How can I know if I am depressed?!
Question:
How can I know if I am depressed?
I feel sad all the time and I do not want to leave the bed sometimes... am I depressed?
Answers:
Yes, I would say that you are. There are 3 primary stages:
stage 1: the blues, typical after a loved one dies, or a breakup. Should only last a few weeks otherwise you move into stage 2
Stage 2: You no longer find enjoyment in anything. You sleep to escape and can't muster the mental energy to go out or visit with friends. If left untreated, you can move into stage 3
stage 3: suicidally depressed. Although most people in this stage don't want to die, they are in such pain that you will often hear them say "I just want to go to sleep and not wake up". This is NOT suicidal, it is a cry for the pain to stop and sleeping is the escape. A person in this stage typically will not shower or care for themselves, and the smallest task such as putting laundry into the washer seems insurmountable. A person in this stage absolutely needs medication to recover.
You need to see your doctor, he can prescribe an antidepressant. It will take a few weeks for the medicine to take effect and not all meds are the same. Paxil drove me to suicidal thoughts, while Prozac brought me back to fully functioning in 6 months. Please get help.