Hello

I am glad you asked this question.  You are taking the right steps to try to help yourself.  You have talked with your medical doctor, you are looking here for both support and information, and you seem to be planning to make an appointment with a psychiatrist.

I am not a doctor myself of any kind, just a person who suffers from clinical depression.  So my answer will reflect my role as a peer in this.  I am going to point you to some literature, the first is how the diagnosis is made.  The second article I am going to tell you about is a list of symptoms of depression.

It would probably be a good idea to write down your personal list of symptoms and compare them to the literature as well as bring them with you to your first vist with your mental health professional. 

I hope this helps some.  Perhaps others can chime in with talking about their particular symptoms and how they were diagnosed with depression.  You are doing really well in taking logical steps to help yourself.  Please tell us how things go for you.