[cheekychica]

I have these episodes of what I call depression frequently. For a week, sometimes two, every month. I feel lonely, extremely sad, isolated, unmotivated, and just tired all day. I'm at the edge of tears most of the day. I tend to isolate myself because I feel that no one wants anything to do with me. I have a small circle of friends and lots of... suitors, for the lack of a better term, so I guess I have people to occupy my time.
I haven't been to a therapist or anything because I'm embarrassed.
I know everyone experiences different things, but I'm just curious to know, am I just feeling lonely, or is this what depression feels like?

I'm not asking for a diagnosis or anything. I guess what I'm wondering is, what is depression like for you?

[waterknob1234]

Not being a professional in the field I would not diagnose you. I would rather leave that to a therapist or a pdoc. There is a depression test you can take on pc. I live with depression for about a year. What you have described I deal with at least 2 or 3 days a week. The loneliness probably comes from the fact that you may not feel comfortable discussing your feelings with people around you because they may not understand or they may judge you. Do not be embarrassed to see a therapist. Do not hesitate to seek help. What you are dealing with is not wrong. You are not weak. Sometimes it takes help to deal with a depression. Welcome to pc and best wishes.

[hvert]

I think depression can be like that. Does this pattern seem tied to hormone fluctuations?

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by cheekychica

I have these episodes of what I call depression frequently. For a week, sometimes two, every month. I feel lonely, extremely sad, isolated, unmotivated, and just tired all day. I'm at the edge of tears most of the day. I tend to isolate myself because I feel that no one wants anything to do with me. I have a small circle of friends and lots of... suitors, for the lack of a better term, so I guess I have people to occupy my time.
I haven't been to a therapist or anything because I'm embarrassed.
I know everyone experiences different things, but I'm just curious to know, am I just feeling lonely, or is this what depression feels like?

I'm not asking for a diagnosis or anything. I guess what I'm wondering is, what is depression like for you?

One or two weeks a month is quite often.

Those above in bold are symptoms of depression.

My depressive symptoms (severe)
Total lack of energy
Total lack of motivation
Want to sleep all the time
Feel numb
Poor self care like not showering
Sleep patterns get screwed up
Appetite usually decreases
No interest in the things that would normally interest me
Isolating, don't want to be around any people, just leave me alone
Lack of concentration
Suicidal thoughts
Feelings of shame and guilt for not being able to function

There is a range of suicidal, severe, moderate, mild. Symptoms may vary.

I think there is a test on this site you can take. If you answer yes to a certain number of symptoms you would be considered depressed. I have taken tests where they rate you on a scale of 1 to 100. 100 being the worse. When I am bad I get an 80. Just below needing hospitalization.

I would encourage you to talk to a therapist and they should ask you about all your symptoms, your past history, family history, trauma, abuse, etc etc, and give you some test to answer questions on.

And I should always mention have your thyroid levels checked as that can cause symptoms of depression.

[glok]

Hello, cheekychica.

Depression Symptoms, Information and Treatment - Psych Central
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c...n-20032977?p=1

I wish you well.