How do I know if I am depressed?

[sadperson16]

I have been back and forth to the GP ( by message and phone) for weeks
Am I or aren't I?
What to do?
I am not against medication, it has its place and it has helped in the past.
Personally, I go through a few weeks of feeling slightly worse.....funny taste in my mouth, upset stomach, headaches before any improvement.
I am loathed to subject myself to that but I know I am not " well"

Some signs all is not well.....a huge amount of ruminating, thinking, pondering. A negative spin on things.

I'm sorry OP, I'm not an expert at all, but I just wanted to come along and give you a as it's tough and I empathise. xxxx

I'm not sure that's depression tbh. I'd be looking for something more physical, the funny taste in you mouth being the main tell.

Have you had blood tests? Thyroid etc?

The taste in the mouth thing is a result of antidepressants which I am not taking.
I'm thinking mood deregulation.

I'm sorry but can I clarify,the horrible taste in the mouth is something I have experienced short term when starting anti depressants.

That's what I'm trying to work out....am I depressed,do I need meds,is it worth the couple of weeks of side effects,or do I try to manage it myself?

Thanks

Have you/GP completed the mental health questionnaire...(might be helpful in deciding how bad the “not well” is)

patient.info/doctor/patient-health-questionnaire-phq-9

While you think about ADs how about trying talking therapies/CBT (assuming they’re available to you through the GP without a massive wait)? My work has an employee assistance programme which offers talking therapies in a much quicker timeframe than the GP which might be worth checking with your company.

Thanks.I was surprised the doctor offered me phone chats,rather than something a bit more quantifiable.

I feel like I need to see a doctor but mine is doing practically everything to prevent that.
Are other people being offered face to face please?