Am I depressed?

[jackn123]

Hi,
We were talking about depression in my psychology class and my teacher described the symptoms and i started thinking about it and it sounded a lot like me. I did a search for a self examination and found your site and i got a 14 or so on your test. Its weird because often i like to seclude myself and drive around and listen to music alone or things like that but i tend to perk up after i hang out with my friends for a while. On the topic of sleep, i hate going to sleep. I sit in bed watching movies or tv until late because i dont want to go to sleep, even though i know im going to be exhausted all day if i stay up any later. I dont feel like i do today everyday but it is enough that i am beginning to wonder. Some of the questions didn't really cover how i felt i dont think, but regardless, i was wondering if some medication would help me, or if moderate depression isnt usually medicated. Or if im even depressed at all might be a better question. thanks so much
jack n.

[Dr. Adams]

A self-examination is only the beginning of attempting to determine if there is a problem. You need to talk with your family doctor to assess whether you have symptoms for which medication is needed. Best of luck, and that truly is the place to begin.

[butterfly_jess]

:( I need some answers or suggestions on a few things... Here's the situation, My husband suffers from SEVERE PTSD, and I suffer from ptsd and severe depression and I also have 3 small children 1 of which suffers from ADHD and psychosis. I am so overwhelmed it's pathetic. No one can seem to help with my 4 year old's situation and we can't seem to find anyone who we can afford to treat my husband. We have very little money and to out right pay a psychiatrist is out of our ability. Do you have any suggestions? If so they would be greatly appreciated.

[Dr. Adams]

Your local mental health association would ideally have a list of those with a sliding fee schedule and/or who do pro bono work. Secondly, that same State agency should have written information on how to obtain care, including medication, when there are minimal funds in the family. This sounds like a very painful time for you and the family. I wish you the best, and please let us know how you are doing.

[butterfly_jess]

:( [B] Thank you so much dr. adams. Right now I'm in alot of pain. :( :( My 3 and 4 year olds are VERY much active and 9 times out of 10 very combative and defiant. I also have a 19 months old whose caught in the middle of the "MADNESS". He's also teething and wanting, screaming to be held all of the time. At 6 months old he was hospitalized for a month and was very sick, he almost died. As I've said before my 4 year old has some mental/physical issues and I'm unsure if my 3 year old does or will b/c of her age but she is most definitely displaying some of the same characteristics that my 4 year old starting showing in the beginning except ALOT worse. :( She also has a speech problem and has to have therapy. I know this is horrible and I feel ashamed to say this but at times when things are just horrific, I just actually don't want to be a mother anymore. I just want to honestly pack up and haul tail. There have been a few times that I've actually had to put myself in my room and shut and lock it just long enough to take a few deep breaths and calm down from the "absolute crazyness" going on. At times I have to physically restrain my 4 year old because she goes into violent episodes. These episodes have lasted any where from 10 mins. to 2 1/2 hours. I have hurt myself and carried bruises plenty of times and she has also put bruises on her teachers at school during these episodes. My husband also suffers from severe PTSD also and he's not been faithful to me during our marriage or our relationship for that matter (numerous times, 14 to be exact). He has admitted it and apologized and I think that he's changed indeed. Although, it still causes a problem. I still don't completely trust him and I still think a/b it. I'm sorry for the drawn out post but, I needed to give you the history behind this situation/question. These feelings are very scary, shameful and I hate myself for feeling like that. I was once diagnosed with PTSD myself b/c of I found my step grandfather who shot hisself. He molested me when I was 9 and 14 but we were still very close. I forgave him. I've also been raped twice and total times being molested is 6 times throughout my life and I'm only 23 years old. My memory is horrible. I can't remember 5 mins. ago much less even my children's births, just bits and pieces. :( I have problems with horrific muscle spasms in my lower back and the back of my shoulder, terrible headaches and I see nothing but black from time to time here lately. I can't go to sleep but when I do I can't get enough. I just want to stay in the bed and sleep. Do these things classify, in your opionon, as PTSD, depression, or what? I GREATLY appreciate your help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.