Could my mood changes be a sign of depression?

Question

Hello doctor,

I feel constantly down and exhausted. I am fed up, unmotivated, and unsociable. I hate my life and no longer know what to do. I feel alone, and it seems like nobody understands what I am trying to express.

I have had suicidal thoughts, and although I do not want to act on them, they are in the back of my mind. I am scared that getting diagnosed with something might affect my chances of getting the job I want or getting into university courses.

I do not know what to do. About two years ago, I went through a tough patch, but that was it. I currently have a contraceptive implant. For the past month, I have been feeling down, exhausted, unsociable, unmotivated, easily annoyed, and stressed, worried, and often lashing out at people I love. I do not want to leave my bed and find it difficult to cope.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

This is the first step toward healing, and you have taken a very courageous step. It takes a lot of strength to talk about mental health, and many people are unable to do so throughout their lives.

It is a common concern that nobody wants to be labeled as someone suffering from a psychiatric disorder. Still, in reality, these conditions are similar to other medical illnesses, such as diabetes or hypertension. Therefore, taking help is necessary for different medical conditions.

Your symptoms are suggestive of major depressive disorder, but please be assured that it is a treatable condition. Most patients go on to live independent, everyday lives, achieve higher education, secure good jobs, and have families.

Feelings of inadequacy, guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, lack of motivation, and low energy are all core symptoms of depression that require structured therapy.

Management involves both medication and psychotherapy. Medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are safe and effective. They may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, sleep disturbances, or sexual dysfunction, but a psychiatrist will monitor and manage these side effects carefully.

Psychotherapy options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and family therapy. The role of psychotherapy is to improve relationships, identify triggers and maintaining factors, and strengthen coping strategies. It is highly effective and helps in supporting long-term recovery.

Lifestyle modifications are also necessary, though they cannot replace medication or structured psychotherapy. They can be used alongside treatment and include maintaining strict sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine intake, going for a 30-minute evening walk, and avoiding social isolation.

You can also monitor your symptoms using the beck depression inventory, a self-assessment scale readily available online. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, psychotherapy alone may be sufficient, but if they are moderate to severe, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is recommended.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.