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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Am I clinically depressed?
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Am I clinically depressed?
by Michelle, Oct 24, 1999 12:00AM
I am 5 months pregnant with my second child. I had what I consider to be a fairly significant bout with post-partum depression after the birth of my daughter 3 years ago. I had several visits with a psychiatrist, who gave me samples of Paxil to try. I really did not want to be on medication, and I seemed to snap out of it at that point. I also stopped seeing the psychiatrist. I am a sensitive, probably over emotional person most of the time, but other than being slightly introverted, it has not disabled me. I have a degree, a management position with an insurance company and friends (a few close friends).
The issue is, I am now starting to feel the more overwhelming depression that I felt after my daughters birth. This concerns me, as I feel it may just get worse, since it seems to be starting earlier. I sometimes have feelings of needing to get away from my family (for a weekend afternoon) but then I feel terribly guilty for doing so. I can't ever just normally decide I need time alone, it builds up until I get very angry, and then storm out. I then end up calling them and telling them to come and be with me. Most of the time, I just cry.
Could this be brought on by stress or is it a clinical illness?
I have stress, but probably no more than any other person. I am not at all reluctant to seek help, but I am reluctant to be medicated. I am 32 years old. Any insight would be appreciated.
The issue is, I am now starting to feel the more overwhelming depression that I felt after my daughters birth. This concerns me, as I feel it may just get worse, since it seems to be starting earlier. I sometimes have feelings of needing to get away from my family (for a weekend afternoon) but then I feel terribly guilty for doing so. I can't ever just normally decide I need time alone, it builds up until I get very angry, and then storm out. I then end up calling them and telling them to come and be with me. Most of the time, I just cry.
Could this be brought on by stress or is it a clinical illness?
I have stress, but probably no more than any other person. I am not at all reluctant to seek help, but I am reluctant to be medicated. I am 32 years old. Any insight would be appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Oct 27, 1999 12:00AM
Michelle,
It sounds like you are going through difficult times. Your symptoms of social withdrawal, guilt, irritability, mood swings, and crying spells may be due to Major Depression. Other symptoms of major depression include disturbance of sleep and appetite, diminished interest in previously enjoyable activities, suicidal thoughts, diminished concentration, feelings of hopelessness/helplessness/worthlessness, and fatigue. The exact cause of depression is unknown. It may be due to deficiency of a brain chemical called serotonin or other so-called neurotransmitters", genetic factors, medical conditions, or stressful events. I urge you to seek evaluation by a psychiatrist, to determine your diagnosis, and treatment plan, with an input from your obstetrician, with regards to the safety of your pregnancy/fetus.
It sounds like you are going through difficult times. Your symptoms of social withdrawal, guilt, irritability, mood swings, and crying spells may be due to Major Depression. Other symptoms of major depression include disturbance of sleep and appetite, diminished interest in previously enjoyable activities, suicidal thoughts, diminished concentration, feelings of hopelessness/helplessness/worthlessness, and fatigue. The exact cause of depression is unknown. It may be due to deficiency of a brain chemical called serotonin or other so-called neurotransmitters", genetic factors, medical conditions, or stressful events. I urge you to seek evaluation by a psychiatrist, to determine your diagnosis, and treatment plan, with an input from your obstetrician, with regards to the safety of your pregnancy/fetus.
