How do you know you are depressed?

[2nervesleft]

I have been a bit concerned regarding some of my thoughts lately but really am not sure if its a valid bunch of symptoms or just time of life/year.

If I hear or read something awful in the news I find my self turning it over and over in my mind later. I never used to be like this. I haven't lost my appetite or any weight(I wish). But I feel like I have lost my appetite for life? I'm not suicidal but just lost interest in things. I feel drained. I have 2 children aged 5 and nearly 2 (he is very busy) my marriage is OK and we are probably better off financially now than ever before.

Tell me I need to pull myself together and be grateful for what I have.

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lack of zest for life and lethargy are possible symptoms of depression

you may experience loss or gain wiehgt but not necessarily

you could look at alist of possible symptoms for depression and anxiety (the two often accompany each other but not necessarily)and you may be experiencing enough of them for enough of the time to suggest you are depressed

having no obvious problems doesn't mean you won't become depressed

you could try "pulling yourslef together" by taking exercise, eating better and sleeping better and generally taking care of yourself mentally and physically

there are lot of things you can do by way of self help to improve your mood

if you are moderately or severely depressed you may need to do more and your gp can help

it is also good to get help sooner rather than later as it may be more easily/quickly resolved the sooner you tackle it

Thanks Dior and zippy.

Am now back in the gym after xmas break and back on the healthy eating. Maybe Xmas doesn't agree with me?

I wish I could stop being so sensitive to bad news even when it doesn't affect me at all. I cry when I hear people have died on the other side of the world. Not a normal reaction for me. I wondered if the dark nights and terible weather have affected my mood. Do you feel worse in winter Dior?

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unfortunately all the things that might help seem mountainously difficult to do when depressed don't they

I find the dark days are worse particularly still overcast days are deadly..slashing rain is not so bad

Yes I have to make myself go to the gym otherwise I know I will feel bad and down on myself for not going.

I'm begining to think that the awful weather we had over the xmas break has made me feel worse because we were stuck in nearly all the time, mainly with the kids fighting.

I will go out for a walk as soon as ds wakes up as it is not raining today and get a bit of daylight in me.

Thanks for your help. I hope you are feeling ok at the moment.

Forgot to say - I didn't think I was depressed until DH asked sweetly if all was ok. Said he was a bit worried about me and the crying and seemed a bit low, but really got worried when I didn't go to Jan Sales at all!.

if these feelings persist then do go to the gp

and try not to make too many unrealisitic demands on your self

only you can know whether you should try and force yourself to do some things or accept that you are ill

take care

I find this time of year really hard - its dark, overdone it after Xmas, horrible weather, a real effort to get dressed and take the dog and little one out for a walk. So end up dragging yourself out even though you really cant be bothered. If you stay indoors watching hours of kids tv thats even worse! Im just longing for the summer and to be able to get out and about.