Bigtime Depression

LegacyUser

Have been suffering from this for quite a while, and I really talked to anyone about it. I can't even get out of bed some days, and I drink quite heavily sometimes just so that I can feel something. Otherwise I just feel dead.

I think about suicide alot. The ways I could do it.


I think I'm going to go to a GP, to gives things one more chance. But what would I say? Would I have to mention what the problem was when making the appointment? And what could I actually expect from such a visit?

Marksie

Do go to the GP.
Perhaps making a mental or written list fo what you are feeling/thinking and doing will help.
It will put things into some order for you to talk to him about.

LegacyUser

I just went to my GP about my depression about ten days ago. I was so scared and embarassed but it was absolutely the right thing to do. I went in there and burst out crying which was a bit humiliating but then as I started talking, and as the doc listened and then offered ways of dealing with, I felt this weight lifting off me which was incredible. To know that I was being taken seriously by a medical professional, who had ways to help me (I hope) it was really good. My doc offered me a referral to a counselor, and/or drugs, and other things... I would prefer not to go into the specifics of it, but please do go see your doc. You don't have to mention what it's about when you're making the appointment. I didn't even know what I was going to say when I went into the office, I was running through so many things in my head, but then once i started talking it all flowed out. I'm still nowhere near out of the woods, the depression is bad as ever, but I feel now like I have options, that there are ways out there to help me, and there are people taking me seriously.

The exact same applies to you. There are ways to fix this. I have friends who have beaten depression: they give me hope, even if right now I feel like life can't go on. Please please please stop thinking about suicide. Life can't go on like this, but it CAN get better. It really can. I don't know when, or how, but it can improve. I believe that. You should too.

skelliser

yes, go to the gp as soon as possible. just make an appointment you dont have to tell the secretary anything.
tell him what you have just told us. he will prescribe you anti-depressents and may refer you to a professional. follow his advice.
also if ya need someone impartial ring the samaritans http://www.samaritans.org/ its free and confidential.

Hmm_Messiah

I'll probably not say this right but think I should try

1. Sometimes people very down and upset, depressed, or indeed suicidal feel that people don't recognise the full extent of their feelings. So when people offer you suggestions and help please accept that we do know what an enormous difficulty you feel.

2. There really are other options - I won't distract with details, but in my own life, my family's , and my friends I've seen remarkable changes not only in outlook, but in the real substance of people's lives. Its overwhelming sad that any one has to experience depression - but there is the real possibility of well....feeling better ( much more often than you feeldown)


Go to the GP, make a start. But don't be too tough on yourself. Much of what you will do you need to do before believing in it .

Best of Luck

estar

you seem very open to taking on your depression and that is such a
positive sign!!

depression is more common than you might think, and many people
have felt like you have and learned to cope with it, and live positive
fulfilled lives. it may not seem possible now, but at the moment
it is like you are walking around on a broken leg saying ouch!! and wondering
why you are limping.

there is no shame in depression. its just another part of human experience.
its not your fault. make an appointment with the gp, and then
when you are in there explain to him, if the secretary asks say it is regarding
some medical advice, if she asks further then say its private!!!

your gp is a medical professional who should be trained in treating depression.
not that your condition isnt important, and serious, but i doubt it will be his
first case or his last.

good luck

LegacyUser

Go to the doctor. If it makes you feel slightly better, my own mother had to drag me off after I was deemed a threat to myself. I felt much better, was given all the numbers I needed, a letter to admit myself at A&E as a last resort and was talked to someone who fully understanded what was going on.

Samaritans is another good route to go, or Teenline if you are of that age.

Either way for the sake of €30-60 it is well worth having a good chat about things with a GP, it undoubtably saved my life.

Best of luck, and no, just say that you are feeling unwell, no one needs to know other than your doctor and you. (s)He won't refere you without your permission unless you are an immediate threat to yourself.

B

cressy

Hey there,

First thing to remember - no matter how bad it seems right now - it can and does get better. A few years ago I lived with dreadful depression and thought I would never break through. But I did. And I know lots and lots of others who have. And now I look back and I'm glad it happened to me. I learned so much about so many things.

Now, it's hard work. Every day. And you need support. You need a good doctor. You need a good therapist. And you might need meds - don't be afraid of them. If you have a good doctor who knows what's what then you'll get the right ones that will help.

But remember. It does get better. And it is worth the work.

Fix your eyes on the sunshine. And don't beat yourself up when you stumble.

feylya

TBH, the toughest thing about depression is making that first step and going to the doctor. It really is just a case of picking up the phone, calling the surgery and making an appointment. You don't need to tell the receptionist what the appointment's for, just that you need an appointment. When you get to the doctor's, s/he will sit there and listen to exactly what you have to say. Possibly the most important thing to remember is, they will not judge you. After your appointment, you will not only feel slightly better (hopefully) but you will have a plan of action, be it drugs, counselling, whatever. Don't forget though, anything you tell your doctor is between you and him. As clichéd as it sounds, things get better. I would recommend trying to lay off the booze though. Alcohol is a depressant and it really does not mix well with medication.

Another very important point to remember is that an awful lot of people in this country suffer from depression, more than you would imagine. Mental health is still a very taboo subject in this country but thankfully, people are being made aware of it through ad campaigns by the government.

All of the above is just based on my experiences and shouldn't be considered as a replacement for proper medical advice. As mentioned above, the Samaritans are there for you if and when you need to talk but please, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can.

adsgirl

Don't be worried about an a visit to your GP, do tell them about your suicidal thoughts and your drinking, so they can make a proper diagnosis and start getting you the help you need.