Can depression have lasting effects?

About two years ago, I was away at college, and very depressed. While at college, I had a girlfriend who was borderline psycho and didn't help my situation.

Now I'm living at home, have a wonderful girlfriend, but I don't have any energy and sometimes I still feel depressed. I don't think I'm depressed anymore, but things still aren't spectacular.

A few years ago, I used to have a LOT of energy. Now I hardly have any energy. I used to be much more into things, but I'm not now... but I don't feel depressed either!

I'm looking for some advice, perhaps being depressed can have lasting effects, or some ways to combat whatever's going on with me.

Thanks!

Depression can be a long-term illness.

Some people go through periods of "exogenous" depression, based on external circumstances such as severe and enduring relationship problems, job stress, etc.

Some people, however, have "endogenous" depression, which is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. No matter how good or stress-free your life is, a person with an endogenous depression will still have "low" feelings.

External circumstances like bad relationships and job stress can make an endogenous depression worse because external factors basically add insult to injury.

Depression runs on a scale from mild (referred to as dysthymia) to severe (where you're more or less suicidal or can't even convince yourself that there's any reason to get out of bed). You dont' have to be suicidal to be suffering from depression; low energy and loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy are primary symptoms of depression.

I've suffered from depression for most of my life, and I found out that the most effective treatment for me was a combination of therapy and antidepressant medication. I was very much against taking medication until my depression got so bad I literally had to spend every ounce of the little energy I had to keep myself from ending my life.

In case you're curious, you can find a depression self-screening test here: http://www.depression-screening.org/scre...

I'd really recommend that you talk to your doctor about your symptoms and seek a therapist who can help you deal with the emotional side of the depression. Whether or not you choose to take medication is up to you; nobody can make that decision for you (unless you become so depressed that you're hospitalized). I don't think it's a good idea to take medication and not do therapy, because it will really help your depression to be able to talk to a neutral third party about your situation.

Here's a website with information about depression: http://www.medicinenet.com/depression/ar...

I chose that site because it's not run by a drug company subtly trying to get you to use their medication.

Depression can have life-long lasting effects. It's different for everyone. It is always hard to determine what is depression and what is just a funk. A doctor is recommended to work through this and see if medication is needed. I have had bipolar depression for 20 years, and even on meds, it comes back sometimes after a few years. It's treatable, but you have to stay on top of it. There is no way to take say a blood test and know, I'm clinically depressed. So if you feel lethargic and terrible, talk to a shrink and get the help you need.

depression is very dependant on the individual. if dealt with properly you could be rid of it. if you just feel down, really focus on doing things that make you happy. go away for the weekend, go on holiday, or eat good food. if you think its depression, your best bet is to see a professional