How do you know if your depressed?
For a while Ive been doing this thing where I will feel pretty good for a while, and then really sad not long after. I dont talk to many of the people I used to and just like to be alone a lot, or talking to my boyfriend. I get relly annoyed, upset, or angry very easily. He thinks I have clinical depression, but my parents just seem to think Im being a normal teenager and its natural to feel like that sometimes. Just to me it feels like its all the time. How do I know if its actually serious or if its just normal feelings with being a teenager? And what should I do?
Comments
Here is a simple test of depression based on Seligman's theory of depression. Answer these 3 quesions?
1) Does the world suck?
2) Do I suck?
3) Is it ever going to get better?
If you answered negatively then you are indeed depressed. You may consider seeking professional help.
Depression is different than transient sadness. If you answered positively to the above questions, then you may have something else (e.g. thyroid condition, vitamin D deficiency, etc.). In which case you should see your family doctor and ask for a blood test for these very treatable conditions.