How can you tell whether or not you have depression or just see too much crap in the world?

PFC James (LURCH) Janota — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 10:21:17 -0500

How can you tell whether or not you have depression or just see too much crap in the world and feeling sadness in the realization that no matter what we do and no matter how devastating our actions are we still keep the same insanity alive? Hotel California!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Feb 7 at 2020 10:23 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 10:23:34 -0500

That's a good question brother, I'd say the best thing to do is talk with someone about what you're feeling, and if need be seek help.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 7 at 2020 10:33 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 10:33:01 -0500

See a professional. They have screening tools to help you sort it out. Either way, start a gratitude practice because it will help lighten your spirit.

Response by SGT Ed Matyjasik made Feb 7 at 2020 10:49 AM

SGT Ed Matyjasik — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 10:49:06 -0500

Good question brother. The Mental Health Clinic at the VA has helped me. But most of all my faith in God that gives me the most peace. Love that song "Hotel California" …. May you always do for others and let others do for you.

Response by SGT Kevin Hughes made Feb 7 at 2020 11:04 AM

SGT Kevin Hughes — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 11:04:56 -0500

The Thread is right, in that you need to talk to a Professional. When I read your question - I saw a big heart, a clear mind, and someone who cares. So some tips to chill out: Do not watch News of any kind. it will wear you down, make you sad, and anxious. You can't do anything about most of that crap...but your brain reacts as if that stuff was happening to you. Don't join the current Political situation...it feeds on hate, vitriol, and polemics and will fuel your anger.

Refocus on things that bring you joy, peace, or you find interesting... music, people, art, building things...you name it, things where you don't have to think about...well, other things. And physical work seems to help almost all of us. A good run, a good weight workout, Spending all day building a house for Habitat for Humanity, or anything where you can give, or make a difference.

If you are comfortable being alone, that is okay, but if when alone you feel lonely...get connected. Not on Social Media (another platform you should avoid if you are feeling melancholy) but with actual contact with people. Sometimes people find that in Church, or in a Dance Group, or Book Club, but find some outlet that puts you around people your own age... who like life. Those are just some tips from an Old Guy who dropped out of most of Society thirty five years ago...because it was making him sad. No TV. No News papers. No Politics. Just put a lid on what I let enter my world...it is the only thing I can control. Good luck to you. You are smart caring and can think...and those can lift you up as well as bring you down. You choose.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 7 at 2020 11:04 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 11:04:58 -0500

Posture of gratitude for what is good - start simple - but as others have stated seek out a mental health professional/social worker - they are trained in recognizing the differences between melancholy and clinical depression.

Response by SGT Steve McFarland made Feb 7 at 2020 11:05 AM

SGT Steve McFarland — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 11:05:57 -0500

One of the causes of depression is our inability to do anything about the crap around us.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2020 12:02 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 12:02:08 -0500

Read up on symptoms and check them off. If in doubt talk to a Dr. Unless you have some very dark past it may just be mild or clinical depression, and usually requires no therapy. It is easily treated with one pill, although you may have to find one that works best. Nobody can determine on line, but you can get more informed and then think about it. It's caused by a shortage of serotonin in the brain, which makes you feel ok with the World. Your car doesn't run well low on oil, same principle. They prescribe a drug that restricts how fast you burn it (SSRI). Unless you're delusional or go from happy to hateful at the drop of a hat, it's likely not manic/depressive i.e. bipolar. They are much different. If you often see no light at the end of the tunnel, you should consider depression. It could be due to your surroundings and what's happening in your life now too. Too many variables, but easily helped. Just remember that every day above ground is a good day and continue to march. Death is final in nature. Recognizing it as you have is a very positive step to a better life. I watched my oldest Brother fight it from his early teens. They didn't know what to call it then, so it only progressed. He self-medicated with alcohol until his liver failed and he died at same VA Hospital as our Dad.

Response by A1C Riley Sanders made Feb 7 at 2020 12:53 PM

A1C Riley Sanders — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 12:53:48 -0500

That is what the VA Psychologist are for, first you must go through the VA , there is a difference between depression & PTSD . an easy diagnosis.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2020 2:02 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 14:02:37 -0500

Depression has physical symptoms. It actually alters your brain chemistry.
Sometimes the world can get pretty dark. Sometimes life kicks you in the nuts.
But depression exists where those things become the expected... the new normal.
That is unhealthy, and that is the sign that you need help.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 7 at 2020 4:27 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 16:27:04 -0500

How long have u been depressed?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2020 10:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 22:39:44 -0500

I applaud you for reaching out. Since you have the courage to inquire/ask, it’s your first step with you identifying its time to talk with someone.

Please do so soon and thank you for reaching out.

Response by MGySgt Charles Restifo made Feb 7 at 2020 10:59 PM

MGySgt Charles Restifo — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 22:59:08 -0500

You can not change the world! But you do have the power to effect your peice of it, small changes have a profound effect over time. Do not look so deeply at the deep or big picture, consintrat on today tomorrow, next week. Be an example in all that you do. Remember it's not what you do while someone is watching, it's what you do all of the time that has the greatest impact. Because guess what..... Someone always sees. Do what is right, uphold the standards you have and where taught.