You're asking a very complicated question. Depression is a mood. Yes, people feel depressed at times and it is normal. However, major depressive disorder indicates a mood disorder which is not 'normal', although it may be relatively common. Online tests cannot be used as valid diagnostic tools. Some of the tools may be used by therapists, they may be the same tests. But a mental health professional does not diagnose anyone just by using the tool. As for bipolar, that is incredibly difficult to diagnose and there's no way you could use a questionnaire to diagnose it. Now, as far as the research goes, I have not heard of any sort of dietary change causing a miraculous cure of major depressive disorder. Neither does exercise or simple changes in activities. Those can help with the depressed mood, however. I am always wary of telling people that it's probably just 'hormonal', that teens go through 'phases', and that they just need to 'get over it'. Mostly because teens tend to be underdiagnosed. People think they're just being moody and don't take them seriously. There's a difference between feeling low and having a mood disorder. If you are worried enough to have taken 5 tests, that tells me that you should be taken seriously. You may or may not have depression. But obviously something is not right. So go talk to someone.
Anyone can have depression. The first question one should ask is 'What am I eating'. A diet of high complex carbohydrates and sugars, and sodas can cause depression. Get on fruit and milk in the morning. Fruit will cause you to eliminate easily. Lunch, eat vegetables and some kind of bread that is like Ezekiel Bread. Dinner, eat vegetables and some kind of meat. You can have milk at all meals, because it is loaded with calcium, magnesium and potassium. Eat fruit between meals, not junk food. And most of all don't drink sodas. Sodas rob the body of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for the immune system. And a new discovery, drink chocolate milk before and after exercise. And before bed, hot or cold, doesn't matter. This will cause you to sleep well.
You probably should let a close friend or relative take the tests for you, from their point of view. Some tests might be certified and created by psychiatrists and/or psychologists. If the test/survey does not seem to be in a legit and good/professional looking website, you can ignore it. Try to relax and not be confused this is sometimes bad. Many teenagers do suffer from depression, especially at that age. Don't be scared about anything. Seeing a professional, check up on you is good. Once the professional identifies a problem or tells whats up with you, you can kind of feel relieved for getting a thing out of the way. Just try to relax anytime you feel sad or just not in a good mood.
I have to agree with Cassie - do NOT try to self-diagnose yourself over the internet. I remember once I had a sore throat... and I reaaally convinced myself I had throat cancer because I kept looking up stuff on the internet. Just to see, I just took a depression test - the about.com one... and it just said I was depressed, and I am definitely not! If you are really concerned, go see a professional and let them diagnose you. Everyone has their ups and downs. You might just be in a rough patch. :)
Depression happen to everyone. It can be hard at time not to let things get you down. I think the first step in recognizing the something is wrong (which you have done). I find often Depression can be beat by simply getting active and shaking things up a bit by doing something new and fun. Perhaps joining a sport, meeting some new friends, taking a class you'll enjoy, changing your job etc. is just what you need.
I hope you start feeling better soon!
Yes it is normal, but what kind of online tests have you been taking? Self diagnosing in general is a bad idea. If you're paranoid that you're depressed, you're more likely to answer the questions so that you seem depressed. If you really do think there's a problem, go see a professional and let them diagnose you. It's completely normal to feel depressed and okay to go get it checked out.
our minds have more power over our actions than just about anything we interact with in our lives. ever heard of a little thing called mind over matter? well, it can not only be a help in over coming a fear or bad habit but can also work against us! i hope everything works out for you...
i've taken 5 tests sweetheart, 3 of them say that i am clinically depressed, 1 says manic depression, and the order says bipolar disorder. i'm just so confused, i dont know whether to believe them or not. i'd like to go to a professional and get a proper test done, but im scared!
Then go see someone. You know there's something wrong and it's not something you have to go through by yourself. If you're close to your parents you could talk to them about it, or even a close friend. If not, you're eighteen, you can go by yourself and no one ever has to know.
dont be scared...over half of the world is depressed and dont know it. its not good to ignore though. if you're feeling this way, just go see a professional. it will make you feel better and put you in the right direction if its not the case
I've taken about 5 online tests...and all of them say I need to see a professional. Are these tests even accurate? Should I pay attention to them or not? I'm so confused....:'(
awww you know you're right. i've always noticed a difference in my behaviour, but after taking those tests, things that never were a problem suddenly did become one
I've been brutally honest in the tests...i have noticed the change in my behaviour, appetite, etc. even without doing the tests i know that there's something wrong
in my opinion that is absloutly okay although in this age most of us have more than we used to ...its an age which we have to relay on ourselves ....
P.S. At least you have an idea and can go get checked. Like karalina said, over half the world is depressed and they don't know it.
I agree with Ty. It is possible for anyone to suffer from depression disorder, however, a lot of people abuse the term depression.
give me your email address, i'll email you. i'd rather not display my personal issue out here
very much so! its normal at just about any age. depending on your current situation.
I dont drink milk! i dont believe a change diet can cure my situation.
what kind of tests...like from facebook or an actual medical site?
Thanks to everyone that answered, My personal team of experts!
it depends on wat ur deppressed from
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