How do I know if I'm depressed?

LegacyUser

I know I'm very down. Have been for a number of years at this stage.
I have all the symptoms of depression.
Online tests state I'm quite depressed.

BUT

I know WHY I'm feeling the way I am, & I know if I could resolve these things I would feel a lot happier.
The problem is, I'm not in control of these things that are making me very down so all I can do is wait until my wishes come true.

At that time, I can't say these feelings of depression will be 100% gone, but I know they'll be a lot better.

Does that make me depressed right now or not?

I hate the word depression being thrown about by anyone who is having a bad day.
It shouldn't be. It's a serious issue for anyone who really suffers from it.
That's why I'm very reluctant to say I'm depressed cos I'm afraid that what I'm feeling is nothing like what it is to be actually depressed & I don't want to insult people who are inflicted with the condition.

So, do you think I am depressed?

I know I'm talking in riddles here. I'm sorry.
But without going into details, basically, if a person is really really down in the dumps for say 2+ years, but they know the cause of their unhappiness, are they still depressed?

Thanks
(& sorry for the convoluted form of this post)

Ickle Magoo

We can't diagnose you with depression - if you are at all concerned, you need to make an appointment with your GP, online testing is no substitute for a qualified professional. Being down for 2+ years isn't just having a bad day - give your doctor a call and just tell them how you feel and let them make the professional judgement on where best to go from here.

All the best.

Edited to add:

If you need to speak to anyone in the meantime, you may find one of the following helpful:

http://www.irish-counselling.ie/

http://www.dublinsamaritans.ie/

http://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/

http://www.grow.ie/

http://www.aware.ie/

http://www.shineonline.ie/