that?"

What will s/he do? They'll probably have some short quizzes for you to take... nothing heavy, just to give them an idea of what's going on. Then they might have you talk to another doctor.

What I'd like for you to try to understand is that people who suffer from depression are NOT people who need to "suck it up and get over it." There is a chemical imbalance and it is something that needs treatment. However, that said, people who suffer from depression DO need to take charge of their lives and take responsibility for their own mental health. Asking someone for help is an incredible first step.

I wish you nothing but the best.  

Answer 5

I don't know about the two types your friend was talking about.. Depression is a chemical imbalance. It is not something you can control. You mentioned something about your parents hurting you? That would be a good reason to go to therapy. Depression often requires two treatments: therapy and medication. All that a doctor is going to ask are basic questions about your feelings, your impulses, etc. Go to a regular doctor first, they can tell you the next step.

Answer 6

Why label it?

There are happy pills if you want them (seratonin uptake receptors or something).

Or you can focus on you and doing things that make you happy and improving your self esteem.

I'd get a new crowd, new hobby...and learn to like yourself.