“Do I have depression?”

Your symptoms may represent a depression, but could also be due to a number of physical problems, such as a thyroid problem or something else. You need to visit your doctor, with a thorough physical examination and lab work.

These symptoms can absolutely point to a diagnosis of depression! Please meet with her PCP or a Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for further evaluation,.

Reply to the email that posed the question. Do I Have Depression? It is always best that any person with a change in what is typically their usual way of feeling, and if it lasts for a while, should perhaps consider a check-in with a therapist or physician. While mood changes are very common for all of us, it is the specifics around them that deserve further attention. From this space, and as a clinical psychologist, I can send a few thoughts you may want to consider. First, it might be helpful to try to discern when these somewhat down feelings may have begun. Jot down the approximate date and then review any changes that may have contributed to a change in feelings. Perhaps any differences with your work situation, or educational time, changes in your home, family, or with friends. Even factors such as the weather, or social situations, your community, or the political situation should be noted. Then, are there certain times when you may notice the heaviness of the down feelings seem to get better, or when worse, as these examples may shed some light on what might be contributing to, or lifting your mood. Do check with those close to you if they have noticed any change in your mood, and it is common for others in your family to experience similar feelings. Consider integrating the usual factors that can help lift one's mood such as; regular exercise, time in nature, social connections with family, relatives, co-workers and/or friends, doing activities that give you joy, taking time for self-care and without feeling guilty, trying meditation or a relaxation video, checking on your amount of sleep and has it changed recently, listening to music, journaling thoughts and feelings and listing your blessings and what you are thankful for, taking tasks you have to do and putting them into small blocks of time with beaks in-between. Often, having self-compassion is key. Without more details as to one's age, experiences, etc., more detailed information is problematic. Many of us go through mood changes, yet it is healthy and wise that you reach out and follow through.I hope the above information might be helpful as a start for you to move into what might be a more reasonable place. Please take care.

These can all be symptoms of many things including depression, grief, sleep deprivation, chronic stress...etc. We look for those symptoms as well as decreased/depressed mood (for most of the day), irritability, decreased interests/pleasure, significant weight change, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation, fatigue, diminished ability to think, and recurrent thoughts of death. This has to last for at least a two week period and cause impairment in your daily functioning for it to be diagnosed as a depressive episode. If it is due to an event/situation it is more likely Acute Stress Disorder or Adjustment disorder.

Yes, these sound like symptoms of depression.

They can be symptoms of depression but can also have other causal factors. I would recommend having an evaluation by a mental health professional who can ask the appropriate questions to determine if depression is a diagnosis. Melanie Sholtis, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist (240)-210-9003

There are many different types of depressive disorders and the symptoms with signs may be difficult to assess. The different types of depression include: major depression, persistent depression, manic depression, season depression, situational depression, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, premenstrual depression, atypical depression, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and melancholy. The symptoms that you are describing could indicate a type of depression but it's always best to seek out work with a psychotherapist and/or a psychiatrist for an evaluation. Their may be many factors or underlying causes that need to be discussed first. Are these temporary mood swings? Are your daily activities consistently being affected? Are typical simple tasks overwhelming? Do you have thoughts of suicide or death? Are there any biological or genetic factors to consider? Understanding depression can be confusing, always seek out assist to be certain.

These could definitely be indicators of depression, adjustment disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, or a variety of other mental health conditions. It's best to talk with your primary care provider or therapist to fully evaluate your situation in its entirety.