Could I Be Depressed??

You would need a specialist to give you a clinical diagnosis. But from a layperson point of view, it certainly sounds like depression. Have you experienced this feeling before? How long has this been going on? You definitely are seeking attention, both in regards to your posting the compassionate women of this group, and by seeking some extra help with the kids. Seeking help is a promising sign...sometimes people with severe depression don't feel worthy of help. You are worthy. But it is all up to you to receive the help. I have had my share of experiences with depression and I have committed to change my pattern of coping so that I can steer myself out of it when it happens to me. It was not easy to see the error of my ways. I would sometimes weep to others who would in return, give me much sought after solace and comforting words...until one day I met a healer who was truly compassionate and kicked my butt into a better stance. She was very tough and yet never left my side during those very lonely times. Now I have conditioned myself to really know that happiness is a choice. Peace and acceptance is a choice. You cannot control other people's energy, but you do not have to allow other people to affect yours either. In this same way, no one can Make you Happy. Or Unhappy. Unless you allow it.
Gosh, I sound so full of it...but, I do agree that you may need some serious help. Your kids depend on you to be a healthy mother. Get up. The world needs you to participate. Eat better, interact with people. Look them in the eyes. Go see a therapist. Get some exercise. Tackle one small area of the house. Don't forget to capitalize your I's. You are important. Commit to something better for yourself.
Good Luck,
Marianne

Definitely sounds like it to me. I've been there. Went on Lexapro, an antidepressant a couple of years ago and I would definitely recommend meds, from my experience. They made me feel soooooo much better. In just 10 days I was a different, happy, energetic person. My doc explained to me that some people just get a chemical imbalance and can't help themselves out of it- nothing to be ashamed about or anything. You can talk to me anytime about it.

It sounds like you are in a serious depression. Don't be despared. There is help. Ask your doctor to refer you to a respectable phsychiatrist. I did and am forever glad I did. I am on treatment and very seldome cry anymore. (Only when it is understandable now. Like at the news of my freinds death.) I also am learning every day new ways to cope with my feelings, as well as lifes challenges. Try asking your employer for advice. Sometimes large companies have councelling services. Take care and don't give up. Let me know how it works out.
L. T

M., it sounds like you are going thru a depression...BUT what is causing it can be anything from illness to medication reaction to post partum, etc. Get yourself to a doctor you trust and can be completely open with.....get a full check up and work with your MD to find out what the best course of treatment is. I have seen women go into deep depressions due to things like CFS and once they have that under control the depression lifts. There is HOPE, many have been there and if you take action you can feel better quickly.

If you are close to Frisco I can recommend a therapist. Message me if you'd like the info.

All the best,
C.

Yes, it does sound like you're depressed and need some professional medical help. There is also alot you can do to help yourself - no one will respect you (husband, family, children) if you don't respect yourself enough to take care of yourself, which it sounds like you're not doing. I would recommend you get a complete physical including thyroid (it is not uncommon for hypothyroidism to follow pregnancy) and all the symptoms you mention are also hypothyroid symptoms. Also, you don't mention diet, but a diet high in carbs and low in protein only feeds the depression because your poor body has to deal with all the sugar highs and lows. Your children need their mother and the best gift that you can give them is a healthy and happy mother. Please count your blessings - when I became extremely ill 4 years I didn't have family to rely on, please be thankful that you have parents that are willing to help out - I've done the best I can for my kids and through it I've become a much stronger person. And, I found that one of my health issues (celiac disease, which also can cause depression) is genetic and my kids own health has improved because I was determined to get better. So while you may feel worthless, you're not - no human being is - we all have something to give to others, BUT you've got to first take care of yourself in order to be able to share your gifts with your family and others.

I have no advice, only words of encouragement. I hope you find some answers and find the stregth to give yourself and your family the "you" you all deserve. Hang in there - I'll be sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way. It sucks when it all seems that dark but there is always a brighter day ahead if you can stay strong. Good luck!

M.,
you got some good advice. Don't forget physical problems too.... like you could have mono. Mono can make you feel depressed, no energy, lack of initiative etc.

Either way you need to get some professional advice. Start with your doctor and go from there.

I definitely think you are showing classic signs of depression. I would find someone you trust to talk out your feelings whether that be a professional, family member or friend. You may even want to consider talking to your doctor. I have been in your shoes and it is a terrible feeling. Be proactive in your recovery. Don't let it get the best of you. I wish you all the luck in the world.

Hey, M...

I can't say that you are suffering from depression, either, but I can tell you GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR. All my friends thought I was just suffering from depression, too, but mine turned out to be a "moderate" level of narcoplepsy (which is a sleep disorder), diagnosed by a sleep specialist. I'm taking meds for it, but now am having other health issues which are giving me similar symptoms, and making me feel like my "wake up" med is not working. (The dr explained that in my case, there is a part of my brain that is not "waking up".)

Please feel free to email me privately anytime. You may be having other symptoms and not realizing it, and I would like to go over those with you to make sure you get to the right type of dr for a correct diagnosis. (My previous primary had me go through a sleep study, called me in, went over "everything else" EXCEPT the sleep study results. When I asked him about it, he flipped thru my chart, said "oh, yeah, you have mild sleep apnea; here's a sleeping pill". Do whuuuuttt???? I'm not getting enough oxygen, and you just want me to take a sleeping pill????? Waited a year with no better results, and found my sleep specialist!) Point of this is....DON'T GIVE UP until you have FOUND the CORRECT answers!!

Email me and let me know when you have the appt with your dr. You need to make that appt ASAP ~J.~ ____@____.com

Are you depressed because your husband decided he needed time to himself, or did he want time to himself due to your depression?
It does sound like your depressed but if it's for a reason(such as your husband or work), then you need to be stronger than your emotions and face up to being a responsible parent. If it's for no reason, and your depression is causing all the problems, then you may have a chemical imbalance or need to talk to a professional(therapist). Does your work offer insurance?
Depressed people are often downers to others so its not unusual that your husband or friends may want to hang out with you less and less. People like to be around happy people. If when your husband in in your company and all you do is mope,complain,and sleep, he will certainly want time to himself. Same with your children.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is for you to figure out whether you are "clinically depressed" or if you are just reacting to negative energy around you. If it IS negative energy,then it is in your peower to turn that energy positive. Its the way you react to a problem that makes things worse..or better.
However, if all these problems you mentioned are happening because you have been depressed(and not the other way around), then perhaps you should look into treatment by a therapist or support group.
I hope things get better for you!