Depression

Zooey

I am going to see a GP about my suspected depression next week as it's come to a point where I'm getting no enjoyment from life. I'm a bit concerned about the medication involved- what are the side effects? When does a GP decide medication is the right treatment? I guess there's no way of knowing for sure, I'm just a bit nervous about the visit as have never experienced anything like this in my life. Been going on for about 7 months now. Similar experiences?

LegacyUser

I would only consider medication as a last resort. I would try councelor or cognetive therapy first. I dont know personally as I havent taken them, but have a family member with depression and she is reluctant to take the drugs, she says the cognetive therapy is the first thing that is having a positive effect on her. I also know of one guy who went a bit all over the place coming off the medication, and it had a strong effect on his personality.

But obviously talking to your GP is best to find what will suit you.

Monkey61

I would be highly suspicious of a Doctor that offered you medication straight away, especially after only a short term period of depression. Life style changes and some kind of talking therapy would be the first port of call.

The Doctor will ask you numerous questions, describe your mood, do you ever feel suicidal, is the drop in mood related to any major life changes etc and will more than likely refer you to a counsellor.

Generally medication would be a last resort as while undeniably essential in some cases, it does not cure depression, it alleviates the symptoms whilst a "cure" if you will is being sought.

I was on medication for a year or so, but I took that step because I was suicidal, self harming, behaving increasingly erratically, living in absolute hell and barely able to look after myself after suffering with depression for 17 years and it allowed me to claw back some semblance of a life.

That said, if it is absolutely required then medication is nothing to be scared of, and nothing that anyone should be too proud to take - but it really depends on the type of depression that one suffers from and a mental health professional will be able to advise you further. In my own opinion though, I don't think that GP's should be able to prescribe Anti-depressants without first having a patient assessed by a Psychiatrist, as many don't really have specialist knowledge in that field. Also note that if a doctor offers you medication without suggesting any kind of therapy then you should probably run a mile and find a different doctor.

Zooey

Thanks guys. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out when you don't even know me! Monkey61 - I think you're right, I suspect that some docs dole out medication as it seems the handiest option. I know there's no quick solution to this and that medication doesn't have a lightswitch effect. I don't think i am at an advanced stage yet but have definitely gotten much worse in the past few weeks, hence my decision to finally contact a GP! Really helpful, thanks.

LegacyUser

Monkey61 wrote: »

I would be highly suspicious of a Doctor that offered you medication straight away, especially after only a short term period of depression.

Then you would be suspicious of the medical establishment - after 2 weeks of sustained symptoms, clinical depression can be diagnosed, and honestly medication will be prescribed by most doctors at this stage. While other kinds of therapy are important also, medication plays an important role.

Life style changes and some kind of talking therapy would be the first port of call.

The Doctor will ask you numerous questions, describe your mood, do you ever feel suicidal, is the drop in mood related to any major life changes etc and will more than likely refer you to a counsellor.

Generally medication would be a last resort as while undeniably essential in some cases, it does not cure depression, it alleviates the symptoms whilst a "cure" if you will is being sought.

I would have to disagree with this totally- medication can cure depression, depending on the cause. While I don't believe it alone has cured my depression, it has been a major factor in my return to health. By saying that medication is a last resort, you are giving medical advice that the medical establishment would by and large disagree with

I was on medication for a year or so, but I took that step because I was suicidal, self harming, behaving increasingly erratically, living in absolute hell and barely able to look after myself after suffering with depression for 17 years and it allowed me to claw back some semblance of a life.

That said, if it is absolutely required then medication is nothing to be scared of, and nothing that anyone should be too proud to take - but it really depends on the type of depression that one suffers from and a mental health professional will be able to advise you further. In my own opinion though, I don't think that GP's should be able to prescribe Anti-depressants without first having a patient assessed by a Psychiatrist, as many don't really have specialist knowledge in that field. Also note that if a doctor offers you medication without suggesting any kind of therapy then you should probably run a mile and find a different doctor.

OP, my point is that you shouldn't avoid medication on the advice of a boards poster. Medication helped me greatly in managing my depression. Honestly, a doctor will usually know best. Best of luck with everything.

lynsalot

Medication has been working on my depression. Only taking it 7 months but it's been so much easier ever since. I was diagnosed last Oct and tried a counsellor first and it didn't work for me. I think everyone's different though so it's definitely worth evaluating what u think is best. Remember u can always try CBT or counselling and if it doesn't work, go down the medication route. There's loads of options. Make sure u ask ur doctor all those questions. I've had no side effects from the tablets only if I forget to take one I get the lbues for a day or two - maybe make a list and ask ur doctor everything u need to know to help u decide. good luck hope it gets it sorted for you

Snowie

hey op there's no harm in taking med's well in away i guess some people would dissagree, but, what Id sugest is going to the doc and getting medication but also at the same time, Myabe ask could he refer you to a councilor, you can try out theripey to after about 6 to 8 weeks of booth things should be into perspective as to whats right for you and whats not.