Talking to doctor about depression

LegacyUser

Hey,

Im only 19 years old and I've had depression (or possibly bipolar) for about 2 years now. I made an appointment to see my doctor about it, but I dont really know what to say to him. I feel kind of embarrassed.

I tried to talk to my old doctor about it but she made it seem as if I was making it all up.

What should I say to the doctor? How do I bring it up?

Neyite

If you dont feel comfortable or think that you will have a bit of a brain block on the day of your appointment, would you consider writing it down and just handing it to the doctor when you see them? It could be a simple bullet list of how you are feeling, and might be easier as a conversation opener. A good GP should be able to ask you the relevant questions from there.

tbh

NotNow131 wrote: »

Hey,

Im only 19 years old and I've had depression (or possibly bipolar) for about 2 years now. I made an appointment to see my doctor about it, but I dont really know what to say to him. I feel kind of embarrassed.

I tried to talk to my old doctor about it but she made it seem as if I was making it all up.

What should I say to the doctor? How do I bring it up?

"I came to see you because I think I may be depressed, but to be honest I don't know what kind of details you need, or how to talk about it"

And your doc will take care of everything from there.

Well done, taking the first step is hard. Good luck.

RossFixxxed

It's only important that you go. They are professionals and know what to ask and do. Chances are the doctor will take a blood test (or you could ask) to rule out thyroid, liver, kidney, anemia, electrolytes and a whole host of things that could be causing/contributing to how you are feeling. They also have questions focused on your mental health. Just say you are feeling down and need help, they'll do the donkey work.

As tbh said, the first step is hard, but it is so so very important. Be proud of yourself for doing it!

LegacyUser

When I was the same age as you I made the decision to finally go to a doctor to tell them I had been suffering depression for years and ask for help. I was terrified and had my speech all prepared, and then when I actually got in and they asked me what I was there for I just burst in to tears! I was so embarrased but my doctor was so understanding, she let me cry and compose myself, and I eventually explained. You just need to tell them that you feel you might have depression, they will ask all the follow on questions needed. It's a really big scary step, but please go through with it! I went on 3 years of medication which I am now completely off for 2 years and feel great! They might prescribe you medication, or counselling or CBT might be a better first step to see if that can help. If you dont like the response you're getting, keep going to a different GP until you feel comfortable and listened to. Good luck, this could be the beginning of the end of feeling awful, I wish I had gone to the GP years sooner than I did!

mr lee

i had same problem,i knew i had tell the doctor but it took me ages to pluck up the courage,in the end i just went in and said to the doctor,could you give me something for depression,simple as that,i know its not easy but you can do it.

LegacyUser

Hello,
I was the same, I wrote everything down and handed it to her because I knew I would cry. I am now on antidepressants and seeing a counsellor. Best thing I ever did. Also try get out and exercise although it is tough when you feel so low I am finding it is really helping. I've been using the 5 minute rule, . You really dont feel up to something make yourself do it for 5 minutes and if you still don't feel like it just stop. Wishing you well

Polka_Dot

I'm the same age as you OP and had a very similar experience. I knew I had depression and had spoken to my regular GP about it only for him to brush it aside and make it seem like no big deal. As a result this really put me off talking to a doctor about it. I started counselling hoping that that would help, which it did, but ultimately I knew I needed medication so I went to my college doctor. It was tough to go in but I just sat down and stated "I'm worried about my mental health" and went from there with the doctor. Luckily this time she was very understanding and I started on a course of antidepressants. So far they've worked wonders, I'm extremely glad I went. Don't be afraid at all