Self Diagnosis but still not sure

[z11]

I am not sure whether I do or do not have depression but I definitely have some signs of depression (but I am not sure whether that is just my usual personality or not) and have been feeling incredibly down/emotional lately..

 First off my behaviour: I find myself unable to concentrate at work which is resulting in me struggling to get my work done. I can see that as a lack of interest for what I am doing at work but to see that it is a symptom, I certainly have it.

Feelings: I feel guilt all the time when I let people down. I am the type of person that can't say no to people even if it puts me out a great deal. I would also say I am very indecisive at times and have been getting miserable and sad as of late at relatively small things.

Thoughts: I never really have had any thoughts of being worthless or feeling like everyone would be better off without me here as I know that is not the truth, however,  I am scared that IF this does lead to something worse those thoughts would pop into my head.

Physical: I do get very tired very often and have headaches quite regularly.

As I said, I am not a doctor but just from reading through these points I seem to have picked out a could of the symptoms of depression that relate to me. My question to you is: where do I go from here? do I monitor this myself and

keep it to myself or do I speak out and go to my GP?

thank you in advance

[White_Rose]

Dear @z11

Welcome to BB where you will find a wealth of information and support.  Please check out the fact sheets at the top of the page.

When you feel as you have described it's always best to see your GP ASAP.  It may be a passing 'downer' or depression or anxiety or all sorts of things. Whoops, I hope I haven't frightened you.

Self-diagnosis is not a good thing.  You could end up frightening yourself to death.  Oh dear, done it again.  My version of a joke.  Seriously though, go to your GP and get an accurate diagnosis.  If this is depression then you need to get assistance as quickly as possible.  The longer you leave it the more difficult it becomes to ask for help.

If you do not have a GP or one that you are happy with, then consult the list provided by BB.  There is probably a BB recommended GP in your area.  Your will find this information at the top of the page under The Facts or Resources.

Meanwhile, keep posting here for lots of support.  Let us know how you go with the doctor.

Regards

LING

[BeeGee]

Hi! Welcome to BB. Thanks for posting, that was a great decision when you are feeling so uncertain.

 Firstly let me encourage you to definitely go and talk to your GP. The symptoms you describe are certainly consistent with depression; he/she will be able to explore this further with you and either put your mind at rest so you can stop worrying, or discuss treatment options with you if you are suffering from depression.

 Don't feel bad about your uncertainty. I had no idea I was depressed for over 30 years and happened upon my diagnosis by pure chance... suddenly things started to make sense; things I struggled with for years finally had a name and a reason, and more importantly a treatment.

 I'm only at the start of treatment so I can't really say how it's working yet but I'm hopeful that what I thought was normal will become something much better!

 Please do let us know how you get on.

[z11]

Thanks for the fast replies!!

 Whilst I am worried that it is just me being overly pedantic about this I really don't want to mess around with it. I also forgot to mention that Depression can be traced back to my grandfather, does this mean it could travel through to me or not?

@LING I will definitely have a look at GP's on here, thank you for that.

thank you all again 🙂

[geoff]

dear @z, it's so easy for any of us to self diagnose ourselves, sometimes we can be correct, sometimes we may think that we have a disorder, like a physical problem, but we need to get a GP's determination on exactly what is wrong with us, and then what treatment we need to try and overcome this depression.

From what you have said you do have depression and what BeeGee has said '  I had no idea I was depressed for over 30 years' and boy I can totally relate to this, but as I'm almost 60 years old this year, I know it's old, I think mine goes way back to when I was a 6 year old, as I struggled with OCD, but so many more problems happened to me over this time, although I cherish both my sons and their family, as I have 2 grand daughters, but hell it's a long time, but then depression had a taboo attached to it, and was never discussed.

As soon as I was diagnosed with depression both my GP and my psychologist would do anything they could to help me, nothing was too much for them, and this is why you should contact them and tell them how you feel, please this is so important and I beg you to do this, you can't fight depression on your own, because you will never get over it by yourself, and that's why people in denial struggle so much. Geoff.

[AGrace]

Hi @z11,

Its a really good question you have raised, when does how I feel, think, or behave become diagnosed mental illness instead of just being part of my normal existence? 

My answer is quite simple. When it starts to consistently impact on your quality of life. 

Beyondblue does actually have a 'Depression Checklist' on their website, if you look under the resources tab and select for me. This might be a good place to start.

There is no harm in presenting your case to your GP, regardless of the outcome,  it may just give you peace of mind. Especially given that you have some 'what ifs' about the future. 

All the best, and dont hesitate to let us know how you're travelling. 

AGrace