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Depressed
I took depression test on health app.. score was 16... but I am not sure if I m depressed or it's just lack of motivation ... strange part is I am a doctor myself and still not able to figure this out.
I have Neet pg on 15 June and I am not able to study anything for it ... my peers from another fields are flying high in their carriers and here I am 25 year old mbbs graduate.I am not sure if this is depression or I am just lazy.
Shall I take antidepressants or push myself to work hard?
Answers (7)
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Thank you for sharing this so openly - it’s clear that you’re going through a very confusing and emotionally taxing time. It’s especially difficult when you’re from the medical field, expected to “know better,” yet feeling stuck and uncertain.
A PHQ-9 score of 16 falls in the moderate range, which can indicate clinical depression. However, diagnosis shouldn’t rely solely on app-based tests. The confusion between “laziness” and depression is extremely common - but lack of motivation, fatigue, poor concentration, and self-doubt are hallmark features of depression, not signs of character flaw.
You are not lazy. You are struggling and that’s a valid and treatable experience.
Next Steps
1) Please consult a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist for a formal assessment. This will help you determine if treatment (pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic) is needed.
2) Until then, do not self-prescribe antidepressants. Starting them without evaluation can sometimes worsen symptoms or complicate future treatment planning.
3) Explore brief therapy or counselling support - especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps with motivation, self-worth, and goal-setting.
Health Tips
a) Limit comparison with peers - everyone's pace and journey are different, and yours is valid.
b) Burnout and depression often look alike in high-pressure settings like medicine. What you’re feeling is not unusual and is nothing to be ashamed of. Please avoid pushing yourself without first seeking clarity and care. Healing and preparation can co-exist with the right support.
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Heyy
I can help you better with further treatment course needed. U can connect me via whatsapp on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two.
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Do medicine and therapy both
Surgeons can't do their own surgery
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Thank you for your honestyâmany doctors silently go through what you're feeling. The lack of motivation, inability to study, comparison with peers, and self-doubt are common signs of burnout or any other mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, especially under the pressure of exams like NEET PG.
What to Do:
Donât self-medicate. Please consult a psychiatrist for guidance on whether antidepressants are needed.
Therapy can help you explore whether this is depression, burnout, or bothâand build structure and coping strategies. Consult a Psychologist.
For now, be kind to yourself. Even small stepsâstudying 20 mins, then restingâcan reduce guilt and improve focus over time.
You're not behind in life. You're human, and you're allowed to pause and heal.
Support is availableâplease consider booking a session to talk through this safely and privately.
Next Steps
Consult: Psychiatrist and Psychologist
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Based on the information provided, depression tests are subjective and they are not diagnostic for depression. But regarding other concerns like lack of motivation, it happens during the preparation phase.
Whether you need treatment or not, it depends after an evaluation.
Next Steps
Please Consult Psychiatrist or online
Health Tips
Follow relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga or meditation
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Dr. Siddharth Rathore
Sexologist
13 yrs exp
Ujjain
You should not waste time on Google and visit psychiatrist nearby for your symptoms
Next Steps
you need to consult psychiatrist for further evaluation
Health Tips
medication will help you a lot
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Dr. Sunil Nagar
General Physician
17 yrs exp
Rewa
Kindly connect
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.