Depression: Signs, Symptoms...Could be you

[Breal]

I've realized that most people i tell this too usually are quick to judge me and or right me off as "that guy" but i feel it important to help people understand why im writing this. About 2 years ago i was caught up in some things that i would consider myself to be ashmed of now looking back. I guess i was at an all time low, and im sure many of you have felt like this at one point in time or another. So, fastfowarding a little bit, I was at my doctors office because i had just been feeling like crap and i wanted to get down to the bottom of things. Doct asked "whats wrong?" My reply ...just been feeling not like myself lately, lot of anxiety, really really jumpy, generally i just am letting little things piss me off and i feel like its affecting my overall well being. After a few more questions and the usual stuff, i.e. blood pressure check (which was extremely high for a 26yr old) we came to the conclusion that i might be suffering from depression, in fact all of the signs pointed directly to it. MY FIRST THOUGHTS....no way, not me ..depression ... well; and then the more i thought about it i came to the conclusion, maybe so. I always had the wrong ideas about depression and figured there was no way i could have it untill i read a phamplet showing the signs. Here are a few just so you can have an idea as to what i was looking at:
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

Loss of interest in dailly activities
No interest in or ability to enjoy former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex.

Appetite or weight changes
Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

Sleep changes
Either insomnia or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Either feeling “keyed up” and restless or sluggish and physically slowed down.

Loss of energy
Feeling fatigued and physically drained. Even small tasks are exhausting or take longer.

Self-loathing
Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Harsh criticism of perceived faults and mistakes.

Concentration problems
Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

Irritability
Easily annoyed or frustrated. Lashing out in anger or snapping at others.

Aches and pains
New or worse physical symptoms, including headaches, backaches, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, and aching joints.

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As you have just read through them, maybe you have changed your opinion about what it means to be depressed. I had no idea that concentration, irritability, and aches and pains had anything to do with being depressed.

Of course, everyone feels a few of these symptoms from time to time. Thats Life. But, if you can realate to more than a few of these at one time at least give it some thought.

Well that was 2 years ago, and since then i have experimented (with prescription) a few different depression drugs. The one that I'm on now and i feel works the best is Wellbutrin XL. Not to try and sound like a commerical, but the side affects were a lot more reasonable then some others I'd tried. Way less of a sexual side effect, didnt gain weight, wasnt tired all the time...etc. Now that i use it on a regular once a day basis i cant even tell im taking it anymore.

I put this out there for many of you to read, really past my better judgement but i feel like it might open some peoples eyes a little and give some insight on a real persons perspective (i didnt get the tag Breal for nothin). Really what inspired this was R-F-G-'s thread a few weeks ago about people needing someone to listen. There are a lot of folks out here with similar problems as you and I and some of us might be able to help you through some tuff situations. Or at least that's what i have found here at OSBB.

[CRM]

Thanks for taking the time to share that with the rest of us. Someone may be helped, and that makes it all worth while.

[~R~F~G~]

Thanks for posting that for sure. I have suffered from alot of things depression being one of them. I know what you were going through. Another cause of depression is low test levels. Believe it or not if the Doc did a test level your most likely low there too.

It's easy in the virtual world to pass over everyday REAL issues. I am glad you felt comfortable enough to post this for us to read. Thanks Breal...

[rivertin89]

I have all o these and I feel fine

[Breal]

Another cause of depression is low test levels. Believe it or not if the Doc did a test level your most likely low there too.

Most likely you are right R F G, i never had the balls (no pun intended) to tell my doc that i expermented with AAS. Even now i think i still suffer from low test levels b/c when i experimented i didnt do any PCT. Is there such thing as crashing and staying super low?

[Growinboy]

Studies have been done that show low test is a common reason for depression symptoms in males... Get yourself checked for that as well bro... Anyhow, good to hear you can address your issues and that things are working for you...

[DrMax]

Good post.
I think it is in everyone's best interest to tell the Doc if you do or have taken AAS. It helps them to do their job.