Hi there,
Just wanted to add my bit. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety four years ago and am now living a normal college life. Congrats on making the first step — realizing...
Am I depressed?Originally Published: May 8, 1995 - Last Updated / Reviewed On: March 1, 2013 |
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Dear Alice,
How do I know if I am depressed and need help? For about a year now, I have been easily irritated, angry, I cry when something sad or happy happens, I have lost seven pounds (last year), sometimes I have a hard time sleeping at night. I go over everything I did wrong in a day, and I have a hard time trying to concentrate on reading. I have wanted to mention this to my doctor, but I am very shy about it. He says I am physically healthy. I have tried exercising, and taking warm baths to help me feel better. What is wrong with me?
Signed,
Helpless
Dear Helpless,
Your honesty and openness about your situation is impressive — and an important step toward feeling better.
Another step is to talk with a health care provider about how you feel, preferably a mental health professional — as difficult as this may be. You can be shy and brave at the same time. When you're feeling down and shy, it can be hard to be your own advocate. Nevertheless, you've already successfully reached out with your letter, and you can continue on your path of taking good care of yourself.
For more information on the difference between "feeling blue" and depression, have a look at Friend is depressed. If you're a student, how do you feel about making an appointment at your school's counseling department or mental health clinic? At Columbia, you can call 212-854-2878 to make an appointment with a mental health provider at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) (Morningside) or call 212-305-3400 for the Mental Health Service if you are on the CUMC campus. S/he can listen to you and work with you to figure out your next steps. If you're not a student, try the following resources for more information and a referral to someone who may be able to help you.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Although it may seem difficult at first, reaching out to your provider or someone you trust is a good first step in clarifying your feelings and finding ways to feel better. There is nothing "wrong" with you for asking for help or speaking up about your concerns.
Take care,
January 23, 2008
21361Hi there,
Just wanted to add my bit. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety four years ago and am now living a normal college life. Congrats on making the first step — realizing you may need help. Reaching out to GET help can be hard and awkward, but it's well worth it. I got my parents involved and that was definitely for the better, and I started seeing a psychologist. Getting better is a long process, but it can be done!
January 14, 2000
20337Dear Alice,
I just finished reading Depressed? The person who wrote that question is exactly like me. I have very low self-esteem, I stay up to the wee-hours of the night tossing and turning...
Dear Alice,
I just finished reading Depressed? The person who wrote that question is exactly like me. I have very low self-esteem, I stay up to the wee-hours of the night tossing and turning thinking about all the bad things I did, how I screwed up, all the embarrassing things I've done, and wonder why anyone even wants me around. I just wanted to say that your web site has helped me out a lot. And to all the people out there who are like me, there IS hope, and help. Having good friends is probably one of the best ways (I say) to get help. Ones that will listen to you, help you out, and always be there for you, and call you up at 1:30 in the morning just to tell you how wonderful you are, and that they love and enjoy you being in their life. Also, listening to music helps a lot! I love going to concerts because the loud music and people give me so much energy! Also, going to christian functions and stuff help. There you feel like you are a part of something, that you are needed and not alone, and, most importantly, that you are accepted! Hey, you can do both! There are tons of christian concerts out there! All you need to do is have a sense that people love and care for you, and that you can get help!
signed,
I'm getting better!