How do you tell the difference

If you are just down in the dumps or it's something more? I've been feeling really sad for a while now, but I tend to just put on a happy face and get on with life. I've always been a really emotional person, but I feel more so recently. Everything upsets me these days. I don't know if I'm just in a funk and I'll snap out of it, or if it's something more like depression. It's kind if embarrassing to admit because I'm generally a happy, easy going person. I do have a tendency to be slightly dramatic, so I'm not sure if I'm making too big of a deal of this. I know everyone is not happy all of the time, but my happy moments just don't feel very often.

Re: How do you tell the difference

You would know if youre truly depressed. Its wayyy more than just feeling down or sad. It literally makes you want to stay in bed all day, you sleep alot. Loss of appetite, makes you feel dizzy and helpless. At least this is what i went thru. It was awful! I needed meds and therapy to get back to feeling better.

Re: How do you tell the difference

Re: How do you tell the difference

I am rarely away from my children unless I'm working or they're sleeping, so being alone during the day is simply not a luxury I get to enjoy.
As far as feeling like I can't get out of bed, I do feel like that. But I have children to tend to and a business to run, so I push my feelings aside and just do what I have to do.
I just feel like I'm building up a whole lot of resentment inside and I just don't feel at all like myself.

Re: How do you tell the difference

Re: How do you tell the difference

generally when you are in a true dark depression you cant get out of bed and function but even a low level of depression can make you feel out of sorts. it is normal to have days of feeling blue but not when it lasts weeks or months. If you have loss of interest, wt loss or gain, insomnia, agitation, fatigue etc for over 2 weeks you should speak to someone. Feelings of resentment are coming from something.

A good therapist can help, plus that one hour a week of time away from the situation can do a world of good.

Re: How do you tell the difference

Google dysthymia.

It's like a milder form of depression and people still continue to live their lives successfully for years undiagnosed, but are often just feeling down and continuing to go through the motions of everyday life.

ETA: I feel we all require several hours away each week and we shouldn't feel guilty about it.

For me, I enjoy going to yoga. I try to take at least 3 classes a week.

But even getting out for an hour each day to walk around the grocery store or Target alone can do wonders to boost mood, or sit someplace with a cup of coffee for an hour.

I notice I go through these funks too and if I am stressed I tend to avoid exercise and then it's worse.

Message edited 5/9/2014 5:26:33 AM.

Re: How do you tell the difference

I can relate. For a long time I have felt like I don't want to get out of bed, I'm exhausted, can't sleep, have no interest in things, etc.

I feel like I keep going because I HAVE to, as you said. I have kids to take care of, etc. I would say I am mildly depressed. (I have been very depressed in the past... this isn't AS bad...)

Just wanted to say that you are not alone. I agree with other posters that it might help if you would be able to talk to someone once a week...I know it can be hard, especially when you are working and have kids.

How do you tell the difference

There is absolutely something called functional depression. Depression is not only just the inability to function. If you have a concern then see a doctor. They will help you determine what if anything is going on. And it is always important to rule out medical issues which can cause behavior changes.

Re: How do you tell the difference