Is this really depression?

Hi,
I am a 16 year old girl and I constantly feel like I have depression because of my unexplained behavior, I totally shut down when feeling sad ( I sleep ) and during the past 2 years I have been doing so. I have noticed a dramatic change in my weight as I have gained about 15 kilos , my problem is that I can't tell if this is depression or not because I am able to feel happy sometimes and I'm not always depressed. I am really tired of feeling sad all the time and just feeling mentally numb afterwards. Recently I feel like my brain is in mental pain (and its not headache). Please help me figure out what my problem is and how to solve it.. Thanks :)

[tschock]

Could be depression for sure.
You say you're 16, so you're also going through what we old folk call a "stage" of life.
It isn't easy being a teenager, and we know this.

Are you gaining weight because you are eating all the time ( to try and feel better ) or is it just natural weight gain?

When you are happy, are you on cloud nine? Are you happier than you think you should be? Do you get sudden bursts of energy with that?

You should have a talk with your doctor and have your thyroid checked while you're there.
These are also symptoms of a thyroid problem, not just depression.

[Clysta]

Hello and welcome!!

In answer to your question, it is possible to be depressed and still have happy days. I was diagnosed with depression close to 12 years ago and I can go months perfectly fine and then I'll just crash out of nowhere. Is there a particular time this started, or something that caused this to happen? Have you ever spoken to anyone about it?

[Meronique]

Thank you so much for helping me out!  
I am eating sooo much because I think it makes me feel better and when I'm happy I don't feel happy whole heartily, like I'm happy from the outside but I don't really feel that happy, and yes in sudden bursts of energy. Like I can get happy after a lot of stored energy inside and then I feel down easily.  I didn't know that the thyroid gland had to do with depression,good to know , thank you so muchh!

[Meronique]

Hello,
Thank you so much for helping me out,I don't really know the reason to what started all of this as its been my mental state of mind for quite a long time now.. So I lost track to my main problems.
Anyways thanks alott! I really didn't know that depression can be like so, I've always known the stereotype for it as sad ALL the time , again thanks! :)

[Clysta]

It's a complex sort of thing and everyone has different problems. Some ARE sad and depressed all the time, others aren't. Some hide it well and you'd never know the difference. Do you have anyone close to you that you can talk to? A doctor would be a vital next step to work out what is going on and/or get you the help you need. Remember, you don't have to feel this way.

[Meronique]

Yes I am going to see a family friend who is a shrink , and ill get back to you and tell you the results :) thanks a lot , I am ready to be free and never feel like this again !

[Clysta]

Good luck!! Remember as well that this will take time, so don't be disappointed in yourself if you don't notice a change overnight. Just know that it WILL get better and that's always something good to work towards.

[nursegirl6572]

I also wish you the best of luck...you're taking SUCH an important first step by seeking out some help!

Let us know how it goes....you're not alone!

[Meronique]

Thanks guys! I will be telling u how it went soon!
P.S: this was the first time I ever thought of seeking help through the internet, and I cannot tell you how much you've all encouraged me to seek help, really ur support has helped me a lot ..  :')

[nursegirl6572]

Aw, sweetie, so glad to hear we could help.  This site has been invaluable to so many of us.  Don't be a stranger, we really do care and we really do know how your feel!  Better days are coming for you!

Hugs!

[sebastianjames]

Hi Meronique,

You should remove all worries from your life first, just live life like a rock without any tension.

Enjoy weekend with you friends. Do not think more about anything AND the most important thing is keep busy yourself in work.

If still not getting rid on problem then you will have to meet to doctor for depression help.

All the best!

[Clysta]

I too am glad to hear that we can help. I know this forum has been invaluable for me in the past almost 2 years. Anytime you feel like you need help never hesitate to post or message us. We're always willing to listen.

[nursegirl6572]

Oh if it were only as easy as removing worries from our minds!  Clinical depression is a condition that requires treatment...the vast majority of people who suffer with it can't just make themselves "snap out of it" without professional help.  Same with anxiety disorders.

Keeping busy is a great way to help depression and anxiety, but the problem for most of us is we lack desire to do ANYthing.  We don't want to sit at home and do nothing, because it depresses us, but we can't get ourselves to do anything either.  It's frustrating.