Am I depressed? How do I know?

Not to make feelers across the nation cringe, but I find a way to quantify how I feel find the root, and then act upon that to fix or see the situation.

*Have you lost interest in the things that you used to love doing?
*Do you find yourself thinking that life is pointless?
*Do you feel sad about past occurrences to the point where you can't shake off the feeling?

Then you might be depressed .... You may also just be in a slump. And don't be fooled. Those can last for a long time.
I don't really know any tests online that you can take... but I'd say going to a shrink - even once - is worth it. You may walk away with a lighter pocket, but at least you'll know for sure. I mean, that's the point of going. Online tests are kinda ... "eh", anyway. It's hard to find a really good one.

QuietStorm said:

*Have you lost interest in the things that you used to love doing?
*Do you find yourself thinking that life is pointless?
*Do you feel sad about past occurrences to the point where you can't shake off the feeling?

Click to expand...

Yes, except I still love the internet. I don't know if it something I love doing since it is just surfing the internet? I think I am growing sick of it though.

Not completely pointless but I don't want to make an effort anymore. I am sick of being in an argument everyday with people around me. And I hate complaining/moping about it to people so I just keep it to myself. I did open up to a friend last night though.

Not much, no. But I think about it often and it's not a good feeling. But I can ignore it after a while.

Then you might be depressed .... You may also just be in a slump. And don't be fooled. Those can last for a long time.
I don't really know any tests online that you can take... but I'd say going to a shrink - even once - is worth it. You may walk away with a lighter pocket, but at least you'll know for sure. I mean, that's the point of going. Online tests are kinda ... "eh", anyway. It's hard to find a really good one.

Click to expand...

Eh, yeah I guess I could visit sometime. I haven't ever been to a shrink for something as personal as this. It has always been academic related.

Thanks!

@Ishan Jalan
I'm just glad that helped ... if it did. Really though, if you're not clinically depressed, you sound like you might be on the borderline. It's better to play it safe -- that's not something you want to get stuck with. It almost literally becomes your shadow.

Yeah, I realized so. The thing is I can be happy, and all that. I am cheerful person but all this is at the back of my mind. I don't know how it works, depression.

The OP sounds similar to me are you a young adult? My mother thought I might be depressed so I did exstinsive research both independently and with a behavioral therapist. I've found my feelings are very baseline; I don't get too low or too high. I think you should do some research and use all of your resources accordingly.

I highly recommend that you see a doctor if you suspect depression, preferably a specialist. View them as consultants rather than anything else. If you absolutely don't want to see one, there are rating scales you can complete online, ex. MADRS. (Used in Swedish psychiatric-institutions to rate depression.)

Yeah, I am 19. That does sound like me too. Hmm, I will look about. Thank you.

I say you should go to a therapist. Don't try to self diagnosis for there is the possibility that you may be wrong.

Seek a professional to assist you before you spiral down into full blown depression...let me tell you, early treatment is the key.

I also have been in this state (not sure for how long time though)
Usually I feel apathetic and lethargic, longing for past or for future.
Excitement helps to avoid this state. Intensive work (mental or physic) also might help. I would recommend playing team-sports. The hardest thing is to overcome yourself, your unwillingness.

*I might be wrong and may have misunderstood you
**I hope you work out of this state

Yeah, I think I'll visit the shrink once I am done with my papers. Your posts made me think. It's probably just a phase but I'd better be safe than sorry.