Do I have depression?

[Firefox2311]

Lately I have been struggling with some very new emotions. I have been feeling constantly down/sad as well as rapid change of emotions and huge reactions over little things. If anyone has any ideas of what this may be or anyways to help it would be much appreciated.

Thank you

[geoff]

Hello Firefox, thanks for joining the forums, and yes, although I'm not qualified to say, from what you have said to us, it does appear that you may have depression.

Strong emotions are sometimes expressed in a way that is not related to your emotional state or alternating between feelings of happiness and well-being and feelings of anger, irritability, or depression.

If this is what's happening then you need to get a diagnosis from your doctor.

Have you done the K-10 test, it's where you are asked questions online and you score what you feel is happening to you, the higher the score means that you really should be seeing a doctor.

Do the test several times, not one after the other, but at different times of the day and take this with you to the doctors.

I would also suggest writing down on some paper what your concerns have been.

Please let us know.

Geoff.

[therising]

Hi Firefox2311

Glad you've reached out and I welcome you with a warm smile.

'Depression' is a title given to a set of characteristics, characteristics that can also be present in other conditions. You may be experiencing depression or you may be experiencing something else that appears similar. Could even be a combination. A good doctor would be able to get to the bottom of this. A good doctor will investigate (through discussion and blood tests for example) without just handing over an anti-depressant and sending you on your way. Seeing a GP would be the best move so that you're not left feeling this way any longer than you have to.

When experiencing the chemistry present in depression (such as low dopamine levels), finding out the cause is #1 priority. The chemistry doesn't happen without cause, whether that cause be mentally or physically related or both.

Take care of yourself Firefox2311