I think I may be depressed.

[Anonymity]

Not that emo I-hate-everything type of depressed, but actual clinical depression. I just don't seem to care about anything anymore. I'm not doing my school work, I'm being lazy on the job, I don't care whether or not I see my boyfriend. I can't even motivate myself to cook a decent meal. I don't even go to sleep, despite how tired I am, because getting into my bed seems pointless. It's not like I'm never in a good mood, but more and more I find myself apathetic.

There is a history of depression in my family, and I was diagnosed with depression about four years back. I went to therapy a few times, but the psychologist just kept blaming my depression on my sexuality and religious beliefs, which were not the causes. So I'd rather not get into therapy again, and I am 100% against taking drugs. I was just wondering if there was any other way out of this. I wouldn't consider myself "at risk" or anything, so I suppose I could just ride it out like I did last time, but I would prefer not to. Any advice?

[Jacksonian]

Well, from what you have said, I would say that you can try(but don't force yourself) to get interest in somethings and let everything else follow. Go on with life, do what you have to do all the while monitoring your progress. But if you just don't care at all about things, then I suggest also meditation, by this I mean sitting and thinking about your life and the events you have gone through. It may be that there is something behind or not. So some soul searching will go far to help you with that.

[Konstantine]

Hey there,

It's good that you're deciding to try and reach out for what you're suffering with and that you're looking for advice - that's a wonderful step forward!

It is possible that you could have depression and, because you have a history of depression in your family, it is most certainly possible that you do have a predisposition. I think that if you do think that you have depression then it would be a good idea to go back to a therapist about how you're feeling. Even if you didn't get on so well or agree with your last therapist, it might be a good idea to try and get it sorted properly this time with someone else. Sometimes it takes time to find a therapist who you get on well with.

Take care.