Is depression always a part of SA?

[Rummy]

It has surprised me in the short time I've been on here that so many SA sufferes talk of depression. Is depression always part of SA or can I have SA without ever having depression? May be what I've got isn't SA at all?

I feel very deeply for anyone with depression and all the other things that can go with SA, but am I alone in enjoying life and always enjoyed life with SA?

[thaigreen]

My SA is non existant, I still have anxious days. But depression is here. Most definitely.

[anxiouslondoner]

I think it's common that they feed off one another, the sense of isolation and loneliness causing depression which in turn leads to low self-esteem, not wanting to interact with others, feeling like your opinions are unimportant, not sharing the enthusiasm and lightheartedness that makes socialising easier. It's a difficult cycle to break. Where do you start?

[Rummy]

Originally Posted by anxiouslondoner

I think it's common that they feed off one another, the sense of isolation and loneliness causing depression which in turn leads to low self-esteem, not wanting to interact with others, feeling like your opinions are unimportant, not sharing the enthusiasm and lightheartedness that makes socialising easier. It's a difficult cycle to break. Where do you start?

You see that's just it,
Although I suppose you could say I am "isolated", I don't exactly feel "the sense of isolation" because I really do enjoy the isolation. Am not "lonely", just alone. Do have some low self esteem issues and in many ways don't "want to interact". Certainly don't think my "opinions are unimportant", if anything the opposite. And it all depends on what the social occasion is for me to "share the enthusiasm and lightheartedness". eg, I hate and really have a problem with pubs, shopping and partys, but love going horse racing and other outdoorsy stuff. Where the SA (if that's what it is) does kick in is in stopping me from doing things like joining a running club, relationships, and if I wasn't so self concious might (and only might) have been able to do something in racing media.

But the thing is, from what most of you have said - depression seems to be always there in the background, something that could strike at any moment. Where as, I've never had it, enjoy life and have always enjoyed life.

So is this thing I've got SA or something else?
(I took an internet test for SA and scored highly, with 63).

Anyone else in a similar position?

[shy mummy]

Yeah I think they feed off each other,my depression comes from the fact I can't interact with people,the fact I'm isolated and have no confidence,also the battle of even leaving the house is draining and depressing.

[anxiouslondoner]

Originally Posted by Rummy

You see that's just it,
Although I suppose you could say I am "isolated", I don't exactly feel "the sense of isolation" because I really do enjoy the isolation. Am not "lonely", just alone. Do have some low self esteem issues and in many ways don't "want to interact". Certainly don't think my "opinions are unimportant", if anything the opposite. And it all depends on what the social occasion is for me to "share the enthusiasm and lightheartedness". eg, I hate and really have a problem with pubs, shopping and partys, but love going horse racing and other outdoorsy stuff. Where the SA (if that's what it is) does kick in is in stopping me from doing things like joining a running club, relationships, and if I wasn't so self concious might (and only might) have been able to do something in racing media.

But the thing is, from what most of you have said - depression seems to be always there in the background, something that could strike at any moment. Where as, I've never had it, enjoy life and have always enjoyed life.

So is this thing I've got SA or something else?
(I took an internet test for SA and scored highly, with 63).

Anyone else in a similar position?

Sa is a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from mild discomfort in groups to being unable to leave the house. Same with depression, you can be anywhere from suicidal to just excessively unhappy. (some people will say this isn't REAL SA or depression but I'm wary of that because you still need a new word to describe these conditions which are very real and problematic to those afflicted)
All I mean is there's a correlation between the two, with a logical explanation to it. Doesn't mean that everyone is 100% affected the same way.

[Debs28]

I think mine is related but I guess everyone is different xx

[-Simon-]

I think positive social interaction is good for your your mental health and without it you're more susceptible to depression.

[Focused]

I don't know maybe its not, I had anxiety symtoms for years without depression up until the anxiety became more severe and I started locking myself away then I started experiencing depression. That was a while back Since then both have got better. in my case the SA struck first(I think).

[BritishPeace]

No I don't think so

[Concept]

They feed into each other for me. Lack of stimulation as a result of depression leads me to moving slightly backwards later during certain social occasions.

[Z.]

They don't have to necessarily be present at the same time, although they are usually comorbid. The depression is usually a product of the SA; in my case, they're completely seperated. My depression isn't a product of SA at all, just a product of screwed up brain wiring.

[newbs16]

I think they can be completely separate, some people could Have one and not the other or others have both

[Jason90]

Might be of interest rummy.

http://www.social-anxiety-community....ad.php?t=74125

[les]

SA leads to social isolation leads to low mood and self esteem that leads to depression. this cycle feeds its self until the cycle is broken.
That said there are people who are prone to depression regardless of circumstance.

[Rummy]

Originally Posted by runaway

** not really sure what this thread is doing in the "room with a view" section though **

I did wonder what section to put it in Runaway.
Just thought not having depression was more a good thing than bad, but if others think it would be better somewhere else then I can fully understand if it is moved.

[Rummy]

Originally Posted by Jason90

Might be of interest rummy.

http://www.social-anxiety-community....ad.php?t=74125

Thanks for that Jason, very enlightening.
It does seem as though even most of those voting no (without depression) have either had it or something close to depression in the past. Makes me wonder if I am in for it in later life.

[iTz0kt0Bu]

No, I'm anxious but not depressed at the moment.

[rudster]

Originally Posted by iTz0kt0Bu

No, I'm anxious but not depressed at the moment.

same

[Marie8434]

My personal experience is that I have always had my SA traits. I got depression in 2001 for a physical cause. I think that since then the two have fed off each other.

[Tembo]

I've always had both. But obviously its different for different people.

[black_mamba]

Originally Posted by Rummy

You see that's just it,
Although I suppose you could say I am "isolated", I don't exactly feel "the sense of isolation" because I really do enjoy the isolation. Am not "lonely", just alone. Do have some low self esteem issues and in many ways don't "want to interact". Certainly don't think my "opinions are unimportant", if anything the opposite. And it all depends on what the social occasion is for me to "share the enthusiasm and lightheartedness". eg, I hate and really have a problem with pubs, shopping and partys, but love going horse racing and other outdoorsy stuff. Where the SA (if that's what it is) does kick in is in stopping me from doing things like joining a running club, relationships, and if I wasn't so self concious might (and only might) have been able to do something in racing media.

But the thing is, from what most of you have said - depression seems to be always there in the background, something that could strike at any moment. Where as, I've never had it, enjoy life and have always enjoyed life.

So is this thing I've got SA or something else?
(I took an internet test for SA and scored highly, with 63).

Anyone else in a similar position?

You may have SA but only in certain social situations and settings, which is not unheard of.

I guess the only way to tell if it's SA or something else is to understand the fundamental reasons why you fear those specific situations you mentioned. And it probably won't be a simple answer. Never is with bloody SA.