How do you know if you've got depression?

I never thought I was depressed but read on the internet recently that more women get depression than men. I did a quick check list from the internet and it seems I might have it. I really dont want to talk to my family about it, or a doctor unless I knew for sure if thats what I was dealing with.

I feel (symptoms): constant tiredness (even if i get 10-12 hours sleep a night I find myself tired the next day and not by doing much), blaming myself, always feelingguilty, lack of desire to have sex, pain during sex, stressing out easily (im the most stressed out, paranoid, anxious person i know), being very emotional (i get upset and cry alot)..

On the other hand, when im happy I am fine and optomistic, cheerful, supportive & encouraging to my friends/family, funny and I love to have a laugh and just have fun..

Is there anyone out there that perhaps a doctor that can tell me if I do or not or if someone knows what my problem is.

Ok, so many people experience this, it is a form of slight depression, but let me assure you any depression should be shared with close friends and family because it is v.hard to go through it all on your own...people are not going to judge you because of the way you sometimes feel trust me!
you may find it better to go straight to a consular rather then a doctor.
Dont be afraid to share your feelings with other people.

okay
1. losing interest in everyday life/things you usually enjoy doing.
2.lazyness.
3.lack of sleep.
4.lack of eating.
5.lack of self esteem.
6. thoughts of self infliction/suicide.
7.pains in back, chest, and head.
8.mental pain, extreme, excessive saddness, and even in some cases, breakdowns often.

you sound somewhat depressed, if your constantly feeling like this then id go see someone , if youve recently suffred trauma or breavement, its due to tht - either way it wont hurt to see a doctor

best of luck to you :)

these are very much all signs of depression. Go to a doctor. And it's ok to talk to somebody when you're feeling down you know. Even if it's not depression...

Go to the doctor, and tell him what you wrote.

i experience the same thing. i just think that the main symptom of depression is loosing interest in the things that you used to love doing. i have not yet spoken to any one about it but i am really needing to do so soon as i have crossed the boarder inbto self harm. i think you should go and talk to someone about it. for me talking to a complete stranger or someone that has an impartial view of you such as a doctor is easier that talking to someone that knows you such as a good friend or parent.

if you want to talk just drop me a line at kafren_missy_20@hotmail.com i sencerely hope that everthing works out fine

The changing moods when people are around can also be a sign of depression. I know when I'm having a big down I cope alot better if others are around (I force myself to be 'normal') Could also be symptoms of something else.

I think your best bet is go and talk to a doctor. Talk to your GP and they will refer you to someone to talk to if they think you need it.

Don't listen to people who tell you to just shake it off and feel better. Depression is an illness not just feeling a bit sad.

Fontaine, 23, f, aus.
Yeah, I know what ur going thru...
It takes me hours and hours to sleep. I get so tired I feel dizzy, but then I still can't sleep. I usually go to bed at 10pm and sleep at 7am. I have watched all of those telemall shopping ads a million times over! And the american news!
I even start feeling sick coz i'm awake for so long.
I am tired all the time, it takes me about 15 mins to wake up whereas most ppl wake up straight away. I ALWAYS feel guilty, I feel bad for everything. And as silly as it sounds, I cried because I dropped my shoe! I dropped it once, and that was ok, I dropped it twice, I got frustrated, I dropped it three times, and I cried and got so angry! I think it may be to do with hormones... but I don't know how to test hormone levels... But If ur like me, I get really moody a week before my period... I feel crap too. U need friends to talk to as well. I don't have many since my mum passed away. W.B to fonty_o@yahoo.com I hope u do ok. Ur gonna be fine. Chin up:) x

yeah that sounds a lot like depression =(. Ive been through it and this is what i felt: irritation to people that are outoftouch with sad feelings, outspoken people (at times), also phases of feeling really low, down and feeling like the world doesnt need me with hopleessness. Sometimes i felt so down i could hardly talk or even hide it. It was really in the open. Ummm, well i just went to my normal doctor. Just go to ur family doctor and tellher what you;ve been feeling and how etc. She'll diagnose you and then decide whether or not to refer you to a phsychiatrist who you can tork to and help you with your problems. =) good luck and dont kill youself.