[musicsinmysoul]

Lately I've been sort of up and down, I don't go out much unless I have to work, and even the sun doesn't make me FEEL happy. I'm not incredibly sad(my definition of that would be crying all day every day for days), but I've done the Depression quizzes on here and it keeps coming up moderate/severe.

Is it considered depression if when I'm alone I'm down and kind of not wanting to take part in my hobbies, but then when I'm at work or around people..I don't slug around and look miserable? I can carry on conversations and laugh like it's no big deal. Does that make sense? I went to a psychiatrist the other day, who said I most likely have ADHD, and I couldn't sit still in the chair(obviously.), but I was able to talk to him and not be all low and LOOK like I was depressed, but I just don't feel NORMAL or HAPPY.

I'm just confused as to if I'm depressed or not...Hoping someone on here can shed some light?

I don't think that the label matters much other than as having an assessment/diagnosis in order to have a treatment plan if treatment is called for in your situation.
I'd consider feeling down and uninterested in the things that you are usually interested in as signs of depression. Apathy and lack of interest are two of my main depression related symptoms. My depression isn't noticeable to the average person most days. And you'd be very unlikely to know I was feeling anxiety even if I was feeling like climbing the walls on the inside. Some people just don't show what they're feeling.
There are types of depression...situational and clinical... and of course there are also degrees of depression.
I'm not sure that "normal" and "happy" are constants with anyone... if that helps. Maybe you aren't satisfied or fulfilled in your job or private life?
I wouldn't try to diagnose you and I'm thinking that nobody else here can either.
I hope things get better for you

Originally Posted by musicsinmysoul

Lately I've been sort of up and down, I don't go out much unless I have to work, and even the sun doesn't make me FEEL happy. I'm not incredibly sad(my definition of that would be crying all day every day for days), but I've done the Depression quizzes on here and it keeps coming up moderate/severe.

Is it considered depression if when I'm alone I'm down and kind of not wanting to take part in my hobbies, but then when I'm at work or around people..I don't slug around and look miserable? I can carry on conversations and laugh like it's no big deal. Does that make sense? I went to a psychiatrist the other day, who said I most likely have ADHD, and I couldn't sit still in the chair(obviously.), but I was able to talk to him and not be all low and LOOK like I was depressed, but I just don't feel NORMAL or HAPPY.

I'm just confused as to if I'm depressed or not...Hoping someone on here can shed some light?

[musicsinmysoul]

Well I know for a fact that I'm not satisfied or fulfilled with my job or my private life. I've been saving up for school for an actual career, can't decide what I want to do yet(thats part of the problem), and I don't have much of a social/private life. So..someone can technically be depressed without having being physically diagnosed?

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

[doggiedo]

It sounds like you are experiencing some symptoms but only a doc can diagnose you. It sounds like something is going on for sure, but can I ask what a diagnosis would achieve? Do u think it would validate our feelings more? Or maybe give you some reason to get help? I'm just curious if you need that reinforcement? Just a thought. Sometimes people like to have concrete evidence before they can work on getting better, which kinda makes sense.

Do u have time to go online and do some research on symptoms? That might be helpful, but keep in mind, symptoms and triggers are different for everyone...and they also differ (in my opinion) on my episode.

Also, u might want to try tacking your symptoms- this might help when (hopefully) you reach out to a doc for help. You have concrete info on your symptoms, triggers, thoughts and feelings. I actually have an ap on my iPhone that I use every night before I head to bed (which is when I feel the worst). It makes a cool bar graph and everything. Ok if that works for everyone though.

Also I think determining a career or deciding to go back to school can be a big deal. I work with older students and it's really stressful when u cant decide what you want to do or which avenue you want your life to take. Its hard, and a normal response to a big decision like that.

Hanging there. Keep posting and maybe consider reaching out to your primary doc and chat about what's going on for you. Couldn't hurt - and wouldn't it be nice to feel better?

[musicsinmysoul]

It would make me feel better, I'm already seeking help, sort of, but I just feel like there's more wrong with me. I was never diagnosed with depression but my doctor ASKED me if I was depressed, like I was supposed to know. Looking back, I certainly was. I have researched, the reason why I chose to ask about it on here is that since everyone is different I was just curious as to how others were experiencing it. Kind of need the reassurance that I'm not completely losing my mind. I've tried tracking my symptoms, but having just been diagnosed with ADHD, you can imagine my frustration when attempting to remember to write things down. I haven't been put on medication yet, and I feel like I can't get help for my other issues until I can control my ADHD or take meds to clear up my symptoms. I feel like I'm trapped no matter which approach I take, I always end up at the ADHD holding me back and affecting everything. After all, it probably is to blame for a lot of things.

I check my iPhone daily, maybe an app would help me to remember to track my symptoms. What is the app that you use?

Ahh, back to my original doctor. Well, I would love that, except lately I've been having other appointments every week and I'm running out of days to book off work I know it's for health reasons, but I'm afraid I'll get fired for taking too many days/shifts off. My line of work is busiest in the summer, and with the long weekend approaching, it's hard to even take work off to deal with the issues that are causing me problems at work! And I can't afford to lose my job. It's just one big never ending vicious cycle.

Thank you for replying though, I really do appreciate the time taken.

Originally Posted by doggiedo

It sounds like you are experiencing some symptoms but only a doc can diagnose you. It sounds like something is going on for sure, but can I ask what a diagnosis would achieve? Do u think it would validate our feelings more? Or maybe give you some reason to get help? I'm just curious if you need that reinforcement? Just a thought. Sometimes people like to have concrete evidence before they can work on getting better, which kinda makes sense.

Do u have time to go online and do some research on symptoms? That might be helpful, but keep in mind, symptoms and triggers are different for everyone...and they also differ (in my opinion) on my episode.

Also, u might want to try tacking your symptoms- this might help when (hopefully) you reach out to a doc for help. You have concrete info on your symptoms, triggers, thoughts and feelings. I actually have an ap on my iPhone that I use every night before I head to bed (which is when I feel the worst). It makes a cool bar graph and everything. Ok if that works for everyone though.

Also I think determining a career or deciding to go back to school can be a big deal. I work with older students and it's really stressful when u cant decide what you want to do or which avenue you want your life to take. Its hard, and a normal response to a big decision like that.

Hanging there. Keep posting and maybe consider reaching out to your primary doc and chat about what's going on for you. Couldn't hurt - and wouldn't it be nice to feel better?