I’ve Got A Lot Going On…Am I Becoming Depressed?

Reader’s Question

I am a 21-year-old student/full-time worker. Within the past 6 months or so, I have gotten stressed out over every little thing. I have a lot going on, but not so much that I shouldn’t be able to handle it. I cry very often, and sometimes cannot go out because I am feeling too emotional/insignificant/tired. I also go through bouts of time (usually lasting about 1-3 weeks) when I do not want to talk to people. I have trouble sleeping and I am always tired. My boyfriend and mother feel I should see a doctor. Should I? And if I should, would a psychiatrist or psychologist be better?

Thank you!

Our Consulting Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

Lots of people become tired working and studying long hours at a time. Your casual comment that you feel “insignificant” — when accompanied by those other symptoms — tells me you are experiencing a stress-produced depression. We usually think of depression as a reaction to an event such as loss of a loved one, loss of job, physical illness, etc. In clinical practice, depression is most often created by prolonged high stress levels. It’s too many irons in the fire, or as I often view it — burning the candle at three ends (one more end than you have!). Prolonged levels of high stress and high responsibility deplete the brain’s Serotonin. As Serotonin is less available, more symptoms of depression surface.

Typical symptoms include crying spells, poor concentration, early morning awakening (4:00 am), brain won’t stop thinking, preoccupation with the past, chronic fatigue, loss of sexual interest, no motivation, social withdrawal, loss of humor/personality, appetite problems, etc. I have an article on Depression on my website at www.drjoecarver.com that may be helpful.

Your boyfriend and mother are correct — you should see a physician/psychiatrist first. Your family physician or OB/GYN is well versed in the treatment of depression. As most of your symptoms are related to the physical manifestations of depression — an antidepressant medication is the treatment of choice. Adding counseling/therapy is often helpful as you have reached the point where you feel insignificant, suggesting very low self-esteem and a loss of self-confidence. Start your treatment before the depression becomes overwhelming. People lose jobs, careers, relationships, etc. due to depression, so you need to get busy!