asshole or depressed

Serious answer: I would strongly recommend a second opinion from someone whose body language indicated that they actually gave a damn about you.

you should try someplace else! faking a panic disorder can get you ativan which is pretty good.

Also, flying possum-hugs:
http://www.san-x.co.jp/newcha/images3/79/phot06.jpg

Big Hug.

Thyroid disorders often mimic depression. Perhaps next week, after you're finished your mid-terms, you could make an appointment with a GP. Have them check your thyroid function. In addition, you should also be tested for thyroid antibodies -- a condition known as Hashimoto's. If your thryoid function is skewed, or if you have a strong antibody response then thyroid medication, not an antidepressant may be in order. For an easy thyroid function test you can do yourself, check out this article. Other health conditions that mimic depression are anemia, chronic candidiasis,
diabetes, digestive imbalances and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Depression is a physical illness. Good nutrition and exercise will be very important to your wellness plan. When caught in the clutches of a depressive episode it can be very difficult to make these areas a priority. Do try however, to get at least some form of exercise everyday -- a 10-15 minute walk is adequate. An easy method of improving nutrition is to allow yourself two options at every meal/snack and then choose the healthiest option. Add a daily multivitamin. As your depression lifts, you'll likely have more energy and interest to give to these areas.

You have to become your own expert. Learn as much as you can about depression and the body. Chart your symptoms. Look for patterns in your illness. Due to the hormones involved, women in particular may find a close correlation between depressive episodes and their menstrual cycle. You may also find a correlation between seasons (i.e. SAD), allergies and foods, etc.

Reach out to others. People suffering from depression are inclined to withdraw. Although some cocooning is likely necessary and healthy, too much can lead to isolation. Try to find sources of support and understanding via your friends and family; online and off.
Because depressives are often coping with (sometimes) intense feelings of lack of worth, it's important that you find an environment where you feel accepted and safe enough to speak up, even when you're feeling fucked-up.

Any activity which produces endorphins can provide a short-term fix when in the midst of a depressive spell. These include laughter, exercise, sex, and certain foods. The topic of sex itself is worthy of further attention...

Numerous antidepressants cause reduced sexual function. This appears to be especially common in the SSRI line of anti-depressants (Prozac, Paxil, etc.) A few that have been shown to not impact sexual function include Serzone, Wellbutrin, and Manerix. If reduced sexual function is having an impact on your ability to get well don't hesitate to discuss this with your doctor.

Many depressives attempt to self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs. There's no point in lecturing, but since all of these can impact the course of your treatment, I'd certainly recommend that you give up those activities as much as possible.

http://image.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2008/05/22/JohnTerryPAMartinRickett3.jpg

^One of the biggest assholes ever to play football, which is some going.

yeah but- therapists LOVE giving out pills. If you don't like the guy get a 2nd opinion or FF 6 years in the future. yr choice.

I'm depressed, but have never been introspective enough to ascertain the former state.

DEPRESSED

I SAY!

"yeah but- therapists LOVE giving out pills. "

uh no. mine refused to give me pills for my panic attacks. asshole. so i just quit going.
(actually i didn't quit because of his refusal to give pills, but because he didn't address my attacks either. i mean wtf dude i mentioned it every time the last couple of sessions. I WANTED HELP. but then i realized i have been living with these mild attacks for yonks so i think i can handle'em in the future as well...)

So basically, you went to a therapist who refused to give you medication and then you came to the conclusion that you could cope without medication?

Not like either of these choices are especially attractive.

xpost No, I could understand his POV (not giving meds cause my attacks were mild). But I disliked the fact he didn't address my attacks. He just didn't talk about'em at all. So wtf I quit going. Maybe I should take it up again... I don't know, I think I'm just extremely lazy when it comes to "taking care of myself" in a way.

Abbott- being depressed is rough and you have my sympathy. Do whatever you can to feel like you're looking after yourself.

I mean, shit, of course I can cope. I'm not going to crash. My attacks are mild but kind of constant in a way. It's like an undercurrent? Is that how you could say it? I'm not sure if they are *serious* enough to go into therapy for. (See it didn't help he ignored'em so I felt like, yes, they aren't serious enough.)

Abbott, hugs. Srsly.

It's so important (and difficult!) to find a professional that you trust and like. stevienixed my advice is the same to you as Abbott. It's really important treatment of depression and anxiety is treating yourself like you are valued. I have panic attacks too and my therapist said that sometimes you react in the moment and however you react is how you need to react. They've lessened the more confident I've become, which has been a result of listening to myself.

I know why I get'em and I can sort of lessen (?) them. But it's not the right approach I think. Or maybe it is. But I don't feel that I'm *free* from them.

Don't be afraid of them, know that they will come and they will go, like a pimple.