SecretMethod70

Yes. (Note, I've read nothing of this thread other than the title.)

That said, I don't think you have clinical depression. Unless you're feeling suicidal or can barely function in life at all, it's rather unlikely. But from the personality traits you've demonstrated on TFP, I do think you'd benefit from getting some impartial, professional perspective on your life. The most most recent example was your thread, beating yourself up over an 8 minute mile, despite being admittedly overweight. I don't think you're depressed, but I do get the impression that you have severely low self-esteem. You should see someone about that. And regardless of what you are or are not diagnosed with, you don't have to take any medication that you don't want to. In most cases, it's perfectly possible to overcome mental health challenges without medication.

Now that I've read the thread, there are some good responses here. The distinction between psychiatrist and psychologist is an important one. And then there are just plain therapists too, which would probably be good enough for you.

Of course, maybe things work a little differently in the UK. I honestly don't know.

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