Is it depression? OT

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I have a question for everyone. What would you call it when a person starts slowly shutting themselves off from friends and family, choosing to spend more time alone than with others. And at the same time not really feeling much of anything? I have noticed this change within myself for the last year or so. I have been in a couple of highly emotional situations in the last month or so, and have felt pretty indifferent. I just now realized that I have been like this because it has been pointed out to me. Do you guys think this is a form of depression? Anybody been through anything similar?

Thanks,
--Kim

[jennyleigh1975]

I think that if you have been through alot of stressful situations in the past year or so, it is highly possible that you are depressed. You may need to go and talk to someone about all that has gone on. That in itself might make you feel better. You may even need some medication for a while. If yuo are feeling depressed on a daily basis and not coming out of it, I really think you should find a therapist, counselor, doctor, whichever. I mean, everyone gets depressed once in a while, but if it is an everyday thing for weeks and months at a time, then you need to do something about it. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Please dont let this depression you're in get the best of you!!

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Thanks jennyleigh. I will try and find someone to talk to, just in case this is serious. I have always dealt with any problems I have had strictly on my own, so it may be rough going. But I think I should give it a try.

Thank you so much for responding.

--Kim

[jdpiatt]

You should see your doctor. I was diagnosed with clinical depression 12 years ago (I'm 39) after the birth of my first child. I waited a year to go to the doctor but got to the point htat I thought I was crazy...cried all the time, couldn't concentrate on things, didn't feel like socializing, thought of way that I would commit suicide even though I wouldn't actually do it, etc.. Anyway, I went on anti-depressants (forgive my spelling - not my forte') and have tried several times over the past 12 years to do without them. Some people are able to take them for shorter periods of time, which might be your case. When I wasn't on them, the people around me were the ones to notice first that I needed to be! I was very withdrawn from everyone and didn't really care about anything - felt very indifferent about everything. I didn't care if I didn't see or talk to my friends, didn't care if my husband wanted a divorce or not (not that he didn't but I the time I wouldn't have cared if he'd asked for one). So, if you've been this way for a year, go see your doctor and he/she may prescribe medication and therapy or just one or the other. They've come such a long way with the different types of meds you can take now. Some are very mild and that may be all you need to get your seritonin levels back to where they should be, but once they're depleted you need meds to get them back up.

[faith-marilyn]

the thing with depression, if its gradual, like for u its been the last year, u dont notice u have it, i.e someone pointed it out 2 u. id see ur doctor, maybe u dont need medication if u didnt notice it, just a point in the right direction on how to get back on top of things. hope u feel better soon xxx

[skinnyme]

It sounds like depression to me... you really should start thinking of going to see a specialist about it. Medication can work wonders for some people... Don't be afraid to try it, it may give you a boost on your outlook on life while you are trying to sort everything out. Keep us updated.

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To tell you the truth, the thought of taking any medication scares the heck outta me. I only take Tylenol and Pepto, and those are on rare occasions. I am really terrified of side effects. (as I am sure most of us are) But I will go and talk with someone. Maybe meds will not be a requirement.

Thanks so much for all the replies. Your opinions have made this situation a little more clear for me.

--Kim

[jptk]

i was diagnosed with clinical depression two years ago and i was put on meds. there was side effects but nothing too bad, no v.... or anything, just messed up sleeping patterns and stuff.