Good Evening Reed,
I'm super brand new here, and while perusing the other introductions I read yours and wanted to let you know that I feel for you.
I also feel like I have no right to be depressed. The more that people point out how much I have that's good in my life, the more I feel like I need to retreat.
Anyway, just wanted to say Hi
It is hard to say if this is depression. You might want to try taking the http://wb-dat.net screener for more information on depression assessment. However, for a proper diagnosis you will need to talk to a doctor for an assessment. Individuals with ADD often have other co-occuring mental health concerns, with depession being one of them. ADD can make life a lot more difficult and even annoying like you mentioned .Taking medication can be helpful for ADD. Therapy is also important, I have read a lot of evidence that CBT is very helpful for ADD. CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) is also the gold standard treatment for depression. This program is CBT based and used for depression (not ADD though) it will likely be helpful for you to read through it.
I find the term realistic is often used when we are depressed. When we are depressed our thoughts can seem very real and even logical. You will find though when learning about CBT that a lot of the thoughts we have when depressed are often illogical. But perhaps illogical is the wrong word to use - I would say our thoughts when we are depressed are often unhelpful. The key to CBT is chosing a new way of thinking that serves you. We can change our perspective and thoughts and this directly effects our mood. It can take systematic effort that takes time but a change in perspective really can make a HUGE difference. Of course I am over simplifying this immensely but I hope you understand my point.
I am a 62 year old elementary Phys. Ed. teacher. I am extremely healthy; a very successful competitive tennis player, do comedy improv and acting, own my home and am loved by my students. If you were to ask me what I want out of life, I would say the answer is the question. I wake up every morning profoundly disappointed...that I woke up. I take Adderall each day to deal with my ADD. I don't really feel depressed just not in love with life enough to put up with the normal hassles like bills, getting up at 6:30 for work or any major annoyance that might come along like a serious illness, financial setback or major problem at work. I feel like I'm living on borrowed time before something major comes along. I am divorced and have noone to share my life with. Is this depression or am I just being realistic?
