[Victoria'smom]

How do you tell? I have my pdoc appointment next week and I have no idea what to tell him.

[eloquentdisaster]

Occasionally, when I can't really tell but still have enough energy, I will do one of two things. I will either talk to someone who knows about my bp and ask if I have been noticeably 'different.' Or, I will keep a really detailed journal of all my moods, behaviours, and other things. Would either of these work for you?

[Victoria'smom]

I don't know if I'm finally coming out of a very long (3+ months) depression, if I'm just numb, apathy, if this is stable, if it's because I don't want to add anti-depressant or because my eating disorder is in full start up mode (and I'm comfortable with that). My husband has no idea because all of them make me look like I'm okay. I'm still having vague SU thoughts but they are less then deadly and sleeping 10+ hours. I don't want to be stuck like this forever.

[ChristySpirals]

One sure fire way that I know I am becoming depressed or am depressed is when I cry even about happy things. Things feel final like this is the last time I will see my kids smile or the last time I will talk to my parents. I have felt this one thing about depression since I was a teenager and thats the only way I know how to explain it.

[cocoabeans]

I can't always tell because when I'm depressed I don't always "feel" depressed.

I ask myself how long this has been going on and if there is anything in life to enjoy. I mean, I can feel miserable but, if it has only been a few hours or a couple days, I don't worry I'm depressed. I also try to pinpoint the source of my negativity and question my thinking. If I can do that, I'm not really depressed.

If I'm just sad or having a period of blahs, I will still have hopes and plans for the future or at least be able to articulate some ideas to get things going.

And because ups and downs are to be expected in life, it is hard to know if it's going to be regular blahs or a bipolar disaster.

I just don't worry about it and deal with the day to day aspects. I don't believe medication helps that much, in fact I'm not convinced it does much at all except provide a distraction and what else is there? The down to earth day to day coping.

[missbelle]

Just talk to the pdoc...they will know.....depression takes a lot of forms and is diffeent in a lot of people....some people just shut down, others won't go out of the house, others stay in bed, others cry, others are irritable, others cannot focus etc......

Take care......just be honest with the pdoc about what you feel or don't feel. It will work out!!

[hamster-bamster]

10 hours of sleep is on a high side. Unless meds are causing it, it might be a depressive symptom.

[sweathers81]

Your cat pics made me laugh, thanks

(Missbelle)

[Victoria'smom]

Re-scheduling my appointment. I don't think I'm ready to see pdoc and a friend's birthday is at the same time. I'd rather go to the party. I'm not comfy in limbo but I'll be good for another couple of weeks I see T two days after the appointment so I'll talk to her about it. If I get the courage.