Need some advice please

LegacyUser

I’m a boardsie but I’m going unregged for this one. I wasn’t really sure where to post this so sorry if here isn’t suitable mods. If it’s more appropriate elsewhere then please move it.

I’ll probably regret posting this later but here goes anyway.

Lately my depression has been getting worse. I’m undiagnosed by the way & I guess I’ve been in denial for a long time about it but things have gotten a lot worse in the last month or so and I just can’t hide from it anymore.

I’m really struggling with the most basic of things. I can’t even get out of bed some days. I’m falling behind with college work and when I do make it in to college I find it really difficult to concentrate. I have sat through entire lectures and at the end of it I don’t have a clue what has been said. It doesn’t matter how much sleep I get. I’m always exhausted. Sometimes I get really upset and need to cry to release some of the tension that has built up but I can’t cry anymore. I lost the ability to cry months ago. I get headaches quite a bit which really doesn’t help since I can’t think properly anyway and I have palpitations daily.
These are all the most noticeable, sort of physical stuff. There’s so much more going on that I couldn’t even begin to describe and my head is a complete mess.

I know I need to go to the doctor and get help before I do something stupid but I’m really scared and I don’t have a clue of what to expect in the appointment. Could anyone talk me through what will happen?

Just to clarify I’m not looking for medical advice. I just want to know what will happen in the appointment and what the typical procedure is with this.

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

christina_x

I have never been to a doctor over a problem like this, but try treating it as if you are going about a physical problem.
Depression still has its signs and symptoms, just like any physical complaint.

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
• Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
• Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
• Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
• Irritability or restlessness. Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
• Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
• Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
• Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_signs_types_diagnosis_treatment.htm

Depression is a very common problem, so don't worry about going to your GP, they are not going to bring out the straight jacket and lock you away, its the same as any physical problem. Has causes, signs, symptoms and treatments. Hope you are feeling better soon.

FoxT

OP, this may not be depression. If you are exhausted all the time there could be a physical cause. I suggest you talk to your GP, who should be able to determine whether the root cause is physical or otherwise. If you are depressed, be sure to explore all therapies available. Depression meds can have unpleasant side effects & there are other therapies available, such as counselling, that you could explore.

Best of luck.

-FoxT