Posted by Mal on September 30, 2002, at 11:18:03
In reply to Depression symptoms, posted by Eddie Sylvano on September 30, 2002, at 10:47:03
Eddie, we can always count on you to bring up interesting, relevant topics!
As you may know, I have never been to a PDoc, nor psychiatrist, so I have never had meds. But I have been through periods of depression (I have read about it and diagnosed myself). I have maintained very high function, but that is not to say I wasn't miserable on the inside for several weeks to a couple of months at a time. When I am affected, I experience #1, 2, 5, 7 & 8, but not usually # 3, 4 or 9.
#5 is exhibited as restlessness (I need to do something with my time on this earth, but what? Whatever it is I need to do it now) and #8 as severe indecision- to go, not to go, don't feel like it, but I need to do it- to the point of tears.
I have rarely had trouble sleeping. I think I sleep a little more (~10 hrs) than usual (~8 or 9 hrs) when in a funk.
I do think about death a lot when I am down, but I wouldn't call it excessive. I certainly do not consider trying suicide. I think stuff like, "I am worthless. What if I just wreck the car and die?" But I know even at that moment I don't want to die.
Sometimes I lie around feeling drained and isolated. My husband sees I'm not myself and asks what is wrong. All I can do is cry and say I don't know. Because I know the kind of answer he is looking for is a tangible event or upsetting circumstance. I have talked to him about it enough to know he isn't really going to understand anything else. He is caring and tries to make me happy, but I don't think he has ever experienced anything like this, so he doesn't get it.
So there are my answers to the questions that relate to me. Hope this gets more replies. I would be interested in others' experiences, too.
Mal
poster:Mal
thread:121643
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020930/msgs/121648.html