[Trying4Thin]

Hi Francine,

Ok first of all...having a "sad" day once in a while is normal. We all have them. Those that say they dont are just full of fluff n stuff. However, you bring up a VERY good question. When is it just excuses time and when is it something else?

Depression is nothing new to society. I know I was diagnosed as clinically depressed when I was in high school. Other fellow posters here have also mentioned being diagnosed or feeling depressionlike symptoms as well. So I am going to tell you what I know...(Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, but I play one on this forum! haha)

Laziness is when you know you have to (or should do) something and you just flat out dont want to do it. You find excuse after excuse not to do it. Example: a person walking down the street finishing a candy bar and tossing the wrapper on the ground when there is a trash can 2 feet out of the way. Laziness is also expecting others to do things for you that you are fully capeable of doing yourself. Lazy people also shirk blame and look for a scapegoat because they feel they arent accountable for their actions...You know the type; nothing is ever their fault.

Depression on the other hand is an illness. It can be temporary or it can be lasting. Medical causes link it to low Seratonin levels in the brain. Depression can also be caused by a traumatic event, too much stress, lonliness etc. What is the difference between being in a bad mood and depression? Eventually the bad mood will lift. Depression will stay on until it is recognized and delt with either through counseling, problem solving to figure out its root of origin, or pills if a doctor deems them necessary. Will keep my pill opinions to myself.

What to look for....Depression can be a possible diagnosis if symptoms dont start to clear up after two weeks. Sufferers will experience any one (or more) of the following....Extreme weight loss or gain, loss of enjoyment of normal activities that normally bring them joy, mood swings (crying/anger jags or no emotional control at all), too much or too little sleep, sluggishness and brain fog, feelings of worthlessness, reclusive behavior, hopelessness and in severe cases; suicide. There are more but I am not going to list them.

It cant hurt to talk to somebody. But in the end, only you know your body and how it works. If something feels off; talk to a professional. A consult cant hurt. You are no good to yourself and your body if you arent at 100%. We are here for you if you need us.

~Carrie