Am I suffering from depression?

[Worriedsick41327]

Hello.  I'm new to this forum and am looking for some helpful advice.  For a while now I have been wondering if I am suffering from depression -- though I really don't know what symptoms come along with a diagnosis.  I am 38 years old, have a wife, three kids, nice home, and a decent job.  All the normal ingredients for a happy life.  So why don't I feel so happy?  I remember being younger and feeling so ambisious and full of life.  Now I just feel dull and somewhat emotionless -- not necessarily sad.  Here are some things I've noticed and am planning to talk with my GP at my appointment in a few weeks.

- lack of energy, feeling tired most of the time
- lack of motivation at home and on the job
- loss if interest in things I used to enjoy doing
- change in mood and behavior (I have become very short tempered and have frequent outburst of anger for seemingly very small reasons in hindsight)
- loss of libido
- would rather be left alone most of the time (I used to be a very social person)
- forgetful

Are these symptoms? Are there others I should be looking for?  Anything else I should ask the Dr.?

I should mention that I have been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and a Vitamin D deficiency for which I take daily supplements.  No loss of appetite, no insomnia, no weight loss, or excessive anxiety.  Just not feeling like the same person I remember being some days -- and I'd like to get back there.  Any advice or thoughts are welcome and appreciated.

[Anneinside]

I don't see depression as an adaptive mechanism but a maladaptive mechanism. Just as you are experiencing, sometimes we don't recognize that we are depressed. Once you recognize it and if it is bad enough you should go on medication to resolve the depression. Also counseling is helpful in learning coping skills.  The list of seven factors may be good but if you are truly depressed you will have extreme trouble in doing them.

[4Maddie44]

The only person who can tell you if you have depression is a doctor or psychiatrist.  You say you have an appointment to see one, so let us hope that makes things clear for you.

I would not like to diagnose you here.  It would not be right for us to say whether you have depression or not.  Just tell the doctor everything you have told us here, and let them do the diagnosis.

Let us know what the doctor says.

[SMcGregor]

depression is an adaptive mechanism which has served the species well for millions of years.  When things are going well in our lives, we feel good.  This good feeling is nature’s way of telling us to keep doing what we’re doing.  When our lives are not going well, we feel down or depressed.  This is nature’s way of telling us to make some changes.

In order to feel good, the following seven factors must be present in our lives:
- good nutrition
- fresh air
- sunshine
- physical activity
- purposeful activity
- good relationships
- adequate and regular sleep

[007Bunny]

Hi, it sounds to me like the result of lack of sleep. I was with a person with sleep apnea and the problem was he didn't have quality sleep.as the result are symptoms you described - very similar to lack of sleep.
Also: anything changed since your problems started?
There are many sources to find out depression symptoms and obviously only GP or pdoc can diagnose you. However I think your symptoms are quite mild. Therefore I rather think about sleeping problems than mental issue.
All the best. X