Tired, can't concentrate, forgetful

[Robertls]

Hello, for the past say 6 months my concentration levels have been dropping, also i'm finding it hard to remember words, fairly complicated ones that i used to be able to just think of naturally but i now i find myself stopping mid sentence regularly as i can't think of the words to say. I'm tired nearly all day even after a good sleep. I find that i can't concentrate on anything either, which may be due to my lack of motivation, i am 15 and i'm currently doing my GCSEs, so i have coursework to do, essays, ill sit down, get everything in order but then i won't be able to concentrate on it at all, i'll go off task or just stare at my book. Then i'll get really sad and annoyed that i haven't done anything and i'll try and try to work but nothing comes of it. I've also gained weight recently and i'm starting to feel down in the evenings. Any help or suggestions of whats wrong would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[solly1983]

Hello, i am 26 years old
i was diagnosed with depression about 5 months ago and prescribed lamictal and cymbalta.  
i have been suffering from these intense symptoms for the last 2 years and dont know wether i have been correctly diagnosed.  note:  there was no extraordinary event that caused my depression, but i am a perfectionist so might be very stressed about everything subconciously.
Symptoms are
1) Total mind blockage.  brain feels like wood and plastic.  Feels like theres no fat there.  Mind doesnt work at all.  Like my brain has shrunk.
2) detachment from feelings and emotions.  Intuition, perception, satisfaction and elation all vanished.  Robotic feeling.
3) Concentration and memory problems.  Cant learn new things. Forgetfulness.
4) depressive mood, no happiness, motivation, desire or passion. Interest in hobbies, sports and socialising all gone.
5) depressed chest, shallow breathing
6) some pain while urinating.
7) low fluidity in thinking and planning.
8) dark outlook for future.
90 Lethargy and heaviness.

Please note that  I have felt a bit better after taking the medications, but I still havent reached my optimal point, where my brain feels all powerful and intelligent.  i used to be connected to the world, emotionally and thinking.  now I am a bit like robot.  
My thinking has become better, but still need to be in control of my life, not the other way around. I used to be so confident of myself, felt I could take on anything.  Also felt at peace with world and spirutally.  Now thats gone.

Please advise whether this is depression or something else.

A very very concerned person

[sadsmitty]

Hello,  I started feeling the same way around 25 (well, not about exams, but getting work done, organized etc.)  I went to see my Family Doctor and she immediately prescribed Antidepressants.  

My advice is to TRY EVERYTHING YOU CAN before you start taking medication.  As the Dr. mentioned above you should have a full health check up.  Make sure you are really getting regular exercise. (I used to think about doing it... but not actually getting it done)..

If evenings are your hardest times, join a club, or just start walking with a neighbour or friend. I found it was helpful to join a team club so that I really had to think hard about letting down the rest of my team, partner etc.  It will get you out meeting new people and may help with your weight gain.

Depression is absolutely a medical condition so don't be too hard on yourself.  First step is to ask for help and look for answers.  Just like blood pressure can be affected by change in lifestyle so can mild depression.  I wish I had asked more questions before ending up on a 15 year cycle of pills.  

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You should get a physical check up and blood work, especially the thyroid function. If that is okay, then the symptoms you described could also indicate a mild depression, which is easily treated, so you should ask your parents to help you get a psychological consultation.It is not uncommon to be depressed at your age, and it usually goes away by itself..one good new friend usually does the trick.