“Do I have depression?”
I've been experiencing persistent feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating. Could these be symptoms of depression?
11 Answers
Councelor/TherapistPsychiatrist
What you're describing persistent hopelessness, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating are very common symptoms of depression. If you have any further questions or need more clarity, please consult with a psychiatrist. If youre in Texas, we welcome you to reach out to www.MidCitiesPsychiatry, were here to help you.
Yes, what youre describing can absolutely be symptoms of depression. While everyone experiences fluctuations in mood and energy from time to time, persistent hopelessness, low motivation, and trouble focusing are often indicators that your system is under more strain than it can manage alone. Depression isnt always dramatic or obvious sometimes it shows up subtlythrough disconnection, flatness, or a creeping sense that things will never change. These experiences are real and valid, and they deserve attention, not dismissal. At Wellspire, we take these concerns seriously and approach them with both compassion and clarity. You're not weak or brokenyou're likely struggling with something that has a name and has treatment. Reaching out to explore these feelings with a licensed therapist can be the first step toward understanding what's happening beneath the surface and beginning to regain a sense of direction, energy, and hope. Whether or not it meets the full clinical criteria for depression, its worth exploringand you're not alone in it. While it is not possible to provide a final diagnosis without seeing you, I would say that we would also want to rule out generalized anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and PTSD before finalizing a diagnosis for Major Depressive Disorder.
Those can be some symptoms of depression, however it could also be anxiety related symptoms. I would recommend seeing a mental health provider, to obtain accurate assessment and diagnosis.
Your symptoms may represent a depression, but could also be due to a number of physical problems, such as a thyroid problem or something else. You need to visit your doctor, with a thorough physical examination and lab work.
These symptoms can absolutely point to a diagnosis of depression! Please meet with her PCP or a Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for further evaluation,.

Dr. Diane Bridgeman
Psychologist
Reply to the email that posed the question. Do I Have Depression? It is always best that any person with a change in what is typically their usual way of feeling, and if it lasts for a while, should perhaps consider a check-in with a therapist or physician. While mood changes are very common for all of us, it is the specifics around them that deserve further attention. From this space, and as a clinical psychologist, I can send a few thoughts you may want to consider. First, it might be helpful to try to discern when these somewhat down feelings may have begun. Jot down the approximate date and then review any changes that may have contributed to a change in feelings. Perhaps any differences with your work situation, or educational time, changes in your home, family, or with friends. Even factors such as the weather, or social situations, your community, or the political situation should be noted. Then, are there certain times when you may notice the heaviness of the down feelings seem to get better, or when worse, as these examples may shed some light on what might be contributing to, or lifting your mood. Do check with those close to you if they have noticed any change in your mood, and it is common for others in your family to experience similar feelings. Consider integrating the usual factors that can help lift one's mood such as; regular exercise, time in nature, social connections with family, relatives, co-workers and/or friends, doing activities that give you joy, taking time for self-care and without feeling guilty, trying meditation or a relaxation video, checking on your amount of sleep and has it changed recently, listening to music, journaling thoughts and feelings and listing your blessings and what you are thankful for, taking tasks you have to do and putting them into small blocks of time with beaks in-between. Often, having self-compassion is key. Without more details as to one's age, experiences, etc., more detailed information is problematic. Many of us go through mood changes, yet it is healthy and wise that you reach out and follow through.I hope the above information might be helpful as a start for you to move into what might be a more reasonable place. Please take care.
These can all be symptoms of many things including depression, grief, sleep deprivation, chronic stress...etc. We look for those symptoms as well as decreased/depressed mood (for most of the day), irritability, decreased interests/pleasure, significant weight change, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation, fatigue, diminished ability to think, and recurrent thoughts of death. This has to last for at least a two week period and cause impairment in your daily functioning for it to be diagnosed as a depressive episode. If it is due to an event/situation it is more likely Acute Stress Disorder or Adjustment disorder.
They can be symptoms of depression but can also have other causal factors. I would recommend having an evaluation by a mental health professional who can ask the appropriate questions to determine if depression is a diagnosis. Melanie Sholtis, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist (240)-210-9003
There are many different types of depressive disorders and the symptoms with signs may be difficult to assess. The different types of depression include: major depression, persistent depression, manic depression, season depression, situational depression, psychotic depression, postpartum depression, premenstrual depression, atypical depression, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and melancholy. The symptoms that you are describing could indicate a type of depression but it's always best to seek out work with a psychotherapist and/or a psychiatrist for an evaluation. Their may be many factors or underlying causes that need to be discussed first. Are these temporary mood swings? Are your daily activities consistently being affected? Are typical simple tasks overwhelming? Do you have thoughts of suicide or death? Are there any biological or genetic factors to consider? Understanding depression can be confusing, always seek out assist to be certain.
Ian Michelin
Counselor/Therapist | Mental Health
These could definitely be indicators of depression, adjustment disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, or a variety of other mental health conditions. It's best to talk with your primary care provider or therapist to fully evaluate your situation in its entirety.