Mental Health referral
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Sorry for the long post.
I've posted here a few months ago about being diagnosed with depression and being put on 20mg of Citalopram. Since then the tablets have been decreasing in the effect they have and the doctor has tried me on two weeks of 40mg. Basically I still do not feel as they are doing much help, at home I find myself being anxious (even paranoid), low and according to my family "bad tempered and a nightmare to live with".
Today I went for a check-up and explained all this to the doctor. He's now referring me to the local mental health team which worries me for several reasons. Firstly I'm scared that this is making me out to be seriously mentally ill and I'm wondering do many people get sent to a MH team with depression? I have asked for counselling but due to some things discussed today (and I got a score of 22 on the "depression test" whatever that means) he was very eager to refer me. He was also talking about sending me to the local hospital to join a psychiatric "test group" using folic acid (I really didn't want that, sounds to much like being sectioned to me!!!). Secondly I have to idea how to explain this to my mum as she will not be best pleased at the thought of her daughter, the one who was actually meant to do something with her life, being sent off for psych help. She also knows quite a few people (through work) on the MH team, this worries me as I don't want to embarrass her if people recognise me. I'm doing this for her though as it's bad enough being so miserable myself, I don't want to make my family miserable as well.
My last concern is my ADs. My doctor wasn't really willing to put me on different ones and seemed a bit wary on keeping me on the Citalopram (although he has given me another month's worth of 40mg) as they have little effect. Even though I was wary of starting ADs, to start with they were a great help and I'm wondering if another type would actually be better for a long-term effect. I guess I will just have to see what the people I've been referred to say about taking medication.
Any advice or personal experiences on this matter? Again sorry for such a long post, not sure if it even makes much sense
I've posted here a few months ago about being diagnosed with depression and being put on 20mg of Citalopram. Since then the tablets have been decreasing in the effect they have and the doctor has tried me on two weeks of 40mg. Basically I still do not feel as they are doing much help, at home I find myself being anxious (even paranoid), low and according to my family "bad tempered and a nightmare to live with".
Today I went for a check-up and explained all this to the doctor. He's now referring me to the local mental health team which worries me for several reasons. Firstly I'm scared that this is making me out to be seriously mentally ill and I'm wondering do many people get sent to a MH team with depression? I have asked for counselling but due to some things discussed today (and I got a score of 22 on the "depression test" whatever that means) he was very eager to refer me. He was also talking about sending me to the local hospital to join a psychiatric "test group" using folic acid (I really didn't want that, sounds to much like being sectioned to me!!!). Secondly I have to idea how to explain this to my mum as she will not be best pleased at the thought of her daughter, the one who was actually meant to do something with her life, being sent off for psych help. She also knows quite a few people (through work) on the MH team, this worries me as I don't want to embarrass her if people recognise me. I'm doing this for her though as it's bad enough being so miserable myself, I don't want to make my family miserable as well.
My last concern is my ADs. My doctor wasn't really willing to put me on different ones and seemed a bit wary on keeping me on the Citalopram (although he has given me another month's worth of 40mg) as they have little effect. Even though I was wary of starting ADs, to start with they were a great help and I'm wondering if another type would actually be better for a long-term effect. I guess I will just have to see what the people I've been referred to say about taking medication.
Any advice or personal experiences on this matter? Again sorry for such a long post, not sure if it even makes much sense
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She was worried about being sectioned, particularly when her family couldn't cope and she was taken into a hospital for a couple of weeks.
Fortunately she's come through it now, we think they finally find the match of drugs that helped her and she's getting back to her normal life.
Many many people have mental health problems at some point in their life, but many many people also get past it and go on to lead perfectly productive lives.
Best of luck.
I understand how difficult it can be if your Mum knows people who work with the MH team - my sister went for a referral and the person she saw just kept telling how she couldn't be depressed because she knew my Mum?!?! Made us both very angry. Anyway, these things should be confidential and they won't be able to say anything to your Mum - and I bet you'd be surprised by how many people the MH team see that they actually know.
If you don't want to tell your Mum, don't. You're not a disappointment because you're seeking help - if anything, you're addressing a problem and have come up with a solution - I'd be proud that you're strong enough to do that as it's not an easy thing. If you feel like you *have* to tell your Mum, just explain that you were struggling but you're addressing it and that that is a positive thing. I hope she can be understanding and supportive of you while you go through a tough time.
In regards to your ADs, they all work differently for different people. They do take 6-8 weeks to have an effect as a general rule, so you should take this into account - if your dose has been increased, still allow this period before you notice any changes. I know that can be difficult, if you're down, 6-8 weeks seems like a lifetime, but changing tablets will only leave you with the same issue. My advice is to give them a couple of months, and if you still feel the same, go back to your doc.
Unfortunately there are no easy answers or cures for this, just try and stay strong and remember that whatever help you seek, you are strong enough to do that and that makes you an amazing person.
Hope things settle for you soon *hugs*
Tara x
Hi Neb Adra
You're really not the only one! Depression and anxiety are both extremely common.
I just wanted to say not to worry about being labelled or having to see the mental health team. it sounds a bit daunting, but really they're just highly trained people who will be able to give you much better advice than your GP.
My friend got referred to them and had some CBT with them, both in group and on her own for her anxiety. They ran courses on all sorts of mental health issues - self-confidence, sleeping problems and even had some people to help out with work issues arising from depression etc. She said it was the best thing she ever did.
There's nothing to be ashamed of asking for help. And I bet your Mum would love to help you, so if you can, have a chat with her. Parents are always a lot stronger than you think! You're her daughter and I'm sure she just wants you to be happy and well.
And the anti-depressants, I'm afraid they are a bit of a Russian roulette! But that's another reason to go and speak to the mental health team. They'll know everything about all the drugs and be able to talk you through all the pros and cons for them. Everyone reacts differently though, so it might be a case of 'try it for a bit and see how it goes', but they'll be able to find the drugs best suited to you.
And lastly, don't be so hard on yourself! You've taken the first, and hardest, step to feeling better. Surround yourself with caring people (plenty of 'em on here, if you ever want to come and chat!) and take it easy.
You're really not alone.
Take care!
Your Mum loves you, and will support you even if she does find it surprising that you have some problems. We all like to think that those we love are perfect and I'm sure no parent wants to think that their child is feeling less than 100%, and I reckon she might even be a bit worried that some of this is her fault. But if you decide not to tell her, don't feel guilty about it - we all sometimes feel that there are things that are easier to deal with by ourselves as then we don't have to worry what those around us feel or think about it.
Oh and the folic acid group might be useful (but see the MH team first for their advice). You're not going to be sectioned unless you're a danger to yourself or others, promise.
Sorry I've waffled a bit but my OH has been where you are and things are so much better now, so please don't be scared. Let us know how you get on *hugs*
Im on 30mg twice daily of seraxt even though seraxt been given a mad name I have to say its been great for me
Im also on lilthuim and the others I can't spell
I've replied dol, thank you
To everyone else, thank you so much for your kind and informative replies. I have to point out that my mum does already know I have depression but due to stress in her own life I do not expect her to be able to "be there" for me (if that makes sense). She can also be quite un-supportive about things like this, she won't say anything then out of the blue throw it in my face during an argument, or (as she has allegedly done recently) call me a "mental" behind my back. Quite surprising considering she's suffered depression herself. I will find a way to subtly mention it in conversation, she will find out one way or another, better it came from me rather someone she works with (I know all about the confidentiality thing but a small town will always be a small town
If they want to try you on another antidepressant, and refer you to psychotherapy, CBT, counseling or DBT you may find it most helpful.
Your doctor might find Beta Blockers or Diazepam or other drugs are useful for controlling bad anxiety too (they aren't usually used immediately - they give something like Citalopram a chance first).
It's nothing to worry about being referred. Initially I was only seen at a friendly meeting by a MH social worker and a community psychiatric nurse (CPN).. I didn't have to initially have a heavy psychiatrists meeting or anything.
They will assess your needs and take it from there
To be honest, from your posts, talking therapies might be quite helpful and help you address the problems you appear to have with your mum.
The fact that you believe she would be disappointed in you, and that she has been disparaging leapt out at me.
BTW, what is the thinking behind the 'folic acid ' thingy? Does anyone know.
I'm not sure about the folic acid thing, it wasn't discussed in detail as I mentioned I sometimes suffer with low folic and b12, which wouldn't be suitable. It was something to do with testing folic and a placebo?
-folic acid. Few studies out there say it has a positive impact, but more research is needed.. hence the trial.
My daily multivitamins and minerals include folic acid I believe (90 tablets for £4 from Tesco in case you want to try)
But it's no different to taking herbal supplements, which you seem a bit beyond if you are already on antidepressants.
I tried to be cautious about how I approached the whole MH referral to my mum but she instantly got annoyed about it. She told me that I should not be seeing them at all as it would "screw you up even more" and that I shouldn't be on the tablets either. I managed to get off the conversation (my brother was around and I didn't want him knowing all this anyway) but later she started on it again. She told me I wasn't depressed, that I should pull myself together. I snapped at this point and tried to explain how I had been feeling but it wasn't getting through. She just turned the conversation around about her, how I had no idea what stress she was under, how she feels ill, what she has to cope with etc. In the end I just went to bed as she was making me so angry with constantly moaning about "poor her" (I know that selfish but I was really upset by this point).
This morning I pretended like last night's talk didn't happen, she was moaning about the latest thing she felt was wrong with her, when my brother said "why are you on tablets?". Turned out he was eavesdropping last night, so goodness knows what he overheard.
Sorry, I just felt like a bit of a rant. Just feeling pretty down today as it seems my own mother doesn't believe there is anything wrong with me at least with depression
Some people are incredibly ignorant over mental health and self-centred.
She sounds like maybe she is a tad hypochondriac/Munchhausen if she keeps going on about stuff that's wrong with her when you're trying to speak. Especially if there isn't much wrong with her.
My sisters boyfriends mum claimed she had Meningitis after my sister was in hospital with it. No, she most certainly did not have it. Prolific me me me (to the point of delusion)
Thanks
Can you elaborate a bit more?
Okay, fair play. Your post seemed a tiny bit cryptic
Finding the right meds to suit you can be very tricky as people vary so much, and imo the specialists are the best informed as to what might be best for you. GPs just don't have the specialist knowledge, in the main.
Easy to say, I know, but try not to worry about it. I'm sorry your mum isn't able to be more supportive.
Some of my older family members were the same. Awful stigma attached to Mental health.
The Mental Health team are the only people who can help you, your GP can only do so much.
I have PTSD and that's comorbid with Depression. Take one day at a time.
Oh and a wee note about Anti Depressants. It's very hit and miss as everyone is different, they do work when you find the right drug with the correct dosage for you.
Wish you all the best
Can't echo this enough. 5 diagnoses, 3 different types of therapy and about 15 medications later and I'm starting to be able to manage more easily