just not sure

[Penny19]

Hi,

I am not sure whether I have depression but probably for the past year especially the last couple of months I haven't felt like myself and really just been questioning what I am doing. I have been around people who have depression and I always try to be a support system and I am known as the positive person but I feel like when I am by myself I'm not that person and underneath I'm not that happy person. As my family has already had to deal with one case of depression I don't wont to have them worry about me as well. Since I don't know what depression is I don't want to come across as dramatising mt situation or being attention seeking but I just really am not happy and what I once was motivated for and enjoyed I don't anymore. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to overcome this by myself before it turns into anything more serious or if there is a way I can better determine whether I have depression. Sorry, if this seems like a dumb question, I am just really unsure because I think I also am just so used to thinking of myself as the positive person and thinking of myself having depression is really new to me. I would just really like to know how other people came to realise that they needed help.

[AndyR]

Hi Penny

I'm relatively new on here so I'm sure there will be others who can offer you great and more experienced support. But I thought I'd just let you know someone has read your post.

It's tough working it out when its a new experience and having professional support/care is a good way to start. perhaps if you have a G.P. you could talk to them. Trying to work it out on your own can be tough going and its good to get some support not f=do it in silence.

On the Beyond Blue site there is the Anxiety and depression checklist (K10). Its opening para says
This simple checklist aims to measure whether you may have been affected by depression and anxiety during the past four weeks. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be experiencing depression and/or anxiety.
you can find it here

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

hope that might help you. I'll check back tomorrow and see how you got on.

Andy

[White_Rose]

Dear Penny

A big welcome to the forum. Many thanks for telling us how you are feeling. This is a good place to talk about your experiences, realise how many other people are in the same boat as you and get support.

I see Andy has recommended the K10 checklist. An easier way to get to it is via the blue tabs at the top of the page. Look under The Facts. It's the second item down. While you are there you could look at the information about depression and anxiety. Download whatever you want of the fact sheets but ask BB to send any booklets you want, all free of charge.

I think if you have a good look at the information and complete the K10 checklist you will find it easier to decide to see your GP or not. Unfortunately the Black Dog takes up residence wherever it chooses. You do not get depressed because of something you have done (or not done).

You sound quite down and if this has been the way you have thought about yourself for several months, I think it is time to chat with your GP. Take the completed K10 with you. It's by no means a definitive document but it does give a bit of a sketch on where you are.

You ask if others feel the same way you do. Absolutely. We all have families we are concerned about and often this leads to trying to manage on our own. It rarely works. I used to have mental health sessions with my GP fairly regularly and I was coping very well. Sadly there were some major events in my life and my GP sent me to a psychiatrist. You will need your family's support if you are depressed. Not necessarily to do anything but just to know how you feel and spend time with you.

Not being interested in previously satisfying activities is a common event. I know I have looked at my various activities, sighed and done something less challenging. Look I don't want to frighten you about depression. Look at the information available and if you feel you match the criteria then go to your GP. Make a double appointment and I suggest you print your post above to take with you. It's well written and sets out how you feel very well. It would save time to give it to your GP.

Please continue to write in here. We like to know how you are going and offer support and suggestions when you want them.

Mary

[AndyR]

Hi Penny, just checking in to see how you got on with the checklist and how you are doing. Hope things are becoming clearer for you. As Mary said, don't be frightened of depression - her advice on the steps to take is really really good.

Andy