I was laid off work after 24 1/2 years this past January and I’m not having any luck finding another job. My wife seems to think I might be suffering from a mild form of depression. Can anyone tell me what symptoms I need to be looking for before I call a doctor. Money is tight right now and can’t afford to spend money for just a visit without any proof of depression.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
The symptoms differ. Some are- apathy, tiredness, inability to concentrate, that empty feeling inside, lack of feelings or emotions…
It sounds like situational depression, and for that you need to change your situation. Medication is probably not the answer (at this time). It is normal to feel depressed when you just lost a job that you had for that many years-. After that many years, I’m sure the job had begun to define you. And you now feel lost without it.
You need to get involved in something- whether you feel like it or not. I’m sure you’ve been looking for another job (though if you worked that long you’re probably old enough to retire if you wanted to). Exercise is very helpful- it builds endorphins (chemicals in the brain that fight depression). It might help you a lot to do volunteer work until you find the right job. It can help you feel good- helping others and being useful. A hobby might make a difference if there’s something you enjoy that you can afford. And of course, eat right and get enough sleep- they’re very important to all aspects of your health including mental health.
Too much sleep, not eating, not wanting to have any fun are just some of the symptoms. You can go to your local health department for mental health. Your payment will be based on your income. Dont ignore how you are feeling, seek help right away.
Take care!
worrys can cause depression, best thing to stop it is try hard to find another job
not feeling good (physically), trouble sleeping, crying over minor things, short-tempered, can’t handle the news (current events)…
I’m sorry if you’re feeling this way…
you dont want to be around anyone. sleeping all the time. suicidal thoughts. not wanting to get out of bed. not enjoying hobbies that you usually should enjoy. not wanting to join the family on fun or just family time.
Go to http://www.depressionhurts.com. It will help you figure it out.
Generally, depressive symptoms include feelings of being easily fatigued, withdrawal from activities that used to be enjoyed, low energy level, negative thinking patterns, feelings of hopelessness. Sometimes these feelings can be accompanied by feelings of wanting to end it all. If you think you may be depressed, you should check into this with a mental health professional. Money may be tight but its your health that we’re talking about and there is only one you.
True major depression is diagnosed with many different aspects in mind. There is a lot that is still not known about depression, it’s causes, or it’s treatment. However, there is a guideline for diagnosing someone with major depression. A person with major depression is diagnosed if they have at least 5 of the following symptoms persisting for at least 2 weeks with no apparent cause:
1. depressed mood
2. diminished interest or pleasure
3. significant weight gain or loss (not from dieting)
4. insomnia or hypersomnia
5. psychomotor agitation (esp. teenagers)
6. fatigue or loss of energy
7. feeling of worthlessness or unfounded guilt
8. indecisive, unable to think or concentrate
9. recurrent thought of death or suicide.
Only a doctor can diagnose major depression, but this list can give you an idea of what exactly is going on. Since you mentioned in your question that you had just lost your job, this list does not apply to you because you have a known cause for your symptoms. Your reaction may simply be the way your body is dealing with such an experience. However, if you are still concerned about what’s happening, and you feel that you still don’t want to see a doctor because of the high cost, please feel free to visit your pharmacist and ask about your symptoms. Many pharmacists have Doctorate degrees, and are able to answer some of your questions….without charging you a copay.
I have been depressed for years and it comes and goes. I find that it is generally a feeling of just being too tired to do anything and not finding fun in anything. Things that used to be fun become too much of an effort to bother. Not wanting to get up is another.
Individuals experiencing a major depressive episode have a depressed mood and/or a diminished interest or pleasure in activities. Children experiencing a major depressive episode may appear or feel irritable, rather than depressed. In addition, five or more of the following symptoms will occur on an almost daily basis for a period of at least two weeks:
• Significant change in weight
• insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleep)
• psychomotor agitation or retardation
• fatigue or loss of energy
• feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• diminished ability to think or to concentrate, or indecisiveness
• recurrent thoughts of death, or suicidal and/or suicide attempts