Is this depression?

[Sparky17]

I am a 17 year old female and lately I have been feeling very down. I get irritated at others over the simplest of things, and I usually try my best to seclude myself by staying in my room. I have been reading some articles and taking tests online that seem to point towards depression. It doesn't run in the family to my knowledge and I don't think it has anything to do with my period, seeing as how it is regular. I never have been the most active person, but once in awhile I would like to go out and swim or play tennis. Now all I really want to do now is lay around. I have had trouble sleeping, specifically getting to sleep. I can't seem to stop thinking and usually I have to read or watch tv to the point where I am exhausted and can't keep my eyes open anymore. I don't have trouble focusing on books or activities that I like, but I do forget things and get distracted easily. I also suffer from frequent headaches. Is this a sign of depression or something else? What should I do?

[Sparky17]

Thank you so much, you both helped out a ton.

[arlandonbloom]

With you mentioning headaches, I would definitely consult a neurologist first of all. I know exactly what you are feeling, I had headaches and even though my case might be different than you, each time I got a headache, my mood would change extremely, I would become irritated with everybody and would just want to be left alone and lay around. I was put on some medication and that seemed to help. Also, you are a teenager, and depression cannot be completely ruled out but this is the time in life where you feel the most stress -- trying to fit in, maybe trying to impress a boy or keep a relationship going, trying to do good in school, etc. I would suggest trying to make yourself go out with friends, join a new sports team, join a club, find a new hobby just to take your mind off of things. Also, I suggest maybe taking a yoga or meditation class. Not only will this help you physically, but it helps mentally to calm yourself and ease your mind. The last but definitely not least thing I suggest is to see a therapist - psychologist - psychiatrist - etc. I am a psychology major and have learned about how dangerous and scary some of those medications are and since you are only 17 there's limited prescriptions that you have access too. I believe that if you can try to help yourself without harm to yourself or medication, to try your best with that.

[hopefulforfuture]

Seems like it is depression . With this much insight into your symptoms i think when you consult a  psychiatric doctor and get medication or therapy things will improve .. Also most probably headache is also related . If it persist neurology consultation also may be needed . Ideally both consultations so that we can rule out everything .  

. Did you go through other peoples questions , Are u a newbie in this site . I am also relatively new ..