Depressed

LegacyUser

Firstly I'd just like to apologise if what I'm asking has been covered in a previous thread, I did a quick search but didn't find anything.

Basically I think I suffer from bipolar disorder. I've thought so for a long time now but I really just ignored it recently because I was going through a relatively good stretch. But in the very recent past I've begun to feel depression creeping back up on me, and this time I want to do something about it, but before I go to my GP I have just a few questions, for anybody who might be able to help me out

1. Can my GP tell my parents (I'm under 18) if I come to him about depression? They have a reasonably good relationship with him but I wouldn't want them to find out.
2. Can he or anyone he refers me to put me on a medication without my consent?

Personally I like the possibilty of working through this kind of problem with some sort of counselling, or psychotherapy etc. and I was wondering...

3. How confidential is what is said to such a person? Are they allowed to tell anyone for any reason?

I know these questions probably seem a little paranoid so I apologise for that, but this is something that I really need to know. I've been suicidal several times before and don't really want to risk it happening again.

Thanks to anyone who replies...

Annasopra

Hi there

First of all you should not apologise for asking these questions, they are questions which you need answered to allay your fears.

Basically I think I suffer from bipolar disorder.

Self diagnosis is not a good idea, you do need to go to a GP

1. Can my GP tell my parents (I'm under 18) if I come to him about depression? They have a reasonably good relationship with him but I wouldn't want them to find out.

No the patient client relationship is confidential by law, if you have fears about this GP talking to your parents use another one, but perhaps if you talked to your parents yourself they might understand

2. Can he or anyone he refers me to put me on a medication without my consent?

No, noone can force you, however medication can be a good idea, it really depends on the individual and the medication. I am on antidepressants at the moment which I find helpful

Personally I like the possibilty of working through this kind of problem with some sort of counselling, or psychotherapy etc. and I was wondering...

This is a really good idea, suggest this to your GP and see if he knows anyone suitable

3. How confidential is what is said to such a person? Are they allowed to tell anyone for any reason?

I have gone to 2-3 counsellors, they use an extern system for advice, another professional who will advise them on how best to work with you, they also explain that only when they are afraid that you are actually going to commit suicide will they reveal anything at all


Remember you do not have to go through this alone, there are lots of groups and organisations out there who will help:

Heres a few websites, organisations and phone numbers


Grow
http://www.ossory.ie/socialconcerns/grow.htm
http://www.castlebar.ie/clubs/grow/
http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/cominfo/health/helpgroups/grow/grow_ennistymon.htm

other mental health organisations
http://www.cidb.ie/comhairleVCS.nsf/ec03c49c232a14b5802567710047025d/f2c06794ef8f799f80256d04003ed63e?OpenDocument

http://www.cidb.ie/live.nsf/244341f49a5ba0e3802567540043cc62/94af0887980657c7802568be00543c31?OpenDocument

http://www.cidb.ie/live.nsf/244341f49a5ba0e3802567540043cc62/d029d2ea11bb7312802568be00543c27?OpenDocument

www.aware.ie
www.theblackdog.net

Have to go, hope some of these websites help

LegacyUser

Thanks for the info Johnnymcg, I feel somewhat reassured now.

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar

try not to obsess about it or think about it, I've been pretty depressed for the last few years but I've just gone on with things... I can't single out any reason but i've just not felt like living for quite a while now, (fortunately, life is a hard habit to break:) ). it's possibly that you can just ride through this, and you'll fell better in a while.
it's possible that there is just some stuff in your every day life that is affecting you badly, whenever you feel bad just take a walk and get some fresh air into you.. clear your head and think things through.
if you think you are suffering from depression I would suggest talking it through with your parents, it's nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. just be honest and let them know what is going on.

ChiGung

AWARE are supposed to be pretty good - they work with young people.
Give them a ring - tell them your concerns, they will be able to give you some good advice.

thedrowner

i was just reading an article about this yesterday *runs upstairs to get said article*

one of the things it says is to make sure you get a propper diagnoses from a registered psychiatrist. it gives a bit of info as well (the magazine in question is last weeks chat magazine, i think the new one comes out tomorrow) i'll just give you a few esbties it gives about it:
www.mdf.org.uk
www.depressionalliance.org

LegacyUser

Originally posted by NotAgain
Firstly I'd just like to apologise if what I'm asking has been covered in a previous thread, I did a quick search but didn't find anything.

Basically I think I suffer from bipolar disorder. I've thought so for a long time now but I really just ignored it recently because I was going through a relatively good stretch. But in the very recent past I've begun to feel depression creeping back up on me, and this time I want to do something about it, but before I go to my GP I have just a few questions, for anybody who might be able to help me out

1. Can my GP tell my parents (I'm under 18) if I come to him about depression? They have a reasonably good relationship with him but I wouldn't want them to find out.
2. Can he or anyone he refers me to put me on a medication without my consent?

Personally I like the possibilty of working through this kind of problem with some sort of counselling, or psychotherapy etc. and I was wondering...

3. How confidential is what is said to such a person? Are they allowed to tell anyone for any reason?

I know these questions probably seem a little paranoid so I apologise for that, but this is something that I really need to know. I've been suicidal several times before and don't really want to risk it happening again.

Thanks to anyone who replies...

LegacyUser

Originally posted by NotAgain
Basically I think I suffer from bipolar disorder.

Isn't BPD mostly an adult condition? It is possible that it is your hormones are acting up. I would query the self diagnosis. As I understand BPD involves extreme mood swings from severe depression to manically running around like a headless chicken.

Originally posted by NotAgain
1. Can my GP tell my parents (I'm under 18) if I come to him about depression? They have a reasonably good relationship with him but I wouldn't want them to find out.

If it is a very serious matter the GP may have to consult with your parents. If you are uncomfortable and for reassurance, I think you should talk to a different doctor if you can.

Originally posted by NotAgain
2. Can he or anyone he refers me to put me on a medication without my consent?

Consent, if you are under 18 is largely down to your parents. However, short of admitting you to a mental hospital (highly unlikely) the doctor will not force anything on you without thier consent. Depending on how old you are, you consent may come into the scenario.

Originally posted by NotAgain
Personally I like the possibilty of working through this kind of problem with some sort of counselling, or psychotherapy etc. and I was wondering...B]

It's a possibility, I'm not sure how well it works with BPD, but we all need someone to talk to now and then. A GP will have a list of local counsellors / psychotherapists. Expect to pay about €50/hr.

Originally posted by NotAgain
3. How confidential is what is said to such a person? Are they allowed to tell anyone for any reason?

Counsellors, priests, bank managers and lawyers are all reluctant witnesses in court. There is fundamental trust between counsellor and client.

The only likely cases where a counsellor would intervene would be if you said "I'm planning to rob a bank this afternoon" or "I beat up my _________ yesterday and broke his arm, but told the doctor he fell of the swing" or "I was sexually abused by my _______ last year" or similar situations. They will not tell anyone about "I wear girls clothes as a kink" or "I masturbate too much" or "I think I'm ugly" or "I cheat on my wife" or "I hate my parents".

Stark

When getting diagnosed, do you have to be suffering the symptoms at the time, or do they just trust in what you relay to them (eg: "yes I did feel depressed a few months ago"). I mean I can't really see a seriously depressed person finding the "get up and go" to seek help in the peak of depression. Then again trusting in what someone says to you can be dangerous, people can exaggerate their symptoms, suffer from hypochondriac tendencies etc.

seamus

I would advise talking to your parents about it straight up. You may not want to, but they'll always be more than willing to help, and you may find your self just that little better released if someone knows about it. Plus all the hassle with hiding when going to a GP/psychologist - where will you get the money? There may also be consent issues in order to obtain treatment/medication for free. Most people don't get issued with a national medical card until they turn 18 afaik. IMO, you'll save youself so much hassle and stress if you let your parents know - grab them both some night when all your siblings have gone out.