I Am Not Depressed, Am I?

Hello. I am so glad that you are here. The disorder of depression, whether clinical or depressive symptoms, is far to common in our great Nation. This short book is intended to provide some information about this disorder; my personally professional viewpoint based on education and vast experience.
Let me introduce myself. My name is Beverly and I am a psychiatric Registered Nurse. I have over 30 years experience in helping people in crisis, starting with a degree in Psychology from VPI&SU in 1981. I have been a Registered Nurse since 1993, and board certified as a specialist in Mental Health and Mental Illness in 1995. I have worked in many areas over the years including counseling, medical hospitals, mental hospitals, and home health. The specific job titles have varied, including Psychiatric Nurse, RN Clinician, and Behavioral Nurse Specialist; but the skills required are essentially the same.
"Am I Depressed?" Now that sounds like a strange question to ask.
You may think it's a joke or a sarcastic remark.Your first thought is liable to be: Don't you know? If anyone would know then you would, right?
The truth is that often people truly don't know if they are experiencing a treatable illness like depression. It is a question that I welcome because it indicates to me that a person is considering a new idea, or the possibility that there is a problem. I have heard this question a lot in my thirty years of experience helping people.
To get an answer to that question, here, we will distinguish myth from fact. We will start by taking a look at 12 of the common myths about depression, and debunk them with some facts. Next some detective work is in order as we look at common depressive signs and symptoms. How people present their depressive symptoms can be as unique as each individual, yet there are some noted commonalities among individuals in a particular grouping. Conversely there are noted differences between groups; men and women, as well as children and adults present symptoms differently. We will look at some of these differences.
When we are done here you should have an answer to your question, or at least be closer to one.
Don't be surprised if it leads to many more questions.
Wishing you Good Health,
Beverly Smith BS, RN