I have been feeling really sad lately. Nothing really makes me happy, everything seems to be going wrong in my life. I am 34 and there is a history of depression in my family. I would like to know how is possible for me to determine if I have depression?
Considering the fact that there is a history of depression in your family, I advise you to visit your doctor. You are old enough to recognize that something is going on with you, so it is important not to ignore your feelings. The symptoms of depression vary from person to person. If you feel "down" and "blue" for more than two weeks, and these feelings are interfering with your daily life, there is a possibility that you are clinically depressed. However, I can not diagnose you like this. Only your doctor can, by examining you. Most people who have gone through one episode of depression will have another one, sooner or later. Most people with depression never seek help, but majority of them respond to treatment. Women are more likely to become depressed then men. The higher risk is due to hormonal changes brought on by puberty, menstruation, menopause and pregnancy. Depression is not just a state of mind, it is related to physical changes in the brain. Also it is connected to an imbalance of a type of chemical that carries signals in your brain and nerves.
Yeah, I definitely agree. You should go and see your doctor. He/she will give you the best advice and its also useful to talk to other people. You can try some internet depression test like here but it is just small help, better is to see the doctor.
I also think that something that would help a lot is to see a therapist too. If your doctor wants to prescribe you any antidepressants, you should probably wait before you talk to a mental health professional. Doctors can help but sometimes they prescribe too many drugs. Be sure to be vigilant about your health too. What do you think?