Maybe the best thing to do is start with what seems to trigger your melancholy feelings. I also think you should see your family doctor and see if he recommends a possible treatment plan. If you've had these feelings since you were 8, you really should seek medical advice. Good luck to you.

Just from what u said, u are depressed. Losing interest in the things u normally like to do is a major sign. Please seek a
counselor talking to someone helps figure your issues out.

Sounds like you could be depressed. At least you still spend time with friends. If you stop doing that then it is depression. Consider talking to your doctor even if it's just as a precaution.

First and foremost, you are a young college student with HUGE ambition. That is enough to make anyone weary. I got weary just reading your profile. Phew girl! You rock! If mindless solitaire is all you want to do after everything you need to study all day and all night, then have at it baby. You still hang with your friends, you haven't isolated yourself, and when you're alone, you play a game instead of resorting to sleeping your life away. I am not sure you are depressed yet. Just my opinion here!
I think, if your college has one, you should talk to the nurse or councelor* (*sp), see what he/she says.

When we become part of our own tangle, it IS very hard to sort out. You r best bet is to try the college councelor* or your primary care physician. I personally think you are on overload, but I am NOT a professional. You have some great ideas on what to do with your life, maybe you just need someone to help you create a roadmap on how to get there.

I have tried talking to a therapist and seeing a doctor, but neither of those things seem to help either. I've been trying to figure out triggers for ages and so far that's been unsuccessful. It's so frustrating not being able find anything that helps. I'm afraid that I'll have to start on medication, which I don't believe in, but I'm afraid that might be the only answer. Is there anything else that might be able to help as far as treatment?

Until you get to the root of the problem, there really isn't anything you can do to "cure" yourself.

Mental excercizes such as meditation may help to calm your soul enough to reveal to the root of the problem.

You've mentioned two signs of depression so far - losing interest in things you normally enjoy, and isolating yourself. Being overoccupied with projects and activities is also a sign.

here are some others:

Weight loss or weight gain (more than 5 lbs or so); sleep disturbance - either sleeping too much or not enough; slowness, clumbsiness in motor (voluntary) activity (ie: lots of typos when you're typing); feeling hopeless, worthless, excessively guilty, thoughts of death/suicide, wishing to be dead, suicide attempts, etc. Loss of energy, fatigue; difficulty concentrating, short term memory loss.

You have indicated that your depression may be from issues from your past, and that you've been depressed at least since 8 - not necessarily the whole time.
There might not be only one thing causing your depression, and it sounds like there's not.
Since this problem has plagued you for several years now, it will probably be best treated with therapy and meds together. That is what is recommended for the most effective treatment for depression, anyway. Your school's health clinic and counseling center are ideal places to get the help you need. Take advantage of them, that is what your tuition pays for!!