I am a female, 20 years of age. Ever since I was 14 I've experienced what I call extreme lows in my moods. These come and go. Sometimes I can have up to six good months, but they are followed by several months of feeling very down. During this time I lack motivation, am very socially withdrawn, prone to mood swings and constantly think about the pointlessness of my life. I once saw a doctor about this, hoping I might get a referral to speak with a psychologist, but she told me that women are emotional and I just need to give myself a break. My boyfriend tells me that I shouldn't feel this way. Now that I am studying at university it's affecting me even more. I find myself caring less and less about my assignments, my friends, and my job. Nothing seems to make me happy. My mother has been prescribed anxiety medication and anti depressants, and I believe there is a history of this in her side of the family. Do I suffer from depression?