i asked a question afew days ago about depression because i have been feeling REALLY depressed, but not all day..\nanyway, i was led to researching atypical depression, and i am going to talk to my therapist about all of this this thursday becasue i think i might have it.\n\nmy question is\n\nwhat were your symptoms? and how often did you feel really depressed? (especially when you first decided to seek treatment)\n\nthanks, if you can all give me any information beyond my question just about atypical depression i would really appreciate it
217487
I dont recall if you mentioned your age, but mine started as my hormone levels changed in my 30's.  It was not everyday, but most days, and usually when I was finished for the day, and had time to relax.  Ended up on Lexapro... then switched to Wellbutrin.  (gained weight on lex)\n\nbest thing I ever did.  \nAsk your therapist to recommend a Psychiatrist.
528809
Registered Nurse Here; Well hun, I think most of us feel this way from time to time, however when this starts out numbering the good days.  It would benefit you greatly to see a Physician, your family doctor, he or she, may decide with you to try a medication or they may suggest a psychiatrist.  Not sleeping well and crying spells are two classical symptoms of depression.  I know  your having a hard time, and there is no need for you to suffer to this degree in the era of medication and modern technology, you can be helped and assisted to feel better.  Please seek medical/mental attention,  there is MHMR, or a family practice doctor.  Both of these can put you on the road to recovery.  Thank you for the opportunity to address such a sensitive question.  Please seek some help.
453420
About 15 or so years ago I had ECT because nothing was working on my depression.  My regular psychiatrist was out of town while I was an in-patient in a hospital psych facility.  The head nurse in that unit and the doctor who was covering for my doctor gave me a video to watch and talked to me about it even though they knew my dr. was against it.  I was desperate to try anything so I agreed.  Big mistake.  I was told it was normal to have the treatment and be back in the room within an hour, feeling perfectly  normal and happy and participating in unit activities.  Not me.  I was knocked out for the entire day and that night.  I had no memory of anything.  After six treatments they had to stop because I had an unexpectedly long seizure they called "abnormal".  I lost all memory of the hospital stay and everything leading up to it for six to nine months.  When family came to visit me at the hospital I didn't recognize certain people.  I wasn't depressed anymore--if you can call feeling like a zombie a success story.  I've been told over and over that my case was unusual and that it's safe and effective, but I remain skeptical.\n\nWhat works for me is seeing a psychiatrist on a regular basis that I've developed a rapport with--in other words, I'm honest with him, I trust him, and I respect his opinions and advice.  I've been on a lot of different meds, but I have a problem with developing a tolerance and having to switch.  Many were successful for long periods of time, though.  I won't recommend any because I think that's something you and your doctor need to discuss--he knows the depth of your depression, other conditions and meds you are now taking or have taken in the past, etc.\n\nI find reading as much as I can on my condition helps a lot.  It gives me insight into things I didn't consider as having as big an impact on my life as they do.  Just knowing more about what causes depression gives you a sense of control.\n\nThis may sound silly or outdated, but keeping a journal of some sort is helpful.  It may be just jotting down a few lines of how you felt at something someone said to you (good or otherwise) or to something you saw or did.  Dreams are a good thing to list.  It really comes down to an awareness of you.\n\nWhatever course you choose, I wish you the best.
74055
Hello! Am not sure whether I have suffered from clinical depression but there were times where I have been very depressed. Have never taken any medication but to talk during psychotherapy has helped me a great deal. Never wanted to talk to anyone else neither but, well, sometimes they noticed it and I did not want to be a burden to them. I suppose feeling depressed can become a kind of comfort zone and one needs to break out of the cycle and stop telling oneself that one must feel depressed. Like others, I think it is very important for you to explore why you are feeling this way. Does it come from a lack of self-esteem? Does your past sometimes catch up on you? The source below might help you to cope with the depression better but, yes, I think as well that you should talk to a professional about how you are feeling. Please take very good care!
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I know this can't help you much, but you can try this online depression test, just to see how would your results look like.\n\nhttp://www.lessons4living.com/depression_test2.htm\n\nPeople arent always aware that they might be depressed. Denying things isn't good, people should confront their problems and try to solve them.\nIts not always easy, but with right help and support, things can get better.\nI was wondering myself what are the symptoms of depression and they vary from person to person and depend very much on persons entire life ans circumstances.
533852
You sound seriously depressed there. Go see the doctor and ask him about seeing a therapist and see if you need a medication increase or change. If you are feeling unwell that too will make you feel bummed out. You have alot to live for so try to get out of bed and get out and about. Exercise is a good thing for depression , especially walks. It gets your hormones going in a good way and helps to chase away the gloom. Good luck and do not settle for feeling this way. Get to the bottom of what is causing it and get some help.
52122
It sounds like classical symtoms of depression. Do you have a doctor that you can confide in? If so, you should make an appointment right away, and get help. Depression is dibilitating...I've suffered from it, and it's pure hell! Here are a few sites that you may find useful. By all means, don't feel like a failure for asking for help! Believe me, you'll feel better once you can overcome it. I take a medication called Lexapro for mine, and I feel much better now. There were days I didn't even want to get out of bed, but I knew I had to because I had a family to raise. E-mail me if you'd like some support.
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Have you felt like this for longer than just today? If it is just a one-off than you are probably just bored and need to call a friend and talk, or get out of the house and get some exercise and fresh air.  However, if this has been going on for a while or is a recurring condition, than you might have a medical condition that requires immediate attention from your doctor. Depression, Diabetes, Stress, Iron-Deficency....many others could be causing you to feel the way you do. An imbalance of seretonin levels in your brain can cause "depression-like" symptoms. What ever the cause, only your doctor can help you determine it and can work with you to find the solution!! Please don't wait to seek professional advice, the longer you wait the longer you'll feel this way.  Best wishes and let us know how you do. Take care! :)
469041
WHY do you want to kill yourself sometimes? Or do you have no logical reason for feeling depressed? I have found that it is always slightly better when there is an excuse that makes sense because you have something to blame.\n\nI was depressed for several years, and came close to attempting suicide several times. Nothing that should have made me THAT depressed, just lack of friends and upset about poor grades. Unfortunately, I found myself holding a pocketknife to my wrist just the same.\n\nThe trick, for me at least, was doing the exact opposite of what I wanted to do. I really just felt like shutting myself in my room and crying or sleeping or playing computer games all day. It was a cycle: I would do this, my life would suck, I would be so depressed about how I was such a loser that I would do this. I doubt you are in the same cycle, but most depressed people are in some sort of emotional feedback loop, whether they put themselves there or not.\n\nOne day I said "%$#@ THIS!". I gave away all my computer games. I began approaching people and attempting to socialize, even though I lacked social skills and this was incredibly painful in ways I can't begin to describe. The truth is I have still not completely cured my natural antisocial tendencies, but I am A LOT better than before.\n\nIdentify your feedback loop. Break it by any means necessary, and you will be free.
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about 3 to 4 weeks. I had depression, for years.  I'm on 100 mg daily. It felt like weight lifted off my shoulders, and things will take CARE OF THEMSELVES for a change!!! Start enjoying your time, life is very short. My doc said to get an "I don't give a damn attitude" it worked. It will be ok!!!!!!!!!
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I think alot more people than you realize have felt this way. I have suffered form depression also and I have felt that way from time to time. Read my life story (check my questions about this). I have been in an abusive marriage for 12 years and I have not killed myself even though I have thought about it before. I won't do it either because I know that when i put my mind and spirit to it , i can be happy and accomplish anything that I want in life. I look at all the people that I would hurt and leave behind. Not only my wonderful little children but my family and friends who love me. Do you believe in God? have you tapped into your spiritual side? That is what helps me everyday. My brother killed himself 2 years ago and caused so much pain and suffering for every one of us. please don't do it. Continue with your therapist as I will and you can email me whenever you like. Please don't do it. love you, V.
516083
Snowbunny, feeling the way you do is perfectly normal. Sometimes you don't know what you had until you loose it, I kow how you feel... No matter who you talk to, its like nobody understands or they can't grasp what you're going through and so you can't seem to get over this depression because even the advice your friends or parents give you still doesn't feel good enough. You just want to cry, you feel like treating everyone around you the way you feel. Can't eat, Can't sleep and you can't remember the last time you really smiled from your heart, but trust me when I say, if its meant to be, he will come back and you guys can try again. It won't be tomorrow or next month, no one knows but trust me. And what ever you do, don't consider hurting yourself over something that might feel "like the end of the world" to you. I've got a scar for every heartbroken event in my life when I was either used or mistreated. 5 years of bad memories but looking back now, I found someone who loves me the way none of those in the past could, even though I thought so that time. Thinking of you snowbunny..... good luck hey!
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About 4 years ago I began experiencing that feeling quite a bit, I finally began to suffer with anxiety attacks and decided to seek help.  I was diagnosed with depression, mild agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder with panic attacks.  With the help of a mild anti-depressant, a great therapist(more like a friend really), my faith and my family, I am doing much much better.  It doesn't hurt to find someone you trust who is knowledgeable in this area and talk about it.  It takes alot of courage for you to realize you might have a problem and want to know what it is and how to fix it.  Good grace to you!
1673
I was a person who refused for a long time to see the symptoms of my own depression, because I thought it meant that there was something "wrong" with me.  Eventually, I read a magazine article that listed common symptoms, and realized I had most of them.  That was a big wake-up call.  Talking to other people who had been through the same thing helped me a lot.  If you can get your relative in touch with anyone you know who has been through it, it will be more effective than nagging.  (Not suggesting you are a nag.)\nDefinitely educate yourself about symptoms, treatment, etc.  Just the fact that you are asking is great, because it shows concern.  Make sure that your relative is aware that you love him/her and just want to help.  Support is the greatest med.
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Hi Honey,\n\nI too suffer from depression, and have now for about 17 years.  Recently I did something about it.  I stopped looking at it as a flaw I have in my personality and started looking at it as a flaw I have in my medical health.  I went to the doctor and let her put me on antidepressants and mood stablizers.  And guess what I discovered?  I'm not flawed and depression is not hopeless with no cure.  YOU CAN TREAT THE SYMPTOMS!  You have to let someone help you, please.  Go to the doctor explain whats wrong and let them give you medication.  My medication helps me alot: I can sleep now, I'm less worried about things, and every little thing doesn't just disrupt my life.  There is no magic pill that can make it all go away, but if you take your medication consistently and be patient some of your symptoms will be alieviated.  I'm living proof.
307820
Hello there! I am sorry to hear you are feeling so down. People are so quick to say someone has depression. You say that you act like you are the happiest person on earth, but you aren't happy on the inside. You just have to believe that you do deserve happiness! I believe that you just have low self-esteem and self worth. 17 is a hard age! Believe me...looking back I felt the same way and wondered what the heck was wrong with myself. Just the pressures nowadays that are being put on young people is enough to make someone want to give up! I know to be happy is easier said than done sometimes, and it is a lot of work sometimes. Once you start believing in yourself it will get more simple. Life is too short not to have fun--experience life. I am not saying go out there and do foolish things, but enjoy the silly stuff. I am an adult and I still like to go to toy stores and play with the puppets! Because it makes me happy. I am not here to make anyone happy but myself. It sounds selfish, but before we can help others, we have to help ourselves. Just the fact that you asked the question on here shows that you are ready and willing to make a change for yourself. I have done a lot of "stupid" things in my life, but I have learned that loved ones are there for you no matter what you do. If people really love you, they are there for you no matter what! You can make little changes in your life. Use positive affirmation..when you start to feel those thoughts of hopelessness creep in--say to yourself that you are not listening anymore. If you are still feeling beyond hopelessness, there are many people you can go to to talk about it. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for some help and guidance. It is you standing up and saying you are sick of being that way and taking control of your life. I wish you luck and hope that I helped a little! Take care!
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Keith, you are presenting with the symptoms of Depression.  What you are going through is not your fault and there is help for you.  I believe medication would be beneficial, but I also understand that going to a doctor right now may be more than you are able to manage.  I urge you to call the suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-TALK.  I am truly concerned for you.  You may also e-mail me through Yahoo Answers. Take care and let me know how you are doing.\n\nKeith I wrote my response  to you yesterday evening but I have heard nothing from you.  Are you ok?  Please give an update.