Hi there

[Kireflow90]

My name is Erik, I'm 27, and I've been struggling with depression the past couple weeks. I was in the past diagnosed with moderate to severe depression and severe anxiety. I had seen a therapist for over a year to deal with it until she finally cleared me. The issue I have is that it comes back almost every year for about a month. Its quite random as to when it appears, but it seems like its out of nowhere. On my dad's side my uncle was diagnosed with Asperger's last year. He has a lot of depression issues which made me turn to looking at symptoms of autism. I noticed more than a few I can relate to .I took the RAADS online. According to it there's a higher chance of autism than average. I don't want to talk to a doctor about it yet (I hate doctors). So I thought I would turn to here and ask all of you your opinions. Thank you in advance.

 

[tree]

 

[Kireflow90]

Thank you

 

[LucyPurrs]

Welcome here- you're in a good place.

 

[Streetwise]

welcome , there are a few members who are self diagnosed , i'm officially diagnosed but not until I was nearly 46 years old .

 

[Beguiling Orbit]

Hi Eric! Welcome. Does it happens to you this time every year? Perhaps it's seasonal affective disorder (AKA seasonal depression)? If that's what it is, then light therapy (i.e. 5-10 minutes per day in a tanning booth) to increase your vitamin D could help.

 

[Kireflow90]

Its random throughout the year. Sometimes it could be the middle of winter, and other times its the middle of summer.

 

[Kireflow90]

Or fall or spring

 

[Beguiling Orbit]

Do you get outside a lot, or usually stay indoors? If you don't get 10-20 minutes of sun--even during summer--that could cause a vitamin D deficiency. Taking supplements won't even get you close to the amounts you need.

 

[Nitro]

 

[Kireflow90]

I get out often in the summer. My family and I do a lot of outdoor activities. And the winter I go outside to vape multiple times a day

 

[Kireflow90]

I really appreciate all the questions by the way.

 

[Beguiling Orbit]

Much as I hate doctors, too, depression is such a complicated beast that they are best qualified to help us find the cause(s) and provide treatment.

 

[Kireflow90]

Thank you everyone for the replies. Should I just talk to my normal doctor about this? The more I read and watch videos, the more I relate to traits of Asperger's.