Being Fed Up V Being Depressed.

[Tilly2]

Is there a definitive dividing line between these two?

How does one know when one has crossed over from being down in the dumps to being in a position where you need some outside help?

[Togo]

I suppose there could be different "thresholds" for different people Tills. There is a NHS self test with the link. I have not done the test so cannot comment on the veracity of it.

https://www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/depression.aspx

[Old_Geezer]

I reckon 'fed up' doesn't last anything like as long.

[Tilly2]

Thank you for that, Togo. I'll have a look at the diagnostic test later.

[1ozzy]

Tricky question Tilly.

Didn't know myself until I hit rock bottom.

Sought help and noticed a change within myself rather quickly.

I think nobody knows the answer, but, if in doubt talk to your GP.

[Tilly2]

That's the thing, OG. How long does 'fed up' last?

[Tilly2]

Thank you, Oz. I know that the GP is the person who can help. I'm just a bit concerned about taking that first step.

[ummmm]

I think there is a difference. It also depends what is making you fed up. Being fed up can last for a very long time depending on what the cause is.

[Tilly2]

I don't actually think I have anything to be fed up about. Daft, isn't it?

[Old_Geezer]

No medical expert but I reckon 'fed up' would typically last minutes or hours, but possibly days if it's a known cause that's continuality there. I think depression tends not to have a single external known cause. It's a pervading feeling about all, that one can't shake off for months, or years, or at all if untreated.

[1ozzy]

Please talk to those that know.

I did online tests and decided, minor depression, low anxiety.

Visited the experts and was diagnosed extreme depression, borderline suicidal and high anxiety.

People who know me could not believe it, "Oz if you were anymore laid back I'd be checking you for a pulse" ;-)

At my ripe old age I've discovered "bottling it up", "hiding symptoms" is the worse thing to do.

At least seek an opinion. xx

[Togo]

Having posted the link I thought it only fair that I did the "test". I got a rating of 5 and according to the "test" am not suffering from depression. When I am down I stop listening to the news bulletins, particularly the Beep Beep See who lace every news programme with negative messages at every opportunity.

[ummmm]

No, it's not daft.

When my dad died I was asked on numerous occasions if I was depressed. My answer was always no, I wasn't, I was heartbroken and the only thing that was going to mend me was time. That to me is being fed up, had enough of raw emotions or situations, but knowing the cause.

If you don't know the cause then maybe it is more than being fed up.

How are you sleeping? How are you eating? What are your energy levels like?

[1ozzy]

And I had nothing to be depressed about, lovely family, successful kids, my own business, financially secure, leisure time, the list goes on.

The human brain is the least understood part of us.

[Tilly2]

I'll have a chat with my GP. Thank you all for your considered responses.

Togo, according to that test, I'm fine but is has highlighted to me some of the areas of concern, so thank you for that.

[Tilly2]

Ummmm, my dad died in February. I hadn't considered that 'this' might be grief. Maybe it is. Thank you.

[ummmm]

It could be. It took me a good few years to come to terms with it. If/when you see your GP mention it to him. You may be offered bereavement counselling. I was but declined, with hindsight I should have taken it.

[Tilly2]

I'll do that, Ummmm. Thanks again.

[jno]

yes, my immediate thought was "didn't you lose your father recently?" "Recently" can cover quite a period, and so can processing loss. This doesn't mean it is/isn't depression but it may give a focus to any counselling you receive.

[Tilly2]

Funnily enough, Jno, it was the least of my considerations. I thought I had done remarkably well in dealing with my loss. As you say, it could be a focus for future discussions. Thank you.

[Sqad]

"Is there a definitive dividing line between these two? "
Not a simple question Tilly and that definitive dividing line that we are all talking about, varies from person to person.....even if it exists.
Depression.......is not just one disorder and there are various types of depression, but reading you OP I guess, just guess, that it is reactive or exogenous depression.......something that has sparked it off.
My definition.....if you mental state is affecting your everyday life...sleeping pattern, eating, day to day activities and you cannot be bothered to get out of bed in the morning.......then you are clinically depressed. But......need that be treated?
Only a Dr experienced in mental disorders could advice.
I have often been fed up.........but never to the extent that i contemplated seeking medical help.
So, I feel that I have never suffered from depression........it is a relative state of mind.
I am no expert on Psychiatric disorders.