Current Events > How does someone know they have depression?

(+) Yeah! (+)

How?
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They get diagnosed by a professional in the mental health field.
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vbty3 posted...

They get diagnosed by a professional in the mental health field.

K
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There are a few common signs, but you pretty much have to be diagnosed by a professional. It's just like any other serious illness.

That too. The problem with self-diagnosing is that you can blow things out of proportion. You can lead yourself into believing you're depressed when it's just that you had a few rough days. In that case, it would be a placebo effect. For me, I felt 100% normal and just thought I would occasionally run into bad periods. However, I was diagnosed a few years ago and meds have substantially increased my happiness. If I wasn't diagnosed, I would have never known I was depressed.
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When you look in the mirror and your reflexion lowers its head in shame and walks away.
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Godnorgosh posted...

vbty3 posted...

They get diagnosed by a professional in the mental health field.

Aside from that, when it's severe, it's usually pretty obvious: you hide in bed all day, harbor suicidal thoughts, lose interest in doing things you typically enjoy, etc.

Depressed people don't often have the self awareness to realize something is wrong. It can be pretty obvious to an outside observer tho which are usually the people who push a depressed to seek help.
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vbty3 posted...

They get diagnosed by a professional in the mental health field.

This, but honestly if you think you are depressed then you probably are. It is one of the few mental illnesses that isn't all that tricky to self diagnose.

Of course, if you actually think you are depressed you absolutely should seek professional help. Way too many people try to self diagnose, but don't seek professional help.

Self diagnosis isn't a bad thing if your immediate next step is to seek a professional opinion. Don't wear your self diagnosis as some sort of badge of honor.

Did I mention the part about seeking help from a professional yet?
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Also, dysthymia is a thing. Basically it is a lesser form of depression that tends to be more chronic. Some people are constantly dysthymic, but go through periods of depression as well. Feelings of dysthymia tend to be their emotional highs and they don't know or comprehend what happiness actually is.

But yeah go seek professional help if you have any sort of suspicion.
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I'm always scared to go to the doctor about my mental state because I'm afraid that I won't have a mental illness and that this is just the way things are supposed to be.
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what can a professional even do to help with depression though?
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Forlorn_Ass posted...

I'm always scared to go to the doctor about my mental state because I'm afraid that I won't have a mental illness and that this is just the way things are supposed to be.

Or you could have a mental illness and you receive medication that helps immensely.
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Forlorn_Ass posted...

I'm always scared to go to the doctor about my mental state because I'm afraid that I won't have a mental illness and that this is just the way things are supposed to be.

How are things for you now? Also if you have ever do have suicidal thoughts make sure to state you aren't currently considering harming yourself so you don't get your account blocked.
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solosnake posted...

what can a professional even do to help with depression though?

Lots of things.
Anything from giving you drugs to therapy through talking (which is the least heavy manner of medication I guess)
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TheFireRises posted...

solosnake posted...

what can a professional even do to help with depression though?

Lots of things.
Anything from giving you drugs to therapy through talking (which is the least heavy manner of medication I guess)

I have heard that meds can permanently alter your brain chemistry and change your personality forever though, sounds scary. And as for talking, sometimes there are problems that are just too deep and scarring to be able to talk through it. Sometimes a person can go through something that isnt something that can be talked through
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solosnake posted...

I have heard that meds can permanently alter your brain chemistry and change your personality forever though, sounds scary. And as for talking, sometimes there are problems that are just too deep and scarring to be able to talk through it. Sometimes a person can go through something that isnt something that can be talked through

Most doctors won't medicate you unless it's needed. If they suggest medication as the first step, find a better doctor. Note that talking about medication doesn't mean they want you to take it.

Unless it's something that's harmful to yourself, others or to children, then I don't think they need to inform the police or anything so you're pretty safe.
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One time when i was much younger i thought i was depressed. Talked to a professional that said i was simply reacting normally to sad things that were happening and to a lesser extent it was my families fault.

So you might just be reacting to depressing situations.
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solosnake posted...

TheFireRises posted...

solosnake posted...

what can a professional even do to help with depression though?

Lots of things.
Anything from giving you drugs to therapy through talking (which is the least heavy manner of medication I guess)

I have heard that meds can permanently alter your brain chemistry and change your personality forever though, sounds scary. And as for talking, sometimes there are problems that are just too deep and scarring to be able to talk through it. Sometimes a person can go through something that isnt something that can be talked through

To be fair your brain chemistry is already being NEGATIVELY affected by depression. So I would imagine any change by drugs would likely have the opposite effect.
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