Depression Symptoms

[Sleepy]

I have been reading the archives about depression and while some of the symptoms of depression are like mine, I also have just the opposite. I have withdrawn from my family and friends and society and I have also lost interest in activities which used to give me pleasure. I don't like loud noise and I am quick to anger. But, where as most people lose their appetites and have problems sleeping, mine are just the opposite. I sleep all day until the kids gets home and then I am in bed by 9:00 p.m. for the night. I also have no problems in my appetite either.. This has been going on for 3 yrs now but I refuse to see a doctor and explain my situation.. Could these symptoms still be considered depression and could I just snap myself out of it? It has been a battle that is for sure!    Thanks for any info that you may have!

[marilyn]

I understand about the wanting to sleep all day thing.  Have you ever had blood work to see if it could be your thyroid.  My doctor "saved" me.  I went from one pyschciatrist to another.  Finally I went to a general M.D.  He did some blood work and found I had hypothyroidism. Being tired all of the time was my biggest complaint.  To this day, this man is my savior.  Good luck in whatever happens.

Sincerely,  Marilyn

[Sleepy]

Thanks to all for taking the time to respond to my question. That was very nice of you. Sincerely....Sleepy

[A-a]

I've had depression for 18 years, most of my life.  Life was a hell full of mood swings before I got professional help.  Psychotherapy and antidepressants are a blessing.  Because of the depression, I don't have a lot of social skills or self-confidence so while the drugs control the mood so I can at least function, my therapist works on the rest and is my cheerleader, devil's advocate, and sounding board.  He's there even though the going is slow and I backslide.  If you've withdrawn from your family and friends, then you probably need help getting back to them.  You might also have some type of anxiety disorder.  I can't stand loud noises either.  Please get professional help.  Don't suffer alone.  Don't get to the point I am.  The longer you wait, the more you withdraw, the toughr it gets.  Sounds impossible it could get worse but it's true.

[kim]

I understand what you are saying about refusing to see a doctor. I have always found doctors have done little to help beyond writing a prescription. When standard tests don't reveal any abnormalities, they tell you there's nothing wrong, even though you've only been tested for 20 out of a possible billion things.

I have experience with St. John's Wort. Where I come from, it can be bought at any health food or drug store. Studies have shown it to be as effective as prozac without the side effects. It has helped me tremendously. Consider this alternative.

[HFHS-M.D.-HG]

Dear Sleepy

From the information that was provided, it seems that you may be suffering from depression.. In depression with atypical features, the depressed mood  is associated with features such as increase in appetite/ significant weight gain, hypersomnia (increased sleep), interpersonal sensitivity and heavy feeling in arms, legs etc. Medications such as MAOI's (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) and SSRI's (serotonin  specific reuptake inhibitors) are found to be beneficial in the treatment. Three years is a long time to suffer from and I would recommend that you consider evaluation by a Psychiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation as early as possible. Good luck to you.

Sincerely
HFHS-M.D

[NICOLE]

i know exactly what you mean!