How do I overcome depression without using medication?

What kind of Depression do I have? How do I know if my medication is working? Please read?

• So I am taking an antidepressant for about 2 months now and i dont know if its working or not. I am taking Bupropion which is a generic brand for Wellbutrin, I am taking it for my ADHD (Inattentive type) and for my symptoms of depression. Ive been dealing with my symptoms for awhile now these are what ive felt before taking the medication! Physically: Fatigue, low energy, not eating enough, weight lost, not enough sleep sometimes I toss and turn, I would also sleep in VERY late and still feel less energy Mentally: Apathy,Feeling Empty, Brain Fog, hard to make decisions, VERY unsure of myself, low self esteem, low self confidence, self conscious, irritated, isolation and lost of interest! I dont feel smart, and intellectual, I feel like there is air in my head and memory problems but I think that might have to do with my ADHD, also I dont feel very attractive either even though some people say im good looking but I think they are being nice Honestly I thought about committing suicide but that was like 2 years ago so it was a long time ago, and thats because I came out to my mom and she didnt take it well. Ive moved on I do think about death though because its such a mystery but who doesnt think about death it can happen at any time, but I have been kind of "obsessed" about if there is an afterlife or not! Also to be honest since Ive thought about how death can happen at any time I have had thoughts about "Whats the point of life when we are going to die anyways" you know Ive been to my behavioral doctor a few times my next appointment is in June to check up on how im doing and how my medication is doing, Ive asked him what kind of depression do I have and he did say that its unspecified but since ive told him I have experience the symptoms for a while he said that it was chronic but still unspecified, which I kind of get sort of because you cant just diagnose someone if you think they have it or you think you have it but you dont! For example people are using excuse because they have ADHD but I know that I have it because I was diagnoised by doctors and psychiatrist, and my parents and teachers also observed my odd behavior in academics and behavior and I was 6 plus I have documentation proof that I have ADHD, but anyways I understand why he didnt give me a diagnose of depression I may or may not have I did notice a little change with the medication but sometimes at night when i cant go to sleep I feel a little down and that my medication is still in me but I still cant shake the negative thoughts in my head sometimes. I really think I need to write in my journal and explain how I feel even though verbally I feel like I cant get my words out and that I sound dumb when I talk to a doctor about it, also to mention that I do have social issues I am a nice person and will say Hello but to certain people esp my age im scared, I can talk to grown and older adults but people at my age esp guys I get very nervous because I dont want to sound stupid and plus I cant continue on a conversation! : ( I am seeing a therapist now my appointment is next week but this is the second time, but idk about my therapist he is nice but I think I should have a better one but they are so expensive and im only 21! I have Kaiser and they only seat you up with a Kaiser therapist

• Answer:

  I have a couple of things to tell you here. I have read your post with interest. First of all, you are stuck with an HMO, which, in my opinion, is the worst type of health-care that anyone can sign up for. And you have to take what you get, basically. But at least you have coverage. Secondly, in your post you talk about depression and ADHD. You seem to be content with your knowledge of your ADHD but you are confused about your depression and say you have been taking medications for two months now. And the only "clue" that your psychiatrist can give you is that it is the "chronic" type. With these clues, I believe he is talking about Endogenous Depression or Major Depression. This type of depression is hereditary, life-long and chronic. However, it can be easily treated with daily medication that will keep the symptoms at bay. (Hugh Laurie, the actor who plays "House" has it). Now you may want to look up this diagnosis and see if it fits your symptoms. And then ask your doctor and your therapist if this is your working diagnosis or not. Remember that you have a right to know your diagnosis and your prognosis. Also understand if you still have questions about what is going on, your therapist or your doctor can order psychological testing for you. This testing will help your mental health team to pin point what your symptoms are and this leads to a better diagnosis and treatment. (However, psych testing is expensive and you have an HMO....but ask for it anyway.) Your idea of writing in your journal is an excellent one and a really good form of self help. Ask yourself what do you want from therapy and treatment? Do you want more confidence skills? Do you want better concentration? Do you want to explore your negative thoughts to determine what they mean to you and how they can best be treated? I believe that people should get what they are paying for when it comes to medical care. If you are not satisfied and if you are not getting the answers you desire, you need to work on getting them....this is your right. But your therapy won't be of much benefit for you unless you confront your therapist with what is going on for you (do it in writing and hand it to him!). It is your therapist's job to come up with a good treatment plan and discuss it with you....then get down to work on it. I think your question is excellent. I truly wish you all the very best. You will be successful.