Could I be ______ and not know it???

Could I be DEPRESSED and not know it??? Normally, I would not ponder such a question. I have always been in tune with my feelings and thoughts but now I am questioning if I am depressed or not. So why am I wondering if I am depressed? When I was six months post op, I discussed with my surgeon that I was feeling "somewhat" depressed. We talked about it and he felt it was minor and would pass without any interventions. I was kind of disappointed but accepted his answer and after a period of time, I felt "normal". Recently, a friend expressed some concern regarding my "depression". I was going to argue that I am not depressed but after thinking about some of the issues, I began to wonder. Can I be depressed and not know it? No, I am not interested in the same things I once was, but does that indicate depression? No, I dont go to support group meetings like I use to, but does that indicate depression? No, I dont always eat healthy, but does that indicate depression? No, I dont post on the boards like I use to, but does that indicate depression? No, I dont exercise like I know I should, but does that indicate depression? I'm not sad, lonely or suicidal.. I'm just not as involved as I once was.. does that mean that I am depressed? It's funny how the words of a friend can strike a nerve. So now, I'm wondering if I actually returned to feeling "normal" or if I just got use to feeling depressed and now that is my "normal". How do I know if I am depressed or not? Do I just go to my pcp and tell him that I dont know if I'm depressed? I dont mind him thinking that I'm depressed, but I dont want him to think that I'm "nuts" for not knowing. Any advise?

Gina, it's so good to see you posting again. I hope everything works out for you. You have been thru quite a lot with the wedding and all lately. I've seen a number of posts where people have been asking about the lady who posts all those protein drinks. They have been missing you also. We all miss you. Just know I'm only an email away, if you need someone to talk to. Love ya Gina, Elle

Elle, Thanks. I am not one to lurk. If I am not posting, I am not reading. I got email from some people in other states requesting recipes. I always check my mail but I dont frequent the boards. It's like one day, I forgot to check the board, then the habit was broken. Gina

I would suggest you talk to your PCP if you are even wondering about depression. Depression is a sneaky varmit.......no one can tell but you and your docs.... Darlene

I posted on the main board and someone gave me a link to screen for depression. I took the test and it said that I might be "mildly depressed". I had already decided to call my PCP. I skipped my yearly exam (in July) because I'd been seen the month before and didnt think it was necessary to be seen again so soon. Just goes to show how much I know about treating/diagnosing myself.

Hi. I am a big time sufferer of despession so I kinda know what to look for. Basically, how do you feel in the morning? Do you want to get out of bed and face the world? Are you too tired all the time to do what you used to? Do you look forward to going to sleep at night or even daytime just so you don't have to deal with things? Do thoughts go through your head that are uncomfortable? What I mean by that is when my despession gets bad I think to myself all the time that I am ugly, stupid, fat, hideous, etc. This does not happen to everyone nor would it be the same thoughts but these thoughts are a warning to me that I am not taking my meds like I should. Do you not eat just because you don't care about taking care of yourself? Do you not groom yourself like you used to? Do you prefer to stay indoors where it is "safe" from all those "happy" people around you? Did or do you give up on the things that used to give you pleasure? Do you avoid sex or intimacy because you you just can't deal with it? Do you ever wish that the world would just leave you alone? Do you find yourself in the "black hole" that is a safe zone for you? These are only some of the things that you have to look at. You may have some or none at all. But it is a soul searching time if you feel you might. If you need to talk. I'm here. Joanne

I can say "sometimes" to some of those questions. I am not sad or dreading of the mornings, nor do I sleep a lot or have trouble sleeping. Yes, oddly enough I THINK I'm FAT. I KNOW I'm not but I constantly THINK that I am. I dont eat healthy. I did.. but not too long ago, it was discussed that we should not deny ourselves "treats". To me, that was permission to indulge. We are dealing with morbid obesity personalities and some are easily swayed when it comes to food. I dont groom myself like I use to.. but that is a summer thing. I dont like to wear makeup when it's hot outside. That's just me. I prefer to be around happy people. I cant stand to be around someone who grumbles and complains!! Do I avoid sex? You mean, it might be depression and not old age?

5 recently went to the doctor complaining about tiredness, difficulty concentrating and generally feeling lethargic. My doctor told me it sounded like depression and she suggested I try an anti-depressant. I don't want to brag--but I have an absolutely awesome life--there is absolutely nothing for me to be depressed about. I tried the anti-depressant and immediately it became easier to concentrate and I felt more energy. Apparently I was depressed and didn't know it. Hope things improve for you soon.

You hit the nail on the head!! ..."but I have an absolutely awesome life--there is absolutely nothing for me to be depressed about". Well, maybe not 'awesome' but I have nothing to be depressed about. Hopefully, that means that we are easier to treat. How long did it take for you to notice a difference?

Needing something to be depressed about would indicate that depression is because your life is less than adequate. This may in some cases be true, we will feel down if we are not living our lives, fulfilling our dreams. But depression also has the chemical component, the neurotransmitters that regulate mood. We have no control over those and they can get out of whack even when we "should" be happy. Your pcp should be awareo of this and if is not then you need to see someone who is an expert on this. I was recieveng an antidepressant from my pcp, and it really changed my life. However I was still having some issues, and at a time when I "should" be happy. Around that time I attended a seminar on the relationship between pain, stress and depression and the neurotransmitters involved. Even tho I am somwhat knowledgeable I got a new look at the topic and one thing that really stuck with me was the fact that if you are on a drug that affercts your neurotransmitters you should be seen by a doctor who specializes in medication management, IE a psychiatrist. so I dedcided to try it. She adjusted my meds, did a fulll family history etc and asked a lot of questions my pcp never did. It was enlightening to say the least. MY pcp wrote an RX with out asking about family history of mental illness and the fact that there is more than 1 bipolar person in my family and that certain antidepressants can put a person who is gentically vulnerable into a manic episode. And I am highly at risk. The psych sees me monthly to evaluate me and made sure I am on a drug that is safe for me to take with my family history. Another huge issue is adequate treatment. Many people take an antidepressant and stop too soon, before they are adequately treated. The person teaching the seminar I went to was pretty adamant that we need to be totally free of symptoms for at LEAST 1 year berfore decreasing or stopping a med. and many people require more than one med to be controlled. the neurotransmitters involved, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are affected by different drugs, and if more than one is out of whack we may require more than one med. a person experienced in med management looks at your symptoms to determine which is the most likely culprit, but it may take some fine tuning. Good luck to you.. you deserve to feel well and good. i wish you luck.