Do I Have Depression? Symptoms and Seeking Help

Do I have depression?

Hello, doctor.
I am a first-year high school student in a culinary program.
For the past few months, I have been experiencing a loss of appetite; after taking the first bite of food, I have no desire to eat any more, and I often feel nauseous afterward, regretting that I ate at all.
In the mornings, I struggle in bed for half an hour to an hour before I can get dressed.
Every day, I feel weakness in my limbs, as if my whole body has been drained, and I have a tightness in my chest that makes it hard to breathe.
I feel like everyone around me is moving quickly, while my body feels heavy as if it were filled with lead, and I might collapse if I'm not careful.
At night, I toss and turn in bed; even when I do fall asleep, I wake up every hour or so from dreams that I can't remember.
I often wake up an hour before my alarm goes off and can't fall back asleep.
On my days off, I sleep until four or five in the afternoon, get up just to eat something to ease my stomach pain, and then lie back down to scroll through my phone, trying to fall asleep again by eight.
In school, I only listen to music with my headphones on and have no desire to do anything else; even when others try to talk to me, I don't want to respond because I feel so weak.
At work, I often get scolded for being slow to react, lacking strength in my limbs, and having poor memory; dishes that I used to remember easily now require multiple checks to confirm.
I don't feel particularly sad, but I definitely don't feel happy; rather, I feel like I am in a state of emptiness, as if my emotions are blank.
Sometimes, when I see something funny, my first reaction isn't to laugh along but to think, "What right do I have to laugh?" When I receive compliments, I think, "I'm not as good as they say; I should have died a long time ago." When others criticize me, I think, "I really am worthless; maybe I should just die." I've also started self-harming recently.
Although I hate pain, I find that watching my wounds bleed slightly alleviates that heavy feeling inside, and afterward, my burdens feel a bit lighter.
Others say I just have a "high sense of humor" or that I'm "too pessimistic," claiming that "people with depression are those who cry all day and say they are suffering." Because of this, I constantly doubt whether I have psychological or personality issues, while also trying to convince myself, "I'm doing fine; how could I be sick?" I want to ask the doctor if I have depression.

Lin Chia-Lin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/03/09

Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry

Dear Miss Lin,
Your article describes many distressing mental and physical conditions you are experiencing.
Seeing so many painful situations, we believe there are many better and more effective coping strategies than self-harm that can alleviate your suffering.
The specific diagnosis is not important; it could be maladjustment, depression, bipolar disorder, or various other possibilities.
In any case, since your sleep, school, and daily life are clearly affected, we recommend visiting a hospital or clinic to consult with a child and adolescent psychiatrist, who should be able to provide the assistance you need.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2018/03/09

More Info

It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time, and I want to acknowledge the pain and confusion you are experiencing. Based on the symptoms you've described, it is possible that you may be experiencing depression or a related mental health condition. However, diagnosing depression requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, as it involves understanding the full context of your experiences, emotions, and behaviors.

Understanding Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a low mood. It can manifest in various ways, including:
1. Changes in Appetite and Weight: You mentioned a lack of appetite and feelings of nausea after eating. This can be a common symptom of depression, where individuals may either lose interest in food or overeat as a way to cope with their feelings.

2. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep is often associated with depression. Your description of tossing and turning at night, waking up frequently, and feeling exhausted during the day aligns with these symptoms.

3. Physical Symptoms: Feelings of heaviness in your limbs, fatigue, and a general sense of being drained can be physical manifestations of depression. It’s not uncommon for individuals with depression to feel as if their bodies are weighed down or to experience unexplained aches and pains.

4. Emotional Numbness: The feeling of being emotionally flat or like a "blank slate" can indicate depression. When you say that you don’t feel particularly happy or sad but rather indifferent, it reflects a common experience among those dealing with depressive symptoms.

5. Negative Self-Perception: Your thoughts about not deserving happiness, feeling like a burden, or having self-harming thoughts are serious indicators that you may need professional help. These thoughts can be very distressing and are often linked to depression.

6. Social Withdrawal: Not wanting to engage with others, even when they reach out to you, is another sign of depression. It can be difficult to connect with friends or family when you’re feeling this way.

Seeking Help
Given the severity of your symptoms, especially the self-harm, it is crucial to seek help from a mental health professional. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Talk to Someone: Find a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or school counselor, and share what you are experiencing. They can help guide you to appropriate resources.

2. Visit a Mental Health Professional: A psychologist or psychiatrist can provide a proper assessment and discuss treatment options, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

3. Emergency Support: If you ever feel like you might harm yourself or have thoughts of suicide, it’s essential to seek immediate help. Contact a crisis hotline, go to the nearest emergency room, or call emergency services.

4. Confidentiality: Mental health professionals are bound by confidentiality laws, meaning they cannot share your information without your consent, except in specific situations where there is a risk of harm.

Self-Care Strategies
While seeking professional help is vital, there are also self-care strategies you can implement:
- Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process what you’re going through.

- Physical Activity: Engaging in some form of exercise, even a short walk, can help improve your mood.

- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation.

- Limit Negative Influences: Try to distance yourself from people or situations that exacerbate your feelings of worthlessness or negativity.

Conclusion
You are not alone in this, and there is help available. It’s important to take your feelings seriously and reach out for support. Remember, acknowledging that you might need help is a strong and courageous step toward healing. Please consider speaking to a mental health professional who can provide you with the support and guidance you need.

Similar Q&A

Do I Have Depression? Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Help

Doctor, my question is a bit long. I want to ask if I might have depression! I'm afraid that if I see a doctor and find out I don't have depression, it will be very awkward! Here are my symptoms: I have been taking depression screening scales for the past few days, and ...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. The text reveals long-term negative emotions and self-harming behavior. I hope you can cherish yourself, as your questions indicate a desire for better mental and physical health. I recommend that you consult a mental health specialist (what you refer to as a psychological...

Do I Have Depression? Signs and When to Seek Help

Since September 2014, I have noticed that I have been experiencing depressive emotions. By 2015, I started to cry sometimes and had thoughts of suicide. Now, my emotions have become indifferent, and I don't want to talk to anyone. I feel like I have seen through everything. ...

Dr. Cai Qijin reply Psychiatry
Symptoms of depression may include feelings of sadness, occasional crying, suicidal thoughts, a desire to avoid social interaction, and self-blame. These symptoms can be related to environmental, psychological, and physiological factors. It is advisable to seek evaluation and ass...

Understanding Depression: Key Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Doctor: I would like to ask you what symptoms are associated with depression, as I believe I may have depression.

Dr. Chen Meizhu reply Psychiatry
Hello: The symptoms of depression include the following common signs: 1. Persistent low mood 2. Loss of interest in activities 3. Decreased or increased appetite 4. Insomnia or hypersomnia 5. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or slowed thinking 6. Indecisiveness 7. Feelings of g...

Understanding Depression: When to Seek Help for Mental Health Issues

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It sounds like you're experiencing significant emotional distress, possibly related to exam stress and family trauma. The symptoms you're describing, such as palpitations, dizziness, feelings of hopelessness, los...

Dr. Li Guanying reply Psychiatry
From your letter, it is clear that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to both depression and stress-related issues. 1. Facing an uncertain future, depression is a common condition in modern society. It is a chronic illness that requires long-term treatment for rec...