I was diagnosed with what my doctor said was 'seasonal affective disorder' approximately 4 years ago, I was on anti-depressant medication briefly until my mom (I was a minor at the time) decided I didn't need it anymore. The symptoms have continued ever since. I seem to be in a constant state of decline regarding my mood - how do I determine wether it is really S.A.D. and not just regular depression? It doesn't seem to occur at particular times of year, and I'm not sure if an overcast day affects it or not, I live in a rainy city so it's overcast a lot. Was the doctor wrong?
213400
You can have symptoms of depression with SAD even in summer months if it is overcast.  People who live in areas of the world that only get sun for limited times during the day or year can sometimes experience the symptoms year round.  A common treatment for SAD, in addition to meds, is to give the person a light source for the home that mimics the sun's rays.  Have you ever tried this?  You also might want to get a second opinion about your diagnosis.
481377
It sounds like you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.  The fact that you get worse in the winter time but feel better in spring and summer is a key indicator.  You also say you have no 'good' reason to feel more depressed in the winter time, like bad memories or anything like that.  \n\nAsk your mom to take you to your family doctor-he or she may be able to help you out.  If you're old enough (say, 16 or older), you may be able to make an appointment for yourself if your mom doesn't.  \n\nTreatment can entail medication or a special light to help replace what you're missing with winter's low light levels and dreary days.  You may also find going out for a walk during the day may help you get a bit more light into your system.\n\nAlso, talk to an adult you trust, like the school counsellor and ask for help in coping with the sad, scared feelings and the urges to cut.  \n\nI've included two links; one talks about SAD, what it is and how it is treated and the other gives ways to distract yourself when you have the urge to hurt yourself.\n\nYou're not a bad kid and you're not crazy.  While I'm not a doctor, what you describe does sound like Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a common problem, and can be fairly easily treated.  \n\nBest wishes.
570228
Don't really know. There are other things involved with being depressed or having depression.\n\nIf it becomes a problem, talk with your doctor or have an evaluation done at your local mental health clinic.\n\nI think alot of things are from changes in the weather.
526235
I disagree, with the response there already.  Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Not always the issues in your life (with some exceptions)   It is hereditary, which proves it is in your physiology!   My sister has depression, has gone through many hospitalizations.  She finally qualified for social security, she is disabled and unable to work.   That release of the stress of worrying about work and money has helped her tremendously. It was a cycle of stressing about money and getting sicker.  She is so much better now.  And can still work, because there are ways to work when you can and still qualify.   Medication is an issue even if you don't want to discuss it.   You will probably have to go through a lot of them before finding the one that works for you.   And not worrying about work helps you through that process.   AND you will be denied probably at least two times before being accepted.  It just works that way.   I am a family advocate for children with mental health needs so I do know my way around the mental health system.  Good luck!
450142
I was on the same thing for a little while. It is an anti-psychotic drug, but that doesn't mean your prescriber thinks you're psychotic, both anti-depressants and anti-psychotics are used for numerous conditions not just depression or psychosis.\nI stopped taking it because it didn't do a thing, not that I noticed anyway.\nForget any stigma you may think is attached to certain drugs of diagnosis, focus on being well and getting better and improving these things, what may have caused you to be unwell shouldn't be all you focus on, if you do that it can take over your life altogether, believe me I really do know about that, it's what happened to me.\nYou could also get a second opinion, and probably should, it's amazing how doctors diagnosis can vary so much from each other, I think it's worth seeing  another doctor even if only so YOU can look at your situation from a different angle.\nHope this helps a bit and good luck
509988
I'm currently dealing with the same things.  It got so bad for me that I had to take time off from work.  What I find helps is to see my dr on a regular basis, and I go see a psycologist also, just to talk and help to get things out and deal with them.  I started keeping a journal again.  Just write, don't think about what you are writing, just write. Its amazing what actually comes out when you don't think about the words.  \nTry taking a nice warm bath, play some relaxing music, light a candle, and just relax.  Slow deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth.  I mix in some lavendar oil with my bath, its very relaxing.  \nTry taking a walk, not a quick run/walk, just a stroll.  Try to enjoy the beauty thats around you, because no matter where you are theres something beautiful.  That helps me to think positive, since in depression  you dont want to be a positive person.  \nTake any medications the dr gives to you.  In time, the majority of them will help.  Only you're doctor can determine which is right for you.  I am on several right now, and I am noticing a difference in myself. \nSurround yourself by friends and family, granted that they aren't the one causing you anxiety.  Talk, and listen to what they have to say.  Enjoy a cup of decaff herbal tea.  Limit your caffiene intake, since it can make your anxiety worse.  \nTry taking up a hobby or craft to keep your hands busy.  I have been doing plastic canvas work, and its helping me keep busy, and when I feel stressed or anxious, I work on my project until the feeling passes.  I have also been trying to read.  it helps me relax also. \nI hope this helped, its whats been getting me through the last few weeks.  Good luck to you!
8811
Baby, if you ain't depressed, you're missing an awful good chance to be! You may have more than depression. Depression can be a symptom of another problem, anything from mental and emotional troubles to the physical. Insured or not, I strongly advise you to get a checkup at the local clinic (they usually have sliding fee, and sometimes can help for free). There is a questionairre they all have which will only take a few minutes to do, and they can refer you to a professional counselor if the meds don't help. (Alot of times it is just a chemical imbalance.) There is no shame in having a mental or emotional disease, only a shame if one doesn't get help for it!
614841
I think you should see a doc.  You've stated all the classic signs- the crying, losing interest, feeling worthless, and the cycle.  BUT- there are a lot of side-effects from teens using anti-depressants.  They only prescribe them for extreme cases and are closely monitored, as they can actually may make the depression worse.  \n\nMaybe you could try counseling.  It has been proven to work for some people.  Also, if you can, try getting out of the house.  Volunteer, exercise, take a class.... it will help to build your self-esteem up- not to mention the endorphins and energy from the exercise.  Another thing that causes depression symptoms to worsen is too much sugar in your diet.  They give you a high-like happy feeling, and then leave you feeling like crap until you eat more.  \n\nDon't let anyone tell you how to feel.  You're old enough to recognize when your body is out of whack, and you seem like an intelligent woman.  You're mom might be trying to support you by telling you you'll be fine, but there's no harm in merely talking to a doctor.  If you've got the guts- which a lot of people with depression don't- then go for it.
307032
Do some reading about a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder. It basically causes mood disturbances during different times of the year that could include irritability as one of the symptoms.
539831
I don't think there's anything "wrong" with you in terms of like being crazy or something like that.\n\nThe rapid changing of your mood suggests that there is something chemical going on, for sure.  To go from something called "mania" (which can feel like happiness, or too much energy, or anger/rage, can't sleep, or can't stop moving) to something called "depression" (which can feel like sadness, but not always - can be low energy, loss of appetite, irritable) is definitely chemical - like your serotonin levels are off or keep cycling low to high.  People who have bipolar disease have this happen but their cycles are usually days or weeks or even months long.  If it's happening in the course of a day for you, it is probably something else.  But this is very treatable, usually with a medication.  Your regular doctor will probably be able to help you with it.
332919
The symptoms you describe sound very much like my own before treatment. I am bipolar. I went for years between feeling normal one minute then mad at the world the next. Only occasionally did I become depressed. However, in recent years I was depressed more and more often. The depressive episodes also began to last for longer periods of time. In June 2005 I became very depressed and considered suicide. Gradually, the depression eased somewhat but stayed at a low level trough March 2006. The anger raged throughout this depression. I finally had to make a decision. Get some help or find another job. I sought help from my doctor.  I am now taking Paxil and Seroquel and doing very well. I'm almost never angry or depressed. Life is pretty good for me now. People seem nicer and more courteous, I know that is perception. They haven't changed. I have. Whether you are bipolar or there is some other mood disorder, it is best to see your doctor or a psychiatrist for diagnoses and treatment. It may not even be anything that serious. But I can tell you that no matter the cause, when you are treated you will feel much, much better about life and yourself.\n\nI have included a link below to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Website. Specifically, the bipolar pages.\n\nI hope this helps you.\n\nSincerely,\nTerry
146945
Many people feel this way.  First you might try to find out what is depressing you?  (Harder than it sounds)  Why aren't you happy?  I happen to be a person that loves change, and when I'm not getting change (at least every once in a while), I get very unhappy and depressed.  Medications don't always help...I tried them once...didn't work!  It's good that you have a boyfriend who is supportive...that's very important.  Having someone there to support you is something a lot of depressed people don't have.  If you'd like to talk details, feel free to contact me; I'd be happy to help with anything I can.
588673
I hope that you discontinued this medication under a doctors supervision. You should never just stop taking an antidepressant without telling your doctor, you can have all sorts of problems; this applies to some other prescriptions medications also. In any case, you should be telling your doctor these symptoms and not asking people on Yahoo Answers. I can tell you that even if you get some good advice you will get a lot of bad advice also, and how will be able to tell which is which?
293179
Somebody, somewhere has a problem with any medication.  Please, please, please be patient, talk to your psychiatrist, let them know exactly what you are feeling and what the effects are so they can adjust.  Not all meds are for all people.  You are talking about some good psychiatric medications.  So many of these take a while to get into our systems and balance the sleepiness may be temporary until your body gets its balance right.  The doctor can adjust dosage for you.  I would love for you to feel good and not be sleepy on them but again talk with your doctor letting them know exactly what you are feeling.  I personally do not use these meds but those patients that I have experience with using them have the same result until the meds are in the system and balanced.  TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR AND LET HIM/HER KNOW YOUR EXPERIENCE.  You will not get the correct advice here unless it is what I have just said.  TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR, call his/her office for an appointment even if you already have one, try to get one sooner.  Under no circumstances should you stop taking these medications, keep taking them in the dosage the doctor prescribed until he/she changes the dosage.
455989
Why do you have depression? I mean, was it an onset from a truamatic event or chemical? That migth effect it. As for whether it is the meds or the job, let me just say this. It doesn't really matter how great your job is when you are depressed, because when you are depressed you can get the greatest things in the world and still be neutral and upset about it. While keeping your mind off depression is a good thing, i'm thinking that you are feeling better because of your medication. Also, please don't stop it now because you are starting to feel better. Some people stop when they feel better, then they just crash afterwards. If you aren't really happy right now then something is wrong in that anti depressants are supposed to help make you feel better, not just take away the edge. I would suggest talking to your doctor, he might increase the dosage or he might even switch you to a different drug so that you will get even better side effects (i've personally been switched from medication before for depression, it's just so they can find the best one for you). So yeah, give your doc a visit and see what he says.
496781
I believe it's called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)   They think it's because you get less sunlight during the winter, so the best treatment is to make sure you get outdoors daily for a at least a few minutes, preferably in the morning.....
87002
When I was trying to get pregnant, my psychiatrist took me off of my antidepressants cold turkey.  I felt many of the same symptoms you explained.  Worried, I called my doctor again.  He did not want to put me back on the medication due to the possible risk to the baby.  I talked to my OB-GYN and she decided it was in my best interest to go back on the medication.  I went back on it under her supervision.  I am feeling normal again.  Depression is a imbalance in hormones in the brain.  Anti-depressants fix the problem.  I would definetly talk to your doctor.