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Am I suffering from depression?
There are times in just about everyone's when the question, "Am I suffering from depression?" surfaces. The mere fact that you are asking yourself this question isn't necessarily a reason to run out to get a prescription for an antidepressant. There are symptoms of depression to consider before opting for meds. There are also different types of depression
One morning, I found myself asking this very question. Am I suffering from depression just because I am pondering the notion? Is this one of the signs of depression? Not necessarily. There are things that factor into our everyday moods. Clinical depression is quite different from simply feeling down or out of sorts.
After considering the symptoms of depression, I determined that I was simply going through an emotional time. I had to ask am I suffering from depression because of my sloping emotional state but I also had to consider other symptoms that come into play when a person is clinically depressed as well.
So I took a depression test. The beck depression inventory. Am I suffering from insomnia? Am I sleeping too much? Do things that I used to enjoy no longer bring me pleasure? Am I irritable and cantankerous? Do I have thoughts about death or suicide that are overwhelming and consuming? Am I suffering from depression really?
The problem lies in the simple fact that people feel depressed from time to time. However, clinical depression is persistent. Others may tell you to snap out of it but when you are truly in a depressive state, it is impossible. There is also no real reason for the dark emotions, either.
Am I suffering from depression or am I going through a rough patch? Life changing events and tragedies like a death in the family or a divorce can spiral you into a dark chasm of dread and gloom. There is good reason for the emotions and feelings of dread. When those emotions become all encompassing, then you may want to seek help.
Basically, you have to ask yourself if your state of mind is interfering with your ability to function normally. Am I able to complete tasks as usual in spite of my current dreary outlook? Am I unable to maintain healthy relationships with coworkers, friends and family because of my mood? Am I suffering from depression really?
These questions are never easy to answer, especially when you are in the emotional throws of a life changing event. Talking to a professional is a good idea but remember to try and stay objective rather than letting your dreary feelings get in the way of a real diagnosis. You can also call one of many depression hotlines to help you figure out if you are suffering from depression.
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