Help.

[PaulDF]

I'm normally active and engaged.
Lately I'm constantly tired. Nothing makes me smile or happy. If I'm not at work, I'm laying in bed.  I am also experiencing severe lower back pain lately. I am confused, someone told me I may be depressed could this be right?

[PaulDF]

Thank you both for the great advise.
I will work on getting it under control.

[brice1967]

Sounds like depression to me.  (Keep in mind, I am not a doctor but am comparing your symptoms to mine.  Very similar, and I was diagnosed with "clinical depression" and an "anxiety disorder".

I was prescribed an anti-depressant and was ordered to see a psychiatrist.  Me being the genius I am decided that since the anti-depressant was working (at least taking the edge off) that therapy was not necessary.  So, I ignored seeing a therapist for about 15 years.... very very dumb idea.

I have found the combination of medicine and therapy to be life changing.  Now, I can clearly see the difference between my depression (which caused the anxiety) and going through a "rough patch".  I now know how to deal with rough patches and can for the most part keep my disorders at bay....

The hardest thing for me to do was to admit that I had a problem.  Second hardest thing was finding the strength to talk about it.  Me being a "tuff guy", I did not want to come off as weak... ever!  (That is a weakness in and of itself.)

Speak to your doctor... tell the truth... do exactly what they say... give due diligence to helping yourself and be your own best advocate.  If something doesn't seem right or feel right, it probably isn't.  Learn to trust your gut instinct and your doctor.  Work with them, so they can work FOR you.

Help is there, we just have to go after it and do all that is necessary in order to get that help.

Good luck.

[specialmom]

You certainly could be.  There are criteria for being diagnosed as clinically depressed and part of that is that you have the symptoms for every day for at least two weeks.  

The thing to know is that depression is common in that one in every four adults in the United States suffers depression or anxiety.  You also need to know that it is very treatable.  Medication is much much better than what they had to offer in years past and medication combined with talk therapy is the best way to overcome depression.

You can have the blues in which you are going through a bad period and this is especially true if you are going through a rough patch.  Depression is more constant and can be because of a particular situation in your life or absolutely nothing (and be chemically based in your brain).  A doctor is the best one to help you figure out what is going on.  Today's doctors are well trained to talk about these things so don't be embarressed, ashamed or uncomfortable making an appointment to figure out if you fit the criteria of someone suffering depression.

I do hope that you feel better soon and enjoy life as you should in the near future.  Peace and luck to you.