I've been realizing things don't really fit in with what you could read up about depression.
Like when I had that freak out in another post, I felt trapped and couldn't breathe and was pulling my hair out and rocking and crying it was horrible. All because I was at this party caused me to freak out.
Then there's my extreme perfectionism, and high standard that joined else can live up to, and I cause myself to freak out if I tell myself I can't do it. This is something everyone knows but never takes seriously, they don't realise how much it really does have an effect on me.
Then, there's my obsession with everyone's thoughts about me, and that the thought of anyone thinking negatively of me or of me letting anyone down or hurting them, literally petrifies me.
Then there's the mood swings. One minute I'm happy and highly motivated and energized, the next I'm a suicidal mess with no energy and no cares, who is a total b***h to everyone.
All this stuff, does it sound like just depression to anyone?
Thanks, Jess x

[Unrigged64072835]

Hi, Jess.

No one here can diagnose you, and only a professional can properly assess you. Sometimes symptoms are atypical and it takes someone who is qualified to sort it out. You may want to print this out and take it to your pdoc on your next appointment.

That being said--when I was a teenager I had all the behaviors you just described, and I did have untreated depression and social anxiety. The perfectionism and self-consciousness around my peers triggered a lot of the negative self-talk in my head. And mood swings--I am surprised that I still had friends after I graduated because of some of my blow-ups. I knew that my behavior wasn't "normal teenage stuff"--none of my friends acted or felt like I did, which made me feel worse--but back then help wasn't as available as it is now.

Do you have a therapist? They can help you work on your perfectionism and self-esteem issues, along with coping strategies for the mood swings. I don't know how it will go over with your parents, but it's worth a shot.

Good luck and take good care of yourself.

[Rohag]

Hello, Jess95!

Originally Posted by Jess95

All this stuff, does it sound like just depression to anyone?

Without reference to any specific diagnosis, that all sounds like more than just depression to me. If you have multiple, intertwined issues -- and it does sound as if you may, then your chances of receiving effective treatment grow when the professionals are aware of everything.

Originally Posted by Fharraige

You may want to print this out and take it to your pdoc on your next appointment.

Excellent advice!