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Depression - Where to Start?

  • 19-11-2014 1:26pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6


    Hello Everyone,

    For reasons I won't get into I have finally accepted that I am suffering with depression.

    It has taken months of feeling like this to decide that something has to be done. But I am at a loss as to where to start.

    I was wondering if anyone who has had a similar experience or who knows the system can shed some light on the process. My main questions are:
    What is said in the GP's office?
    What questions are asked?
    What happens after the GP visit?

    Any other information or advice would be extremely helpful.

    I am posting this here because I couldn't find a dedicated forum for depression or mental health so if there is one please let me know. Thanks.


Comments

  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,217 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    Much better bet here in this forum TDK. Hope you get some of the information you need.

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 289 ✭✭AnnaStezia


    IMHO self diagnosis - as distinct from self awareness - in this area is potentially dangerous. PLEASE see a doctor and get this in hand now. Don't struggle with it solo. Don't worry about what might come up at a consultation. Doctors are trained to deal with this with you. Good luck with this.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 118 ✭✭ahappychappy


    I write this in the context of having a spouse who has battled and continues to battle Depression. I have witnessed four major depressive episodes over the past 15 years - two required hospitalisation and many minor ones.

    Firstly you have done the hardest part taking that first step and saying i have depressed feelings maybe i have depression.

    In my experience the doctors ask very simple straightforward questions, how long are you feeling this way, what are your interests and are you engaged in them. The questions are simply a way of letting you have the space to say as much or as little you need to. They are to see are you engaged interested or concerned about in anything in particular.

    Depression can require numerous types of assistance medicine, talking therapy, CBT, exercise and often a mixture of same.

    Doctors are well educated in this area and indeed they probably see a lot of patients with varying degrees of depression.

    Take the second step, the doctor will be sympathetic and supportive.

    The best of luck to you, it will get better and you will get there one step at a time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 753 ✭✭✭Semele


    The idea of talking to a doctor is scary and perhaps a bit embarrassing for some people OP but they will have heard it all before!

    You don't have to prepare a whole speech- just say something like "I'm not feeling like myself recently and I think I might be depressed". They'll take it from there. Don't be embarrassed if you get upset- again it's nothing new and everyone can understand that it's an emotional experience.

    The doctor will likely ask you more about how you're feeling, how long ago it's been like this and whether there were any obvious stressful events that prompted it. They might ask about whether there's a family history of mental health issues and if you've ever experienced anything like this before. They will usually ask about your health more generally and a bit about lifestyle factors- such as whether you exercise, drink, do drugs, eat healthily, work, have support from family and friends etc. these questions might feel judgemental and a bit intrusive but they're not there to catch you out or to blame you for how you're feeling, they're just so that the doctor can advise you on changes you might be able to make that we know increase resilience and wellbeing.

    The doctor will most likely discuss medication and therapy options. A combination of both is the gold standard for treating depression, although some people are funny about the idea of taking medication and others hate the idea of talking to a therapist! Try to be open to both and don't be afraid to ask any questions you want more information about. If you decide to go with either or both options then the doctor will usually write you a prescription straight away and refer you to therapy or give you details to do this yourself. They will usually ask you to come back in a couple of weeks to monitor how things are. Anti depressants can make you feel very strange for a while but try to stick with it as it evens out after a few weeks.

    Good luck- there is a thread in the long term illness forum about depression that is very supportive and you might find it useful to chat to others there or to ask for help in making lifestyle changes to maintain your hopefully newfound wellbeing!:)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,507 ✭✭✭Buona Fortuna


    OP some good advice above.

    Not sure if you've seen it, as you're a new a/c, but there is a useful thread here

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056481009

    Its good background reading but doesn't replace going to your GP. That really needs to be your next step.

    Wish you well OP.


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