Do I need to consult a psychiatrist for depression

[Smacky16]

I've been feeling abit down in the dumps these past couple months - it began when I lost my job.  My girlfriend says I should see a psychiatrist and get on anti depressants but I don’t think theres anything unnatural about being unemployed and bummed out.  Is she over reacting, or is there actually some base for her concern?

[mammo]

I totally agree with you!  This is just part of life, and losing your job is a very good reason to be bummed.  I suffer with depression, and you sound fine to me.  A lot of people are bummed due to job loss and the econony, etc.  Relax and know your feelings are legit!
Not depression.  Take care!

[j7653]

A couple months might be a bit long to be "down in the dumps" without considering speaking with a doc.   If you go to a psychiatrist they will want to put you on drugs.  If you go to a psychologist or other therapist I doubt they would suggest drugs.  I would try to avoid drugs if you can.  I take Zoloft and I think I'm now a lifer (will never get off).

One of my favorite mood lifters is to download some books, podcasts, etc. and get some exercise (walking, running, biking).  Walking with a friend and talking about your problems is nice cause you can get exercise AND get the problems off your chest and get alternative opinions.

Good luck.

[mammo]

Symptoms of depression are feeling sad, lost, no interest in things you used to enjoy doing, mood swings, sleeping a lot or too little, feeling like life isn't worth living, no energy, crying for no reason, and there are others.  A psychologist or therapist cannot prescribe medication, but may help you have a better outlook on life. A psychiatrist may "suggest" drugs, but you have the choice to not go on them, and see if he can help you get over it through therapy.  

[Smacky16]

very true, I feel even life has no meaning. What to hope for in the future. But have never thought of taking a treatment so far, until my girlfriend mentioned about this. I felt something was seriously wrong. I have heard music therapy is also a good way to get relief from depression.

[j7653]

Smacky,

I dont know about music therapy but if it helps you then it is a good way to get relief. As I said before, there are many studies that prove exercise to be beneficial.  You need to get your heart pumping.  Re-connection with friends and family is also very important.  You need to socialize and let close friends and family know how you are doing.

I'm not trying to push drugs or therapy, but what you say above "life has no meaning. What to hope for in the future" to me are clear signals that you are feeling depressed. And if this has gone on for more than a few months, you should at least speak with a professional.

I was mildly depressed for months and it nearly destroyed my marraige.  Eventually I fell off the deep end and was severely depressed and got help.  But I needed people around me to get me to go because I wasnt thinking straight.  In hind sight I wish I got help sooner.

Good luck.

[Smacky16]

I understand how terrible you would have felt then. thanks for all the support.  But I'm putting on weight now. Good luck to you too.

[j7653]

Other than putting on weight, are you feeling better in other ways?  Sleeping thru the night, waking at normal hours, interested in life, etc...?

Hope so.

[Leah17]

hi i would def say a couple months being down in the dumps/ being deresssed is a bit too long, you said its because u lost ur job!!! Are you sure ur not up set about anything else? I think that u should see a psychiatrist, because being depressed is not good, i was depressed for 2 months last year and it make me make unsafe choices, not saying u would make unsafe choices but most everybody who is depressed will get to that point; so yes see a psychiatrist!!!!! =)