How is depression diagnosed and is there a drug free answer?

March 5th, 2010 | by admin |

I haven’t seen a doctor yet as I am terrified that he will think I’m being nurotic. I feel like I’m always on the verge of tears and am constantly worry about how people see me. I am worried about people judging me and this makes it hard for me to make friends. I try to keep a positive attitude to life and most people would have no idea that I feel this way. I am happily married with three gorgeous children. How do I deal with this?
I excersise, have a healthy diet and take evening primrose oil. I do think that the issue is a little deeper than that.

Depression is diagnosed by the guidelines set out in the DSM-IV, but the most importatnt thing you must have in order to be diagnosed with any disorder is that it must impair your daily function in some way. I don’t know if your symptoms are yet or not, but I remember being at that stage and not being able to get out of bed.
That being said, there is a way to treat it without medication. Go see a counselor or a therapist. It sounds as if you don’t want anyone to know that you’re having problesms, and this will be the quietest way. They are not allowed to talk to anyone unless you give them permission, and they can help you deal with your feelings, give you a safe place to express them, and help you with your deprssion. However, you do have to be prepared that if they think you need medication, they may send you to a doctor or a psychiatrist. It’s best to take the reccomendations of them you don’t have to do anything they say, but it gives you a professional opinion nonetheless.
But please, seek out help. I don’t want things to get worse for you and have to hit rock bottom if you can avoid it. I hope things get better soon.

  1. 7 Responses to “How is depression diagnosed and is there a drug free answer?”

  2. By Jake S on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply

    Get out and exercise, lift some weights, find a hobby, learn to play an instrument. And don’t worry what the rest of the world thinks of you, as long as you have your family at home, you have everything.
    References :

  3. By dancerhelen2006 on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply

    Depression is diagnosed by the guidelines set out in the DSM-IV, but the most importatnt thing you must have in order to be diagnosed with any disorder is that it must impair your daily function in some way. I don’t know if your symptoms are yet or not, but I remember being at that stage and not being able to get out of bed.
    That being said, there is a way to treat it without medication. Go see a counselor or a therapist. It sounds as if you don’t want anyone to know that you’re having problesms, and this will be the quietest way. They are not allowed to talk to anyone unless you give them permission, and they can help you deal with your feelings, give you a safe place to express them, and help you with your deprssion. However, you do have to be prepared that if they think you need medication, they may send you to a doctor or a psychiatrist. It’s best to take the reccomendations of them you don’t have to do anything they say, but it gives you a professional opinion nonetheless.
    But please, seek out help. I don’t want things to get worse for you and have to hit rock bottom if you can avoid it. I hope things get better soon.
    References :

  4. By Stephanie H on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply

    It is diagnosed based on criteria in DSM IV-TR. Which is a book for psychiatric conditions that basically says what the symptoms are and how many you have to have and for how long to fit the diagnosis. The diagnosis of depression is made based on history. Which means the doctor talks to you about it and based on the info you give the diagnosis may be made. In order for anything to be considered a disorder it must negatively effect your life. In other words it effects work, home, …ect.

    Talking to a mental health professional is a good treatment in conjunction with antidepressant for depression.

    Bottom line: Go see the doctor and get evaluated. They can help you figure out what is going on and how to manage it.
    References :

  5. By Brian on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply

    primrose oil very good
    References :

  6. By StellaBtheWriter on Mar 5, 2010 | Reply

    Yes, try to get involved in various activities to try easing your social anxiety. It would be worth it to see a therapist, too, for some talk therapy. You don’t have to take drugs. In fact, I think it’s good to go at least a year without drugs, and then maybe consider the possibility (if you and your therapist think they might help).
    References :

  7. By articleresearcher on Mar 6, 2010 | Reply

    It will be good to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. If you think that your condition can be controlled without the use of drugs, then you can try and see if alternative therapies work. You can also a qualified naturopathic doctor to find out what options you have. There are aromatherapy products that can be used to affect moods.
    References :
    http://www.healthandwellnesscentral.com/Category/Depression/73

  8. By gina V on Mar 6, 2010 | Reply

    The only way for depression to be diagnosed is by a medical doctor who will base it on having the symptoms of depression that are based in the DSM-IV. Symptoms would include thoughts of suicide, change in diet, change in sleeping patterns, crying uncontrollably, and feelings of worthlessness. And yes, there is a drug free answer. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (talking with a psychologist or psychiatrist) has been shown to help. Drugs do work very well and are actually pretty cheap. However the best cure for depression is therapy and drugs. Hope that helps!
    References :

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