Do I have depression or do I just think I do?

[Sandy98]

I realise there is a difference between being depressed and being down, but I'm just not sure if I'm depressed or am just trying to convince myself. I know the usual symptoms of depression and all but I'm still finding it hard to figure it out, and I can't talk to my GP about it because he is part of my community. I am usually tired even though I've slept most of the day and I can't really feel happy. Most of the time I'm upset at something or myself and other times I'm just numb. I just can't feel joy. I'm also always nervous but I didn't think that was a notable symptom because I'm always nervous due to my shy personality. Lately I'd prefer to stay inside than out and I get tired really early in the day. I'm still fifteen and I know most teenagers have mood swings and the like but I feel as if I've got something more. Is it depression or just a said effect of being a teenager? 

[vip]

Sandy I attempted suicide 3 years ago and survived and the whole suburb which is small that i live in everyone knows about it. You know what i dont really care im 100% fully recovered and i get out everyday and i just go on with life i have gained lots of admiration from people who now say how did you do it. You know what still visit your GP who really cares if he is part of the community there is patient doctor confidentiality you know. Is there nobody else you can see ? And also if you get a referral from a GP to visit a psych they will be able to assess you if you have  depression or like you said is it a teenage thing. I was first diagnosed at 17 with mine and my psych actually did tell me at the the time the teenage years should be your happy ones I was really shy and timid also i was given a script of antidepressants to take for 6 months slowely came off and then got back on track in that point of my life. Obviously as i got older issues arrised for me and my depression become really severe. Anyway its all about you here so really follow the step of speaking to a GP even if you contact beyond blue and let them put you in contact with someone you can have a chat too. Take care i feel for you as its a lot to take at your age but you have come out and spoken about it and that takes courage and determination well done.

[geoff]

dear Sandy, Nes's reply is very good.

Yes teenage years are meant to be happy, riding bikes, playing with toys or building cubby houses, but you can't do any of this when depression has got a grasp on you.

Because you can't feel any happiness and want to sleep all day, with the important part that if you sleep all day and wake up being still tired is the classic symptom of having depression.

Your doctor is obligated not to tell anyone of your illness, no one, so go and see him/her, it's really imperative that you can get a grasp on this illness as you age, and your only 15, with pressure from school as you grow older.

It really upsets me to think that teenages have depression with their life all in front of you, careers, marriage, children and grand children, so you may have 80 years to enjoy life.

Please it's in your best interest to see your doctor, no one will know. Take care. Geoff.