How Do You Know...

[hooplala]

How do you know if you're clinically depressed, or its just that your life is a shitty shambles, and you have every reason to be depressed?

[Q. G. Pennyworth]

How do you know if you're clinically depressed, or its just that your life is a shitty shambles, and you have every reason to be depressed?

http://www.robot-hugs.com/surprise/

[Q. G. Pennyworth]

Seriously though, it doesn't matter if you're depressed/stressed because of an internal thing or an external one, you gotta take care of yourself. Are you in a position where you can get counseling or something?

[hooplala]

Seriously though, it doesn't matter if you're depressed/stressed because of an internal thing or an external one, you gotta take care of yourself. Are you in a position where you can get counseling or something?

I dunno. Maybe. It depends how much it is I guess. I make buttons, but you need a brain to live.

[LMNO]

I've just come out of a month-long or so bout of something awful myself, so much so that Mrs LMNO started getting concerned.

I seem to be coming out the other side, which is both relieving and problematic, if it's cyclical.

[Dubya]

How do you know if you're clinically depressed, or its just that your life is a shitty shambles, and you have every reason to be depressed?

If your circumstances improve, but you still have a burning desire to e.g. eat a bullet, then youre depressed.

At least that's my working hypothesis for now. Pills and therapy help a little, though, IME.

[Q. G. Pennyworth]

Seriously though, it doesn't matter if you're depressed/stressed because of an internal thing or an external one, you gotta take care of yourself. Are you in a position where you can get counseling or something?

I dunno. Maybe. It depends how much it is I guess. I make buttons, but you need a brain to live.

A lot of places do sliding scale, it never hurts to ask. For all you know, a few sessions of being told your life is legitimately that insane from a perceived authority is all the medicine you need.

Oh, also, GO THE FUCK OUTSIDE.

[Junkenstein]

How do you know if you're clinically depressed, or its just that your life is a shitty shambles, and you have every reason to be depressed?

This may be of use:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOAgplgTxfc

Sapolsky, beyond having a ridiculously soothing voice, covers a shit load of various aspects here. I found it quite useful in dealing with my last bout for various reasons.

Functionally, there may be little difference for you between the two.

[The Johnny]

As always, self-diagnosis is never a good idea and you should see a professional.

After saying that, I second what Dubya kind of says (phrasing though) - if your living and survival conditions are met, and your social and relationship needs are covered (having a fulfilling job and a nice partner always help a lot), then its:

1. Some underlying element or issue that is unresolved (Therapy)
2. It's something neuro-biological going on. (Medication or Exersice)

[hooplala]

Thanks everyone.  I will take that all into account and move forward.

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

How do you know if you're clinically depressed, or its just that your life is a shitty shambles, and you have every reason to be depressed?

This may be of use:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOAgplgTxfc

Sapolsky, beyond having a ridiculously soothing voice, covers a shit load of various aspects here. I found it quite useful in dealing with my last bout for various reasons.

Functionally, there may be little difference for you between the two.

I love Sapolsky. Serious science crush on the man.

[Mesozoic Mister Nigel]

How do you know if you're clinically depressed, or its just that your life is a shitty shambles, and you have every reason to be depressed?

Everyone else has already said all the things, so forgive me if I repeat what's been said.

Situational depression is really normal but the thing is, if your situation continues indefinitely, the fact that your depression is situational is meaningless, because you're still depressed.

One way or another, that's a good sign that you need a good therapist, and that something needs to change.