Is This Really "depression"? Posted: 04-05-04 18:10pm
Hi all,
i've been plagued by this question for the
longest time, so just wondering if anyone
can offer any insights.
This whole thing started about 3.5 years
ago when I began my freshman year in
college. I was away from family and
friends, didnt like the program I was
studying, and lost 10 lbs within the first
month of school (which is alot when you
only weigh about 100 lbs to begin with).
Needless to say, I sunk into a hopeless
kind of feeling, to the point where I just
didnt care about school anymore. I was
kicked out after one semester.
I managed to get into another program the
year after but I couldnt get over my
failure of being kicked out of school.
During that time I also faced a death in
the family and even more academic
hardships. It finally occured to me about
a year ago that something wasn't right. I
went to my school's counselling service
and after a few sessions with my
counsellor I was told that I *might* have
depression. That summer, I saw a
psychiatrist, who referred me to a
cognitive therapy group after I refused to
take medications. While the group was
supportive and I learned new methods on
how to cope, I didnt find it very
helpful.
For awhile I came to terms with this
condition and actually identfied myself
with it, but now I have doubts. Is this
really depression? The stuff I went
through will be hard on anyone. Besides,
everyone will feel sad once in awhile.
Perhaps I over-reacted? I dont even know
which came first - the fact that I felt
depressed or that I got kicked out of
school 3 years ago. I dont think I was
ever officially "diagnosed" either - that
psychiatrist I saw made the decision to
put me on medications after only talking
to me for half an hour and didnt even
bother doing a followup! I act cheerful
and pleasant around others too - other
than a few close friends no one will even
suspect that I feel sad. In fact some of
them didnt even believe me when I told
them. But then, I have lost
confidence/trust in myself and everything
I do, and it seems like i'll never get it
back...
|
Haley
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 23 Feb 2004 Posts: 122
Posted: 04-06-04 10:33am
Sounds like depression to me, but I am
having incredible results with cbt for my
panic and depression. You really have to
apply the stuff daily to get the benefits
but the tea from exercise alone has
changed the way I think and feel and I am
almost done weaning off my drugs and feel
really good now. The two books we are
using in my group are really good and I
would recommend them both highly: been
there, done that? Do this! By sam obitz
for anxiety and mastery of your anxiety
and panic-third edition by michelle craske
and david barlow for panic disorder.
Maybe your group leader was not as good as
mine or the books you used were too
difficult and you need to give it another
try? I hope you find something that works
for you
|
Justin_Toronto
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 418 Location: Toronto, ON
Posted: 03-09-05 17:59pm
It's not chronic depression if that's what
you're asking. It's normal to get
depressed once in a while, that's life!
Life is a roller coaster, constantly
changing variables making certain aspects
better or worse. It's a balancing act to
keep everything running smoothly so you
can continue your day to day life. But
not always possible... Sometmies you'll
slip and fall into depression. Everyone
does. Especially with what you were
faced with, I think pretty much anyone who
holds themselves in high regard would be
depressed. As long as you can dig
yourself out of it and be happy, continue
on with your life... You're fine.
When you're depressed and can't get out of
the hole... When you have no drive, no
happiness... It develops into chronic
depression. This is when help groups and
medications may be required.
Keep your chin up and smile...
Justin
p.S. I like the way you write and explain
yourself... Well expressed. :)
