Q&A: Is There Any “real” Way to Diagnose Depression?
Question by perfectasianguy: is there any “real” way to diagnose depression?
Doesn’t everyone exhibit “signs” of depression sooner or later in their lives? This doesn’t mean everyone in the world needs to be medicated (or maybe they should be). I’ve always been a quiet ever since I could remember and very shy around people that I don’t know. Around people I know, I am fine. I’ve also never been really “passionate” about anything. I mean I “enjoy” stuff, but never really passionate. I do stuff because I need to not because I’m passionate about it. Anyway, after much “cajoling” from my girlfriend, I decided to go visit a doc. Apparently, I exhibit many of the signs of depression and he’s put me on Zoloft and Wellbutrin. I don’t know. Maybe I feel “better”, but what if the shy, non-passionate guy is just who I am? My parents think depression and mental illness is for crazy people. Am I crazy then? So back to my original point, is there a way to ‘really’ diagnose depression, like can you measure one’s serotonin/dopamine levels? Thanks!
In response to some of the early replies to my question… so how does a doc know when to prescribe meds to a patient? i mean… i know that every patient out there on anti-depressants haven’t necessarily tried to kill themselves, but they are on the drugs none the less. A bit more info, my doc also told me to go seek a counselor/therapist in addition to the meds. I’ve tried two different “PhDs” at my school’s mental health services, but eventually felt like i was wasting everyone’s time. Opted for school’s mental health services because it was free and since I’m a student, I like free stuff.
Best answer:
Answer by mithraelite
everyone does show signs of depression. that doesnt mean you are depressed.
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