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Going to the doctor about depression
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I've got an appointment first thing tomorrow morning and I'm nervous 
I'm pretty sure I am depressed, in fact I've been pretty sure for ages now I've just been too ashamed to tell anyone but I've had enough now, I just want to feel normal again.
Basically I feel down and teary most of the time and I find it very hard to stay happy. I've literally lost all motivation to do anything and lost interest in all of my hobbies. I used to love acting and playing sports but I just don't have motivation to do any of those things any more. And I've thought about suicide. My future looks just so hopeless at the moment but I don't know why.
I don't know what to say to the doctor. I feel so awkward about it all, do I just go in there and say "I feel depressed?" What if she doesn't think I am and tells me to go away? If I am depressed, will I just be prescribed antidepressants or can I ask to be referred to a counsellor? I think I want to see a counsellor first before taking anything, but is that allowed?
Need some advice because I feel so nervous
I'm pretty sure I am depressed, in fact I've been pretty sure for ages now I've just been too ashamed to tell anyone but I've had enough now, I just want to feel normal again.Basically I feel down and teary most of the time and I find it very hard to stay happy. I've literally lost all motivation to do anything and lost interest in all of my hobbies. I used to love acting and playing sports but I just don't have motivation to do any of those things any more. And I've thought about suicide. My future looks just so hopeless at the moment but I don't know why.
I don't know what to say to the doctor. I feel so awkward about it all, do I just go in there and say "I feel depressed?" What if she doesn't think I am and tells me to go away? If I am depressed, will I just be prescribed antidepressants or can I ask to be referred to a counsellor? I think I want to see a counsellor first before taking anything, but is that allowed?
Need some advice because I feel so nervous
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tell her what you have written here, cry if you feel like it.
and doc wont tell you to go away
They'll ask you ti fill in a questionnaire about your feelings.It's just a 2 minute box tick thing.That'll rate you on your scale of depression.
They tend to prescribe 1 of 3 anti depressants to start with(on a low dose).
That would be so embarrassing
Your GP has seen the toughest of people in floods of tears with depression.
You might think you won't cry.But once you start opening up,you probably will.Perfectly normal.
Yes
The first time I went to see my GP, that's exactly what I said. If you don't know what to say, or how to say it, just pause after you tell them you feel depressed and I'm sure they'll happily fill in the silence by asking you a few questions to get the ball rolling.
It's natural to feel nervous, but trust me, you'll feel like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders as soon as you step out of the surgery.
You'll be absolutely fine
Doctors are usually good regards depression.
If you tell them you're interested in counseling they should refer you. You can take medication while you're waiting for the appointment, personally I find the anti depressants work well, but its what you want for yourself really.
Try not to be nervous, think positively that you're making the first step to get well, don't worry about what some doctor will think.
I still cried the whole time! But they see hundreds of people with the same thing, a lot worse too, you'll be nothing out of the ordinary to them, don't worry, it'll all be over this time tomorrow
But you can definately ask if you have another preference.
Don't be nervous and good job on being strong enough to ask for help
Also yes, write down anything you feel that you want to say before you go. And be honest. They can only help you if you are honest.
The reason why I'd prefer counselling first is because I've been reading about a lot about the side effects of antidepressants otherwise I'd be more willing to give them a go. I know that's a stupid reason. Do they generally offer both? Did you have any side effects when on antidepressants?
If you were diabetic/asthmatic/hypertensive you wouldn't hesitate in seeking advice from a health care professional.
Best wishes.
gosh u sound like me.
i thought i was depressed before, but now i really am depressed.
i have been on anti anxiety pills for a year. but they dont seem to of helped my depression. i dont want to tell docs as it will mean more pills :mad::(:cry:
As regards to depression, what is making you depressed? What is making you lose interest in your hobbies? Why have you lost interest in acting?
If its to do with your self worth and self perception in society then Cognetive Behaviour Therapy, which is what I am going through right now, is availible to help give you the tools to try to improve your self worth and give you some structure into daily routine potentially making yourself a bit happier.
Don't underestimate the work that needs to be done though to improve yourself esteem, its a long marathon, especially if you've been like this for a long time like I have, but you can change it without a shadow of a doubt, reforming your thinking processes into more positive ones, give yourself time.
This simply isn't true, and is poor advice.
The system is now very much in favour of self-referral, or referral from your GP if preferred, for an assessment by your local Mental Health Team. The preferred treatment at the moment is CBT, NOT drugs.
I've had issues for many years now, and I've tried many therapies, but not drugs - I want to stay 'real'. This year I've been down the CBT route and I have to say it's very good, if you're prepared to take on the challenges of change and taking responsibility for your own life.
I wish you luck.
The drugs do help, but a therapist will also prescribe them if you need them further to therapy. Drugs don't confront the problem as much as therapy will
Citalopram nowadays.
Answer any questions truthfully - and don't be afraid of crying.
By going to the doctor you have made a great step towards getting better - but it can take time to get better and it is infuriating when you do not seem to be improving - but you will be better ...
Well it is true because it's mine and others experience.
That they tend (tend: to be disposed or inclined not to always) to offer medication first but you can definately ask if you have another preference.
So it's poor advice for me to say to ask for CBT if your doctor offers you anti depressants first, which they may not even do? Okaaaay :rolleyes: Well in that case I stand by my poor advice!
Also I'm a bit late answering OP but yes anti depressents have side effects - but not for everyone. I've not had any, other people have all sorts - but thats the same for all and any kind of medication, so it's your call I'm afraid.
And yes they do offer both but as I said earlier, they may offer medication first, in which case you can say I'd rather not and I'd like to try counselling/CBT.