Understanding

I dont know where to really start. Im not sure if what im feeling is "depression." Its probably something I should know, attempting to be a psych major. I dont know. I guess I just want to understand what is going on with me. I know how i feel isnt technically "normal" but i dont feel its "abnormal" either, but what do I know. Basically, I seem to cry a lot for no reason, I have no will to move, eat, do anything. I feel like everything takes more effort than what its worth. i dont know. i dont like being at school i dont like being at home, i cant really even talk to my friends anymore. And i dont know why but sometimes i cut my self. I havent actually admitted this, any of this to anyone. People have seen the cuts, butits always a reason to explain them away...i dont know, i just want to know whats going on with me.

Hi anon

Only a doctor can diagnose depression but you certainly have the signs of it. There are websites that can tell you more about depression and other illnesses starting with this website on the home page. Most articles will have a list of symptoms you can see if you fit in and some also have quizzes you can take. But none of them can really tell you if you have depression or not, only a doctor can do that.

You've said enough in your first post to indicate that you have enough symptoms to warrant an evaluation. You can find someone to help at a local mental health clinic, if you don't have one in the area you can go to a hospital and ask for the mental health department. If you have a family physician you can see if they can recommend someone for you, assuming your doc has an open mind about these things and doesn't just tell you it will pass (if he does then go somewhere else for help).

If you are diagnosed there is a lot of treatment available, most often it involves therapy and may include medications if they think the cause of your depression is a chemical imbalance. Even with meds therapy is usually needed, because the meds aren't to make you feel better, they are to enable you to feel better. They will enable you to get out of the pit that seems impossible to get out of, and therapy will give you the understanding and the tools you need to get better.

-- The world is what we make of it --
-- Dave
-- <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.idexter.com>http://www.idexter.com</A>

Hi,

I am new at this site also. I am also new at seeking help for my problems. You have started on the right road, seeking help. Are you seeing any Therapist? It is very hard for me to open up to anyone, that is why I like this site. You can open up and it only seems to be words on the screen. Although it is getting easier to open up. I started Therapy in November but didnt like the person so I stopped and started again @ 6 weeks ago and really like this person. I know I am new at this, but talking to my Therapist is really helping me out, as is being able to vent on this site. Think you will seek some Therapy? I strongly encourage to post here how you feel, you will be amazed how it relaxes you and helps you trough the tough times.

Mike

I can relate to a lot of what you have said. Going to find a therapist is a great start, I had felt that way, been hurting myself for years. I finally started seeing a therapist, and although I'm not very talkative, it has helped. I'm sure the sooner you go, the less likely you'll find yourself in a deep hole. Good Luck and welcome