Mom Says I'm Depressed

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So I was talking to my mother, and she said I am depressed. I have a history of feeling a bit blue at times, and have been on antidepressants in the past (I am off them at the moment). She feels it has come back. Today, my office had a Thanksgiving luncheon, and I tried my best to make myself as small and insignificant as possible. I feel I am not pulling my weight at the office for various reasons, and therefor do not deserve my coworkers' company. Later that evening, I was a bit late for an apartment showing (I'm considering moving across town), and then couldn't find the agent. My phone died, and I panicked. This is out of character for me.

She recommended I speak with my psychiatrist about this. I have seen her before, and brought up feeling down. She asked if it was a feeling I had consistently over two weeks, to which I replied "no." I always thought that, no matter my problems or depression, someone has it worse. And yet I am wondering if either a.) I can call myself depressed, and/or b.) antidepressants can help me.

I know antidepressants aren't a solution to every problem I have, and yet I feel they could help me get through the day. I resisted any help because I don't meet the clinical definition of depression, but should I take the help if I think it can help? Will I become overmedicated? Also, what can I do while on medication to straighten out incorrect thinking patterns I have?

Instead of medication, maybe just try therapy once a month or maybe twice a month. I suggest cognitive behavioral therapy if you want to change your hurtful thought patterns/behaviors. It works on both and is more concrete than psychotherapy.

In my opinion, one shouldn't be on medication until they're at least clinically depressed and only then after therapy isn't working.

I am clinically depressed right now, at times severe, and have been since I was 14. I have been seeing a counseling psychologist. We are working on other therapy than medication - using it as a last resort. I've never been on medication.

Yeah, just go by degrees. Don't plunge in all the way or over-correct. Just do what's necessary.

And only you know you. Your mother might have good intentions yet not be accurate. Of course, I don't know.