How do i know if i am clinically depressed, bipolar, or any other emotional illness? i've had what it seems like unstoppable negative feelings lately, loss of interest, random spurs of sadness, and i'm scared and confused as to what's going on.

You : You asked how to know if you have a clinical illness. It is clear that whatever is going on, is impacting your quality of life enough for you to have sought out this web site. I can not make a diagnosis based on these symptoms, however these are problems which can be consistent with depression. I also encourage you to seek professional assistance for this.

You : You definitely need to see a professional, and please don't take this as a boilerplate response, or blowoff of your question, but the fact is that whatever the actual diagnosis is, is to a great extent academic. You are going to need treatment by a professional, and conjecture about the actual diagnosis is only going to waste time that you could be spending getting better. The point is that 1) determining the actual diagnosis may take a minute, and may (for example) even include a blood test, whereas, 2) treatment can most likely be started imediately, after a few details are clarified, but even before the specific diagnosis has been completely sorted out, because, to a great extent (again - for example), 1st line antidepressant medications are quite often an appropriate approach to the symptoms you describe, regardless of the underlying cause, and can help treat the symptoms while the underlying cause is determined and then addressed more definitively.

DEPRESSION: Get an evaluation from a psychiatrist to help identify what depression means to you and whatever else may be bothering you. Consider recommendations for medication if any are given. Get a referral for a reputable psychotherapist to speak with. Meds and therapy combined are most optimal; no just one or the other.

Depression: A Clinical Psychologist can help you clarify and determine the nature of your problem and the stressors; and can help with psychotherapy. The clinical psychologist can refer you to a Psychiatrist if you need medication to help with this. With good psychotherapy it can be possible for certain people to overcome the need for medication.