Depression - how do I get help?

frroggy

I have been going through what seems to be a depression for the last 3 years. I thought this was something I could resolve myself - and at some point I thought I had - but I have been down in the dumps, worse than ever before, for the last 3 months. I haven't spoken to anyone about this. Even my husband as he is so focused on work at the moment that I barely see him. Plus he is not the best listener out there - every time I attempted to touch on the subject (which I find extremely difficult) it just seems like I am talking some sort of extra terrestrial language to him.

The problem is that I don't know who to turn to. I know the normal path to get treated is starting with my GP or talking to someone but the problem is that I find it impossible to pick up the phone to make an appointment with anyone. I think I would be able to start the process if I could write an email to someone instead and then they contact me.

Does anyone have any advise on how I should get help? Many thanks

bogs

Mary,Iwasnt sleepin,Iguessed it was depression and i was right.Again I did not tell anyone but I did force myself to go to my doctor and guess what it was the best thing i ever did.These guys are really tuned in with a lengthy chat and all the time he was diagnosing me.With a tablet a day for 3 months i now have a totally new outlook.You Must see your gp otherwise it will totally ruin your life. Yours,Bogs.

frroggy

Hi Bogs, thanks for your reply. That's just it though - I don't really feel comfortable talking about everything to my GP!! Also if I have to take medication I will but I would like to consider other avenues...

SeamyH

frroggy wrote: »

Hi Bogs, thanks for your reply. That's just it though - I don't really feel comfortable talking about everything to my GP!! Also if I have to take medication I will but I would like to consider other avenues...

Hi,

I suffered bad depression 3 years ago but gladly am over the worst of it now,although I still get the odd off day but that's normal I'm told. I felt the same as yourself, I knew there was something wrong but didn't feel comfortable talking to a gp so instead I turned to my mother and then eventually other members of my family. Then over the course of a few days talking to my family I began to feel more comfortable and this gave me the confidence to go and speak to a GP. I was NOT put on any tablets and I feel any GP that takes this approach without trying other avenues first is wrong. I was told to take some time off work to relax and sent to a psychologist for one hour sessions every Thursday. Over the course of 3 months I was thought different techniques "items to have in my toolbox" to deal with instances of depression and they really worked.

I would strongly recommend speaking to family / close friend initially with a view to seeing a GP. Don't let it take you over, you can be in control you just need guidance on how to do this. Getting it off your chest is a great feeling. Don't delay any longer.

r3nu4l

Hi there frroggy, you've already been given the best advice possible. Go to a GP. Now if you're not comfortable talking to your GP would you be more comfortable talking to another GP or someone else?

Why not contact AWARE: Click here

You will get the absolute best advice here and will be talking to someone who really understands where you are coming from and are absolutely, totally and utterly:
a) confidential
b) non-judgmental



You could also try the Samaritans but AWARE are really the people you should talk with. They help people with depression everyday and will very likely be able to help you pluck up the courage to see someone face-to-face about this. There IS light at the end of the tunnel...you just need to get on the train to get there*



*Sickeningly clichéd use of metaphor there, sorry

AWARE website wrote:

The Aware loCall Helpline
1890 303 302

A listening ear
What is the Aware Helpline?
The Aware Helpline is a non directive listening service for people who experience depression and concerned family and friends. The Helpline offers a non judgemental listening ear to people who may be distressed or worried, or just need someone to talk to. You can also call the helpline if you are worried about someone who may be depressed or for information about depression or Aware services.

When can I call the Aware Helpline?
The Helpline is open seven days a week from 10am-10pm. From Thursday to Sunday, the helpline also operates until 1am. Please remember that the helpline can be busy and some calls can last quite a while, so if you're trying to get through, please bear with us and don't give up.

Will my call be confidential?
All calls are treated with strict confidentiality. All calls are anonymous. No one will ever be told that you have contacted us, and no third parties will be contacted.

How much does it cost to call the Aware helpline?
Calls to the Helpline are charged at local rate from anywhere in Ireland. (If you are living outside Ireland and wish to access the Aware Helpline you can call +353 1 6766 166.)

Go on, start there and you'll be glad you did.

Colpriz

If life is overwhelming you right now..simplfy your day and have only one objective..MAKE that call to your GP...

You'll have started the ball rolling..believe me you will feel much better and because YOU made that step..to put your life back on track

There are other options to medication and your GP will go through those with you..

You are not alone..millions of people out there are going through the same

DO IT NOW..you owe it to yourself..good luck

Reward yourself later for completing that ONE objective with treating yourself to something nice you like or enjoy

frroggy

Thank you for all your kind and encouraging replies - I had a good cry while reading them...but I've made an appointment for Monday with my GP. I just hope I will keep the momentum until then!

Thanks again

Colpriz

Well done Froggy!

You have made a big leap forward..Now go reward yourself..you deserve it. Try enjoy the weekend..best of luck

joeduggan

maybe go to a different doctor or else maybe talk to the samaritans. sometimes things are easier to say when you cant see someone. also, i agree with you about the tablets. dont go down that road if you dont have to. also, i would try and get myself interested in new stuff cos new activities can take your mind off things aswell.

SeamyH

Well done Frroggy, you made the first step of a difficult journey but trust me there's light at the end of the tunnel. I never would have predicted the life I have now 3 years ago, the hardest part is to speak to somebody but everything is alot easier after that.

frroggy

Quick update since last week...

Well things are starting to fall in place...went to see my GP on Monday and I'm starting CBT next Saturday. He's not very meds and neither am I so we've decided to postpone any anti depressants for now...we'll re-evaluate the situation in a few weeks and see if CBT has any effect. I also spoke to my husband tonight - he was very supportive thank god.

It's all been a bit of an anti-climax to be honest. Was expecting everything to be a lot harder than it's been. Also I thought things were going to get better very quickly after seeing GP but that hasn't been the case. I feel a little better probably because I've shared my situation and I know help is on the way - but I was very disappointed to have a 2 week waiting period to see a CBT counsellor (would have been 3 weeks if my GP hadn't called himself and asked for a favour). Makes me wish I had asked for meds just to get a boost until I start CBT...but perhaps it would take a few weeks for the meds to work as well.

Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone who replied to my message - you have really made a difference and I can't thank you enough for it.

All the best!

Colpriz

Thats great news to hear, that you have started the process and that your husband is behind you too. You need to have a little patience with yourself, there maybe bad days aswell as good days ahead, its all part of the process.. but the point is you have started to do something about it. We are all here for you if you need us..dont be afraid to shout..godspeed

SeamyH

Delighted to hear that you have made the first step! With the support of your husband I'm sure getting through the next 2 weeks until CBT won't be too difficult. As Colpriz has said feel free to post on here anytime you need a boost, there are alot of people on here (me included) who remember what it was like to be in your situation and are more than willing to offer advice.

SLUSK

frroggy wrote: »

I have been going through what seems to be a depression for the last 3 years. I thought this was something I could resolve myself - and at some point I thought I had - but I have been down in the dumps, worse than ever before, for the last 3 months. I haven't spoken to anyone about this. Even my husband as he is so focused on work at the moment that I barely see him. Plus he is not the best listener out there - every time I attempted to touch on the subject (which I find extremely difficult) it just seems like I am talking some sort of extra terrestrial language to him.

The problem is that I don't know who to turn to. I know the normal path to get treated is starting with my GP or talking to someone but the problem is that I find it impossible to pick up the phone to make an appointment with anyone. I think I would be able to start the process if I could write an email to someone instead and then they contact me.

Does anyone have any advise on how I should get help? Many thanks

I will not tell you that you should not take any medication against depression, but please do read up on the medication they recommend. Read about the side effects they can have and also try to see if there is a big risk that you might get addicted to this medication.

Colpriz

SLUSK wrote: »

I will not tell you that you should not take any medication against depression, but please do read up on the medication they recommend. Read about the side effects they can have and also try to see if there is a big risk that you might get addicted to this medication.

Doctors dont hand out these drugs as if they were smarties, of course you should consider your options with your GP and know side fx. But quoting it like you have Slusk doesnt help her or anyone. there is a risk this thead is closed when it seems like a viable support thread for her or anyone else to have somewhere to release themselves, rather than talk of getting addicted..we were keeping it open for now, she has taken a mighty step

Odysseus

frroggy wrote: »

Quick update since last week...

Well things are starting to fall in place...went to see my GP on Monday and I'm starting CBT next Saturday. He's not very meds and neither am I so we've decided to postpone any anti depressants for now...we'll re-evaluate the situation in a few weeks and see if CBT has any effect. I also spoke to my husband tonight - he was very supportive thank god.

It's all been a bit of an anti-climax to be honest. Was expecting everything to be a lot harder than it's been. Also I thought things were going to get better very quickly after seeing GP but that hasn't been the case. I feel a little better probably because I've shared my situation and I know help is on the way - but I was very disappointed to have a 2 week waiting period to see a CBT counsellor (would have been 3 weeks if my GP hadn't called himself and asked for a favour). Makes me wish I had asked for meds just to get a boost until I start CBT...but perhaps it would take a few weeks for the meds to work as well.

Anyways, I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone who replied to my message - you have really made a difference and I can't thank you enough for it.

All the best!

Just to make the point to you unless your going private, two weeks is excellent in relation to seeing a therapist. Where I work we tend to see peole within two weeks, but that is unusal with the HSE, in my case its due to how me and my fellow therapist work a system.

But I'm in the addiction services so its not use to you. I know of people having to wait up to six months in some area, so I think you where very luckly. Anyway best of luck with you therapy.

Odysseus

Sorry and just to add anti-depressants are addictive if your GP and you decide to go for meds. Benzos which people can get mixed up with anti-depressants are.

sam34

SLUSK wrote: »

I will not tell you that you should not take any medication against depression, but please do read up on the medication they recommend. Read about the side effects they can have and also try to see if there is a big risk that you might get addicted to this medication.

anti-depressants are NOT addictive.

sam34

Odysseus wrote: »

Sorry and just to add anti-depressants are addictive if your GP and you decide to go for meds. Benzos which people can get mixed up with anti-depressants are.

presume you meant to say they're not addictive?

Odysseus

sam34 wrote: »

presume you meant to say they're not addictive?

Of course Sam, it was an early morning start when I posted that:o

sam34

Odysseus wrote: »

Of course Sam, it was an early morning start when I posted that:o

no worries

Filan

I'm a long time member of 'Grow' which is an international support group for anxiety/depression or just anything that's bothering you. It's similar to c.b.t. but with the added benefit of peer support and friendship. Check out the website, is certainly worth a visit!

eth0_

sam34 wrote: »

anti-depressants are NOT addictive.

I believe you but can you explain what the horrible side effects many people experience when coming off Effexor are, if not physical withdrawal? I've always wondered.

sam34

these are discontinuation effects, which can be truly horrible if the tapering of the dose is not managed adequately. you could consider them withdrawal effects, if you wanted.
but with proper management, these effects should be minimal.

something is not addictive unless you develop tolerance to it, ie that means you would need more and more of it just to produce the same effect - eg, alcohol, heroin etc.

Odysseus

sam34 wrote: »

these are discontinuation effects, which can be truly horrible if the tapering of the dose is not managed adequately. you could consider them withdrawal effects, if you wanted.
but with proper management, these effects should be minimal.

something is not addictive unless you develop tolerance to it, ie that means you would need more and more of it just to produce the same effect - eg, alcohol, heroin etc.

Sam out of interest what is the cause of the discontinuation effects?

Its something I hear alot and in ironic cases as well, i.e. already using meth, benzos, and a long list of other substances, but "I not taking them the are addictive":rolleyes:

My own understaning of it is that apart from the tolerance, the experience just does not equate with dependence syndrome, there is no strong desire or compulsion to continue, no difficultly in controlling use, no discontinuation of other interests or no continuation of use despite harnful consequences. So that points away from them being addictive.

sam34

Odysseus wrote: »

Sam out of interest what is the cause of the discontinuation effects?

Its something I hear alot and in ironic cases as well, i.e. already using meth, benzos, and a long list of other substances, but "I not taking them the are addictive":rolleyes:.

it's not fully understood tbh. it's postulated that its teh combination of changes in both serotonin and noradrenaline levels that causes it, but this is just a hypothesis

Odysseus wrote: »

My own understaning of it is that apart from the tolerance, the experience just does not equate with dependence syndrome, there is no strong desire or compulsion to continue, no difficultly in controlling use, no discontinuation of other interests or no continuation of use despite harnful consequences. So that points away from them being addictive

yeah, spot on.

silent1

Hi
My brain is fit to explode. I ruminate constantly. I am currently seeing a counsellor who I am finding excellent. However I am sometimes afraid to tell her that I have fallen back into this. I don't want her to be disappointed in me.
My rumination is affecting my consentration, how do I stop it.

Odysseus

silent1 wrote: »

Hi
My brain is fit to explode. I ruminate constantly. I am currently seeing a counsellor who I am finding excellent. However I am sometimes afraid to tell her that I have fallen back into this. I don't want her to be disappointed in me.
My rumination is affecting my consentration, how do I stop it.

You talk to your therapist about it in the next session, its really that simple. You can't do anything about it until you acknowledge it there, rather than the internet. Best of luck with it.

dumbblonde122

Hi Silent 1,

I am a counsellor and you should really tell her how you feel. She will not be disappointed in you. She is there to facilitate your change and empower you. If you are worrying about how your counsellor will feel then therapy is not benefiting you to your full potential. Think about you. The counsellor is thinking about you, that is what we are paid to do.

Best of Luck!

Valmont

This sort of thread pops up quite a bit in this forum for obvious reasons. Perhaps some sort of a sticky to address the issue? Sources for help, phone numbers etc...