Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine?

trixz · May 9th, 2008, 05:48 PM

I don't know what's with me but I've been feeling depressed recently. AND I should not be. I would feel melancholy especially when I'm alone at night. But during the day, I can be chirpy with people and all. The weird thing is, nothing tragic has happened in my life recently (and I'm very, very grateful for that). I have loved ones around me, a bf who loves me and a handful of down-to-earth friends whom I really treasure. In fact, I got in touch with my childhood friend I've known since I was 4 and we had a great time catching up just the other day. Amazingly enough, we didn't lose the familarity we once had even though we haven't seen each other for more than 15 years. And I'm just so grateful and happy to have her back in my life again.

I also got in touch with another friend from college. We used to hang out almost every weekend and spent an insane amount of time together. We also had a great time catching up.

Hence, I should be happy!!!

But... why I am feeling so sad??

Is there something wrong with me? Am I in some kind of depression? I kept telling myself I shouldn't be sad, I should be happy... but truth is, I do feel sad... and very sad sometimes... I don't understand this... and I don't know if you know what I'm rattling here... I don't know if anyone can relate to this... The more I tell myself I should be happy, the more I end up crying (when I'm alone at home). This doesn't make any sense to me but this is exactly how I'm feeling... and I can't bottle it up anymore

and I have to let it out here... So, thanks for letting me vent. *phew*

Sternchen · May 9th, 2008, 06:06 PM

Depression really has nothing to do with what is going on in the world around you; it's got to do with what's going on INSIDE of you. How your brain is processing all of this information into hormones, how the rest of your body reacts to these.

I have an issue with people saying they get "depressed" when certain things happen, when clearly what they are experiencing is not depression...Depression isn't something that can be solved / cured by looking at some LOLCat pictures or watching a cute/funny video on youtube.

It could very well be that you are experiencing a form of depression, but please remember that we cannot diagnose on the internet. If you are not feeling well, please seek some help - professionals will be able to work with you and help create a "get better" plan for you. Many doctors seem to be medication-happy, but I also believe that good therapy sessions (even if you don't think you have anything "wrong" in your life) can help a lot.

lark_lulu · May 9th, 2008, 06:24 PM

So do I suggest that you seek professional help; most psychiatrists are very keen on prescribing antidepressant(s) along with therapy. My sister in law is a psychiatrist and she would advice you to go for a full diagnostic, including a thorough physical.
Best of luck to you.

dusty paws · May 9th, 2008, 06:44 PM

I would go to my gen phys with the symptoms you are describing - it could be depression and there may be things than can help you.

I do feel like you do often - but I've learned to make it a bit better, and medicine has done me a world of good. I wish you luck and feel free to PM if you ever need to talk.

Liz_x3 · May 9th, 2008, 06:53 PM

I went through a long period where I felt a little depressed. But then I realized the reason behind it and it was because I wasn't accomplishing anything, learning anything, or becoming any better at anything if that makes any sense. I felt useless.

illinirdhd · May 9th, 2008, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dusty paws

I would go to my gen phys with the symptoms you are describing - it could be depression and there may be things than can help you.

I do feel like you do often - but I've learned to make it a bit better, and medicine has done me a world of good. I wish you luck and feel free to PM if you ever need to talk.

Couldn't agree more - but at the risk of getting trampled by other posters, I'm going to say this. You might want to go to a female doctor (not an OB/GYN, just a female doctor) because I've found and heard from many others that when women come in with symptoms of depression or chronic fatigue syndrome - things that can be very serious, but don't come up on a blood test - male doctors often kind of brush them off. That would just make you feel worse. So see a woman - she may be more likely to understand that sometimes you're just SAD.

There doesn't have to be a reason for depression, and some people get depressed more when their lives are great than when they're not. It has to do with your body and brain, not your life or surroundings.

Big hugs & good luck...

karman · May 9th, 2008, 09:29 PM

Please seek professional help! My boyfriend went through depression and some of the things he told me he went through were pretty scary. Luckily, he took his medication, saw his psychologist, met me (I'd like to think I'm a part of it, but I very well may not be) and he hasn't experienced his depression for almost two years now.

Good luck!

chipmunk-pnw · May 9th, 2008, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trixz

But... why I am feeling so sad??

Yes it is possible cos of PMS, prolonged unfulfilled personal objectives or desires, or due to unknown reasons. Try find something you like doing or treat yourself to a spa.

boxermom · May 9th, 2008, 11:01 PM

Depression isn't related as much to how things are going in your life as it is what's going on with the chemicals in your brain. You don't just snap out of it. The suggestion to see your doctor is a good one. It can make sure there isn't something else going on with your body. There are good screening tests for depression and from there you can get appropriate help.
Best wishes.

helium · May 10th, 2008, 12:52 AM

Yes it is possible. I have the best boyfriend. I got into medicine. I have a job that I love. My friends are all genuine friends.

What causes my depression is that I constantly feel like I am not good enough compared to everyone else. I have the most shocking inferiority complex. Recently, I went to yoga and found a few new girls could do the splits and I couldn't, and I went home and cried because I felt like I should be able to since i'd been doing yoga for years. Obviously, there could be a whole myriad of explanations for why they could do the splits such as they are dancers, they went to previous yoga classes, so on so forth. But I couldn't think of those logical reasons at all, I just kept beating myself up over how 'crap' I was because I still couldn't do the splits.

It's really an inside thing. You should go see a doctor, though be warned that the DSM criteria for depression is actually rather strict. A lot of people who are simply unhappy think they have depression and then the doctor/therapist tells them no, no you don't, and they get all upset over what is 'wrong' with them. It happened to me once, I was so unhappy but not diagnosed with anything at all, and I was left wondering what the hell was wrong with me then? Though it should be noted that I went to the therapist next year and was formally diagnosed because I met criteria then.

savvyblonde · May 10th, 2008, 02:34 AM

You are totally normal! OMG......I can totally relate. Track it....does it happen more at different times in your monthly cycle? Are you on BC pills? Once you track it, you may be able to recognize a pattern and it helps if you tell your bf so he can help you through the rough days. My man knows when the PMS hits & he usually tells me at least 50+ times a day how much he loves me. It sucks that I know this already but still need to hear it constantly. I also have a tendency to call my brother crying because I know he loves me and can always cheer me up...even when I'm sad about nothing! It's good to have one go to person who can bring you back down to reality and get you laughing again! Dang hormones!
After you track it, you may want to see your doctor. Perhaps your MD can help. Just know you are not alone.

Leelee · May 11th, 2008, 02:08 AM

For me, the title of your thread described my situation perfectly about 15 years ago. My life was perfect, except I couldn't feel happy -- just sad, overwhelmed, exhausted, and all the other classic symptoms of depression. I didn't know a thing about the disease, but eventually figured out I needed help and got it.

I went through five years of psychotherapy and have been on anti-depressants all this time. I am fortunate to have been able to get the help I needed and am fortunate that there is medication to help me. Depression isn't always something that can be "cured" or "worked through". Sometimes it can be, but not always.

I wish you the best of luck.

IntlSet · May 12th, 2008, 10:14 AM

This is exactly how I feel.

I just got a substantial raise I didn't even ask for, my boyfriend was just promoted, I'm picking up freelance writing work, everything with our lives is really going well... I think my parents' uncertain footing right now (dad in another country, mom living outside our home in another state) is making me anxious, however. I feel kind of anxiety-ridden all the time which is freaking terrible and a whole new experience that I definitely am not enjoying.

I really hope I can dig myself out of this funk -- and you, too. I'm extremely concerned its going to affect the quality of my work.

illinirdhd · May 12th, 2008, 02:57 PM

I guess I see depression as one of those things you don't realize you're in until you're REALLY IN. It's kind of like an abusive relationship - he smacked me once, but he didn't mean to and everything's fine. And then, one day, it's NOT fine. Depression is the same. You're a little blue now and then, but everything in your life is good and you have no reason to be down, so it'll go away. It might, but chances are, it won't. If you feel like you might be depressed, go see your doctor and get it sorted out. Depression affects your ENTIRE life - your work, your relationships, everything. So face it head on before your life is in a mess. If nothing else, google depression remedies - some people might be helped by diet changes or by more or less exercise or by meditation, things like that. Do it now because if you wait til your life is a mess, you'll have a lot of damage control to do.

trixz · May 19th, 2008, 12:35 PM

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I'm actually feeling better. I guess I've been putting others 1st (SO, family, friends, work) and neglected me. As a result, I was drained and unhappy. I decided to be selfish for once and took a couple of days off from work to indulge in myself! Surprisingly, my boss readily agreed and said he was going to tell me to take a break as he knew I was working very hard.

So, I went to a spa for facial, full body massage, and mani/pedi. I also did my hair at a salon. Then I splurge on an expensive meal at a really nice restaurant. I took myself shopping but couldn't find anything I like but I found a couple of good books (one of them is Suze Orman) and bought them. And the end result? It feels SO GOOD!!!

I'm glad I didn't have to go to the extent of going to a professional for help. Maybe I caught it early enough and picked myself up promptly.

Lastly, I would like to thank the ladies who shared their experiences as it made me feel I'm not alone.

May 9th, 2008, 05:48 PM	#1
trixz bonheur~ Location: ~Kittyland~	Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? I don't know what's with me but I've been feeling depressed recently. AND I should not be. I would feel melancholy especially when I'm alone at night. But during the day, I can be chirpy with people and all. The weird thing is, nothing tragic has happened in my life recently (and I'm very, very grateful for that). I have loved ones around me, a bf who loves me and a handful of down-to-earth friends whom I really treasure. In fact, I got in touch with my childhood friend I've known since I was 4 and we had a great time catching up just the other day. Amazingly enough, we didn't lose the familarity we once had even though we haven't seen each other for more than 15 years. And I'm just so grateful and happy to have her back in my life again. I also got in touch with another friend from college. We used to hang out almost every weekend and spent an insane amount of time together. We also had a great time catching up. Hence, I should be happy!!! But... why I am feeling so sad?? Is there something wrong with me? Am I in some kind of depression? I kept telling myself I shouldn't be sad, I should be happy... but truth is, I do feel sad... and very sad sometimes... I don't understand this... and I don't know if you know what I'm rattling here... I don't know if anyone can relate to this... The more I tell myself I should be happy, the more I end up crying (when I'm alone at home). This doesn't make any sense to me but this is exactly how I'm feeling... and I can't bottle it up anymore and I have to let it out here... So, thanks for letting me vent. phew __________________ Only when you know what's within you, then you'll know what's around you. Last edited by trixz; May 9th, 2008 at 05:52 PM.

May 9th, 2008, 06:06 PM	#2
Sternchen We're having a boy!! Location: Beauty RAOK	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? Depression really has nothing to do with what is going on in the world around you; it's got to do with what's going on INSIDE of you. How your brain is processing all of this information into hormones, how the rest of your body reacts to these. I have an issue with people saying they get "depressed" when certain things happen, when clearly what they are experiencing is not depression...Depression isn't something that can be solved / cured by looking at some LOLCat pictures or watching a cute/funny video on youtube. It could very well be that you are experiencing a form of depression, but please remember that we cannot diagnose on the internet. If you are not feeling well, please seek some help - professionals will be able to work with you and help create a "get better" plan for you. Many doctors seem to be medication-happy, but I also believe that good therapy sessions (even if you don't think you have anything "wrong" in your life) can help a lot. __________________ My 2 wonderful girls, Nicole (5) and Julia (1) will be big sisters soon! My pregnancy blog

May 9th, 2008, 06:24 PM	#3
lark_lulu Member Location: Canada	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? So do I suggest that you seek professional help; most psychiatrists are very keen on prescribing antidepressant(s) along with therapy. My sister in law is a psychiatrist and she would advice you to go for a full diagnostic, including a thorough physical. Best of luck to you.

May 9th, 2008, 06:44 PM	#4
dusty paws Vuitton on the brain Location: RAOKville!	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? I would go to my gen phys with the symptoms you are describing - it could be depression and there may be things than can help you. I do feel like you do often - but I've learned to make it a bit better, and medicine has done me a world of good. I wish you luck and feel free to PM if you ever need to talk. __________________ laura's teeny wishlist: [] mono french purse [] trevi pm [] seleya pm [] mono cles Laura and my babies: http://www.dustypaws.com My blog: http://makeupandpearls.blogspot.com/

May 9th, 2008, 06:53 PM	#5
Liz_x3 Member	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? I went through a long period where I felt a little depressed. But then I realized the reason behind it and it was because I wasn't accomplishing anything, learning anything, or becoming any better at anything if that makes any sense. I felt useless.

May 9th, 2008, 09:29 PM	#7
karman nail polish addict Location: Canada	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? Please seek professional help! My boyfriend went through depression and some of the things he told me he went through were pretty scary. Luckily, he took his medication, saw his psychologist, met me (I'd like to think I'm a part of it, but I very well may not be) and he hasn't experienced his depression for almost two years now. Good luck! __________________ karman Louis Vuitton, Chanel & nail polish View my collection here Bag? What bags? ...all $$$ devoted to NAIL POLISH!

May 9th, 2008, 11:01 PM	#9
boxermom Member Location: North Carolina	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? Depression isn't related as much to how things are going in your life as it is what's going on with the chemicals in your brain. You don't just snap out of it. The suggestion to see your doctor is a good one. It can make sure there isn't something else going on with your body. There are good screening tests for depression and from there you can get appropriate help. Best wishes.

May 10th, 2008, 12:52 AM	#10
helium Member	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? Yes it is possible. I have the best boyfriend. I got into medicine. I have a job that I love. My friends are all genuine friends. What causes my depression is that I constantly feel like I am not good enough compared to everyone else. I have the most shocking inferiority complex. Recently, I went to yoga and found a few new girls could do the splits and I couldn't, and I went home and cried because I felt like I should be able to since i'd been doing yoga for years. Obviously, there could be a whole myriad of explanations for why they could do the splits such as they are dancers, they went to previous yoga classes, so on so forth. But I couldn't think of those logical reasons at all, I just kept beating myself up over how 'crap' I was because I still couldn't do the splits. It's really an inside thing. You should go see a doctor, though be warned that the DSM criteria for depression is actually rather strict. A lot of people who are simply unhappy think they have depression and then the doctor/therapist tells them no, no you don't, and they get all upset over what is 'wrong' with them. It happened to me once, I was so unhappy but not diagnosed with anything at all, and I was left wondering what the hell was wrong with me then? Though it should be noted that I went to the therapist next year and was formally diagnosed because I met criteria then.

May 10th, 2008, 02:34 AM	#11
savvyblonde Member Location: Southern California	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? You are totally normal! OMG......I can totally relate. Track it....does it happen more at different times in your monthly cycle? Are you on BC pills? Once you track it, you may be able to recognize a pattern and it helps if you tell your bf so he can help you through the rough days. My man knows when the PMS hits & he usually tells me at least 50+ times a day how much he loves me. It sucks that I know this already but still need to hear it constantly. I also have a tendency to call my brother crying because I know he loves me and can always cheer me up...even when I'm sad about nothing! It's good to have one go to person who can bring you back down to reality and get you laughing again! Dang hormones! After you track it, you may want to see your doctor. Perhaps your MD can help. Just know you are not alone. __________________ *Savvyblonde* Last edited by savvyblonde; May 10th, 2008 at 02:37 AM.

May 11th, 2008, 02:08 AM	#12
Leelee Up On My Toes! Location: Highland, Maryland	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? For me, the title of your thread described my situation perfectly about 15 years ago. My life was perfect, except I couldn't feel happy -- just sad, overwhelmed, exhausted, and all the other classic symptoms of depression. I didn't know a thing about the disease, but eventually figured out I needed help and got it. I went through five years of psychotherapy and have been on anti-depressants all this time. I am fortunate to have been able to get the help I needed and am fortunate that there is medication to help me. Depression isn't always something that can be "cured" or "worked through". Sometimes it can be, but not always. I wish you the best of luck.

May 12th, 2008, 10:14 AM	#13
IntlSet Bonjour! Location: Chicago	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? This is exactly how I feel. I just got a substantial raise I didn't even ask for, my boyfriend was just promoted, I'm picking up freelance writing work, everything with our lives is really going well... I think my parents' uncertain footing right now (dad in another country, mom living outside our home in another state) is making me anxious, however. I feel kind of anxiety-ridden all the time which is freaking terrible and a whole new experience that I definitely am not enjoying. I really hope I can dig myself out of this funk -- and you, too. I'm extremely concerned its going to affect the quality of my work. __________________ http://drinkmorechampagne.wordpress.com/

May 12th, 2008, 02:57 PM	#14
illinirdhd Sofa King Hooked Location: Las Vegas, NV	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? I guess I see depression as one of those things you don't realize you're in until you're REALLY IN. It's kind of like an abusive relationship - he smacked me once, but he didn't mean to and everything's fine. And then, one day, it's NOT fine. Depression is the same. You're a little blue now and then, but everything in your life is good and you have no reason to be down, so it'll go away. It might, but chances are, it won't. If you feel like you might be depressed, go see your doctor and get it sorted out. Depression affects your ENTIRE life - your work, your relationships, everything. So face it head on before your life is in a mess. If nothing else, google depression remedies - some people might be helped by diet changes or by more or less exercise or by meditation, things like that. Do it now because if you wait til your life is a mess, you'll have a lot of damage control to do. __________________

May 19th, 2008, 12:35 PM	#15
trixz bonheur~ Location: ~Kittyland~	Re: Is it possible to be depressed even when everything is fine? Thanks for the replies, everyone. I'm actually feeling better. I guess I've been putting others 1st (SO, family, friends, work) and neglected me. As a result, I was drained and unhappy. I decided to be selfish for once and took a couple of days off from work to indulge in myself! Surprisingly, my boss readily agreed and said he was going to tell me to take a break as he knew I was working very hard. So, I went to a spa for facial, full body massage, and mani/pedi. I also did my hair at a salon. Then I splurge on an expensive meal at a really nice restaurant. I took myself shopping but couldn't find anything I like but I found a couple of good books (one of them is Suze Orman) and bought them. And the end result? It feels SO GOOD!!! I'm glad I didn't have to go to the extent of going to a professional for help. Maybe I caught it early enough and picked myself up promptly. Lastly, I would like to thank the ladies who shared their experiences as it made me feel I'm not alone. __________________ Only when you know what's within you, then you'll know what's around you.