Keep being told I am depressed, but I don't think I am.

[ChocobananaBalls]

There is a complicated and long story involved here, but in brief I was referred to occupational health by my manager. OH doctor suggested that (amongst other things) I was depressed, although I denied it. He said he felt that I was suffering from a mood disorder.
An appointment with my GP 2 weeks later resulted in her saying that she felt I was depressed and would benefit from a course of antidepressants. Again I said that I really didn't think I was suffering from depression (although I agreed that I am very stressed and tearful).
I then saw a hospital consultant a couple of weeks later who also said they felt I would benefit from a course of antidepressants. I reluctantly agreed and went back to my GP who has prescribed lofepramine.

I picked up the tablets a couple of days ago but I haven't started them yet because it just doesn't feel right to me. I really don't think I am depressed.

Yet 3 health professionals have suggested that I am. Am I just in denial, or what? WWYD? :(

[purplepenguin86]

It's hard to say without knowing more. Why do they think you are depressed? What symptoms are you experiencing? Why don't you think you are depressed?

[didldidi]

Denial.

[Hoophopes]

Hi - the fact that a gp and a consultant say the same thing is helpful. And the fact you have gone to a consultant at the hospital for treatment and your Gp shows you know there is an issue.

[JamesAndTheGiantBanana]

Did they do one of those depression score card/quiz things on you, where you rate your moods for the last two weeks?

[ChocobananaBalls]

No I haven't done a depression score test.
The OH, GP and consultant appointment were for investigation of another condition, but one which understandably can affect a person psychologically.

Symptoms: lethargy, low mood (compared to usual), severe procrastination, basically my get up and go has got up and gone :), emotional lability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, stress, fatigue, apathy.

Why don't I think I am depressed: I am sleeping OK. I am eating OK, I still enjoy things, I can laugh and be happy and enjoy life, I am still functioning and no one would suspect anything is wrong at all.

I have a huge amount of stress at the moment, and illness that I am being investigated for. But for quite some time now it's as if my whole mood and spirit has changed - become a bit damped down I suppose. The consultant also wanted me tested for hypothyroidism as it can manifest in the same symptoms.

I should add that I have had severe depression many years ago (28 years ago), and I don't feel anything like that.

[domesticgodless]

I have bipolar disorder, Chocobanana, and you sound a bit like me.

If you are on the atypical/bipolar spectrum, your depression may be characterised by (in my case) excessive sleeping and eating; or sometimes, normal sleeping and eating.

I get very severely depressed however, and have terrible stress reactions.

The only thing that does give me pause is that you can still enjoy things. I tend to lose most of my enjoyment when depressed and become very obsessive/compulsive.

However you know yourself best and a thyroid test sounds a good idea.

[ChocobananaBalls]

The trouble is I'm not sure I do know myself best any more :(.
I posted on sickofmyselfs thread. She described in her OP pretty much how I am feeling and behaving about lots of things. I just don't have any energy or fight left in me. Stress used to fire me up and get me going. I used to be positive, capable and driven. I'm not anymore :(

[MrsMuddyPuddles]

I didn't totally loose my happy (as a friend puts it) with my current or any depression, but the suicidal thoughts and scoring highly on online depression quizzes were a big give away... I did, however, loose any will to work, any will to knit (it used to be a major passion of mine!), and find myself getting obessessed with other hobbies currently LogicPic on my phone and plucking leg hairs

I def agree on the thyroid thing, though! Get that investigated, then try the "happy pills" if it comes back clean

[Hoophopes]

Choc - it is good they are doing tests to rule out physical illness, as thyroid issues like they suggested can be part of it. Hope tests are helpful for you.

[Gmakes3]

Have you looked at PMDD? I suffer from this I was 'normal' for 7 days out of a 28 day menstrual cycle. The other 21 days were hell, feeling low, disinterested, angry, tearful, lethargic, wanted to run away from everything. Now on Anti D and and can deal with the feeling much better.