Possible sign of depression?

Hi there,

I have a tendency to cry whenever I get angry, especially if it's during an argument with my boyfriend or with my parents. In certain situations like when I was going over my exam with my professor, I tend to get teary-eyed for no reason. It's very embarrassing and it's getting to the point, where I try to avoid confrontation and keep most of my feelings and opinions bottled up (even more than usual since I don't really let people know how I feel) just to avoid the crying scene. I read that this could be a sign of depression (the excessive crying), however, I don't feel that I am depressed. But just to be on the safe side, could it be a sign of depression?

Thanks in advance.

[MMahon]

You may find this link of interst.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crying#Function

[patient49]

Depression is a vague term to define a generalized state of unhappiness. So in a sense it could be considered depression, because you get angry about things. But I think that it makes sense that you would cry after getting angry or upset, cos it doesn't feel good to get angry! So it makes you sad!  I think my younger sister did this. :)  I think it is a healthy thing, to be able to cry after being angry. It means, to me, that you have a heart! :)  But perhaps you can look deeply at what makes you so upset. i'm sure you have good reasons, and I know that family can be frustrating. and I don't know about boyfriends cos I am into girls, haha. But maybe it would be healthy to examine what you and your bf are arguing about, and come to a solution. We may not be able to choose our family, but we can choose our lover! It sounds like you are just a little emotional, which is a great thing! I mean, it is probably more accurate to say that other people are just a little insensitive, as confrontation isn't really a good thing. There is so much bs and we have to learn how to deal with it. Maybe try to find a more sensitive and supportive bf. Just a thought and I am somewhat rambling, but wanted to offer you a response :) take care :)  ps- this is how I am spending my friday night! ~~
pss- it's ok to get sad and even upset about things, it's normal and healthy I believe, and it's ok to avoid confrontation. But at the same time you should surround yourself by people or someone who are more sensitive and understanding perhaps. Hope this was helpful :)  

[Wellnester]

More than likely this is NOT depression in the context of "major clinical depression". The word "depression" is often associated with "The Blues", "melancholy", and perhaps "oversensitivity".

In my layman's opinion "depression" in the clinical sense is distinctly characterized and associated with symptoms of "major anxiety", and "suicidal ideation" all or most of the time for at least two weeks. It can and very often does disable an individual to the point of not being able to function at all. It is debilitating, and you would more than likely have already made an appointment with a professional. In a word it is frightening.

All those who truly suffer from this frightening disease know exactly what I am talking about. If you don't know than there is a good chance you do not have the disease.

But be very careful!!!

If you let unhealthy situations in your life fester this could eventually manifest into chemical/organic changes in your brain/chemistry.

[patient49]

Oh I'm sorry, I just realized I meant to use the word sensitive, not emotional!! I'm sorry, emotional has a negative connotation, when I believe sensitive is a good thing! I hope you'e having a good night! :)