Ongoing depression?!
Question: I know that a lot of people go through depression at some point in their life. But if a person has ongoing depression can that be a sign of a under lining problem? I have had depression for a long time the first time I can remember being depressed was when I was around 8 or 9 years old. I was on anti- depressants between 16 to 18. And know I have been depressed since I had my twins a 1 1/2 year ago.
Answers: I know that a lot of people go through depression at some point in their life. But if a person has ongoing depression can that be a sign of a under lining problem? I have had depression for a long time the first time I can remember being depressed was when I was around 8 or 9 years old. I was on anti- depressants between 16 to 18. And know I have been depressed since I had my twins a 1 1/2 year ago.
I remember reading a few years ago about some news on studies of twins with depression. This is a good way to study about a genetic basis for depression because twins have identical genes. It said they studied one gene in particular that has been linked to serotonin production, and that there is a long form of the gene and a short form of the gene. Here is what I thought was an interesting quote from a report about what that means, "There is a long form of the gene as well as a short form. A person may inherit two copies of the long form, two of the short, or alternately, one of each. The short form of 5-HTT is not as effective in regulating serotonin as the long form. Research has found that adults who have the short form of the 5-HTT gene are more likely to experience depression when coupled with traumatic events versus adults who carried the long form of 5-HTT." I also read that people who inherit one long/one short from their parents tend to have moderate depression and tend to respond better to antidepressants, have longer remissions, etc., than those with two short genes. Interesting, no?
Not to say, Oh, you must have this or that gene, blah blah, but just to say that there is sooo much we don't know about this mood disorder (much better term than "mental illness" I think), and that surely, surely, surely there are as many manifestations of it as there are individuals. No two brains are alike, and no two brains experience identical life events--remember, it's nature (genes) and nurture (life experience) that work together to create the depression.
So, I think what you've noticed about yourself is very insightful, and surely correct. Who would know better than you? I don't know why it would be an indication of an underlying problem besides the depression. Depression is a devil just on its own, for sure. Are you aware that there are different types, and maybe you have had one type and then another type at different times? If you were depressed after giving birth, maybe you had PostPartum Depression then, and maybe the ongoing depression other times is more of a disthymic disorder. Have you heard that term? It's a low-level more chronic form of the mood disorder. Could be what you've got. If you have not had highs/lows, then you're not bi-polar (another mood disorder), but besides these three types, there are lots of others.
So, it doesn't really matter in the end what label gets put on it--yes, I think what you are experiencing is not uncommon, and it's totally worth getting ongoing help--talk therapy and meds--so you can experience the joy in your life with your family. We only go around once, and our wicks aren't getting any longer! PS-Sometimes you have to try a couple of meds before finding one that works, and sometimes one that worked previously might not work another time. There are several chemicals in the brain that affect depression and that are responsible for things like mood, initiative, and other things that wax and wane with depression and remission, so just work to get that brain tuned up and manage your mood disorder, so you can enjoy you life to the fullest!
I hope something I wrote is helpful.
Well people online can't diagnose you. You need to go to your doctor or therapist. They should be able to help. I have felt depressed for about five years now, it does suck big time. So just go to your doc and ask him about it.
A major sign of depression as in mental illness is if it lasts for more then 6 months and nothing you do can make it go away. If I was you, I would go to the doctor with my concerns.
I am 14 and I have undiagnosed depression. This is where the doctors can't diagnose you as depressed, but people can tell that you're not happy. If you have been on anti-depressants before and they worked, maybe you should try them again. Some people's molecular structure in their brains literally don't allow them to be happy. If you have kids, it's important that you find treatment. Your happiness could effect your kids. I know I'm young, but I've had a LOT of therapy. =/ Maybe consider seeing a psychiatrist? Hope this helped! =]]
I strongly suggest going to see your doctor and talking to him/her about it. You very well could need some medication and/or talk therapy to help you cope with your depression. I've struggled with depression for years and I know how awful it can feel, but there is help out there, you just have to go get it. Take care.
I have had a non trivial amount of years battling depression so i can relate to a lot of what you are saying
it can be an underlying emotional problem to do with early hurts in our lives - some people swear by therapy to help them adjust to it.
I found a belief in Jesus Christ helped a lot in helping me heal from many aspects of an abusive childhood and in establishing more positive thought patterns as an adult.