[Evanesyne]

(Original post by IlexBlue)
I've had depression.
I didn't spend it whining about how doctors don't understand me because I lost my appetite and concentration, and then look to seeking sympathy on TSR.

Everyone deals with depression differently. Even if you're not sympathetic, the least you could have done was not to make OP feel even worse.

[XShmalX]

(Original post by Anonymous)
The doctor was an idiot! I kept trying to explain to him what was wrong but he just wouldn't listen! I told him how things haven't been going right in my life and that coupled with my opinion on the world and the people is making me depressed. It's making me lose my appetite, my interests, my concentration is going and I just don't want to do anything anymore. I kept reiterating this as vehemently as I could be he just couldn't or just wouldn't comprehend what I was telling him and I was starting to lose my temper with him and I could see I was annoying him.

His comment? "I don't think your depressed" "Everyone can feel frustrated from time to time" "Depression is chronic, it's not just something that you feel for two weeks" And I kept saying that I've been feeling sad for years. I told him that I had a strict father who gave strict punishments; I didn't have a happy childhood; I didn't enjoy primary or secondary school and college. His comments are that I shouldn't blame anyone for this. I should lead my life. And this was when I started to lose my temper. He said that I should be more active in doing things and I told him that I've been active in making friends (and so on) but he just wouldn't listen,

I'm not blaming anyone.

His advice again (baring in mind that "I'm not depressed but what I'm doing to myself is of course making me sad".

-I have lost my appetite - "Start eating properly. Eating few meals will make you sad". Eating has no effect on my mood. I'm not eating because of my mood.
-I've lost my interest - "Start a project". But I can't start a project because I have no interest in anything!
-I need to take direction of my life since I "don't know what I'm doing with it". I told him the plans I have for future but I have no interest in carrying on because I just don't want to (I didn't get to tell him I found it pointless). He said that I shouldn't be taking a year off just because I don't want to go to university. But I said to him that I do want to go to university.

I told him that my counsellor agreed that I suffer from depression. But that doesn't matter. He didn't take me seriously at all! He just treated me as a kid whose having a bad day! I had to control myself or else I would have shouted at him. He just didn't understand at all. He didn't listen to me and kept interrupting me. He didn't treat me with respect and just kept acting as if he was always right. I know he's wrong. I know how I feel and I so angry that he just wouldn't believe me.

He going to reference me to a psychiatrist because he's given up and I'm going to look for a new GP. I feel so sad now and now I'm just doubting my sanity. Am I or aren't I depressed? Am I just a whiney teen?

I'm really sorry to hear what you're going through!! I had a similar experience with my anorexia where the doctor told my mother I was "too young" to be anorexic and it was "just a phase" (despite having a BMI of 13.6). It took several visits and a lot of pressure from my mother before he agreed to refer us privately. The experts took a look at my case and gave my an emergence appointment under the NHS. Basically, GPs can get it wrong especially in specialist areas but rest assure the psychiatrist should be able to see properly what you're going through! Just make sure you explain all to him and don't rely on the referral giving him the full info! All the best, I hope things get better soon!

[IlexBlue]

(Original post by Evanesyne)
Everyone deals with depression differently. Even if you're not sympathetic, the least you could have done was not to make OP feel even worse.

Make him feel worse? I was just being honest. After experiencing it and seeing others around me with it, I get slightly pissed off when people manage to check off a list of symptoms and convince themselves they have depression, and I'm sure doctors like the OP mentioned get annoyed with overly-dramatic self-diagnosis too. I'm not denying that the OP isn't experiencing some difficulties at the moment, but a lack of interest and appetite doesn't automatically qualify you.

I would have more sympathy if he wasn't so resolutely determined he has it. It's like he wants depression just to stick a label on how he's feeling lately, and I can't express enough how much you do not want to have depression if you really have it.

[Sabertooth]

What's the problem exactly? I mean you got referred on so you'll see a shrink and he'll probably listen to you more. It's not like you left the appointment with nothing. Things could be worse - always look on the bright side

[Zonk Machine]

(Original post by IlexBlue)
It almost sounds like he was trolling you, and I don't blame him. You sound like such a whiner.

Do you actually want depression, or something? Having a naff childhood and checking off your symptoms against an NHS list doesn't mean you're depressed. Sometimes you can just go through a bad patch.

agreed. this is exactly what it sounds like. you looked up the symptoms of depression on wikipedia. everyone goes through times where they get really bored and lose appetite. and if you're just finishing high school and about to go to university it's no surprise you have no direction in life. everybody is like that.
you're just stressed out. have a beer and watch a movie with some friends and you'll feel better.
go to a psychiatrist if you really want but people who have been diagnosed with depression don't complain about it on TSR. you can at least talk it out with a professional but you don't sound like you need anti-depressants or anything.

[Anonymous]

(Original post by Evanesyne)
Everyone deals with depression differently. Even if you're not sympathetic, the least you could have done was not to make OP feel even worse.

His entitled to his/her opinion. But he/she is acting like I went:

"wa wa I have no appetite and I'm losing my concentration. I must be depressed." I'm not stupid.

FYI my counsellors exact words were "If your doctor doesn't diagnose you should go to a different GP".

[Jennie1987]

(Original post by Anonymous)
This happened to me in January, after phases of it for the last two and a half years, councilling last year which didnt work out (did not get on with my councillor at all) - she said basically the same stuff ("try a hobby"). She said all she was willing to do was refer me to my old councellor, as my depression wasnt constant despite scoring almost full marks on that "circle the number" questionaire i had to fill in. I was at the point of showing her the cuts on my thighs, but I just walked away, I couldnt face another doctor telling me that I was only 18 so it was all in my head.

I'm probably not the best person to give you advice on what to do, as I have not yet been back to any sort of doctor since then, but if there is anyone else you can see or talk to then I would urge you to do it, find someone who WILL listen, because there are people out there and you do deserve help, no matter what these people make you believe. I hope things improve for you.

Please take your own advice. Right now with all the pressures (uni, college, peers, jobs, funding) you need to sort yourself out. If you don't do it now, yes you could do it later but may avenues could become closed to you if you are older (funding cut-offs, changes to entry requirements etc. as there are other ways but right now you have them all available).

If you know you could have a chance to be better soon then go out and find a GP who can give you the response they were trained to do; as it is a medically recognised condition, with many years of research proving the need for treatment not just pointless words that are at odds with the patient's dialogue.

[SuicideCommando]

What's the problem? You're going to see a psychiatrist.

What would you have preferred? Medication? Cos that isn't the only answer.

[Anonymous]

I'm not here to justify if I do or do not have depression. If I would I would take the opportunity to be happy because feeling like this sucks. I'm not here to defend myself. If I wanted to convince you I would write a giant post of all the problems I'm having but I'm not. I am merely telling you my experience with my doctor. I don't care if you think I have depression or not. I'm not looking for sympathy either.

I'm not being clear. I'm glad I'm being referenced to someone else but I hated the way he treated me.

[Anonymous]

Plus, I'm not stressed out about ANYTHING. I have everything under control there is plenty of stuff I could be doing. I'm on top of all of my work and know what I'm doing.

[Tally DeBenedictis]

(Original post by IlexBlue)
I've had depression.
I didn't spend it whining about how doctors don't understand me because I lost my appetite and concentration, and then look to seeking sympathy on TSR.

(Original post by IlexBlue)
Make him feel worse? I was just being honest. After experiencing it and seeing others around me with it, I get slightly pissed off when people manage to check off a list of symptoms and convince themselves they have depression, and I'm sure doctors like the OP mentioned get annoyed with overly-dramatic self-diagnosis too. I'm not denying that the OP isn't experiencing some difficulties at the moment, but a lack of interest and appetite doesn't automatically qualify you.

I would have more sympathy if he wasn't so resolutely determined he has it. It's like he wants depression just to stick a label on how he's feeling lately, and I can't express enough how much you do not want to have depression if you really have it.

This!
It's true, if you make yourself eat, get out and do something give yourself a kick up the butt you'll feel A LOT better.
But tbh you sound like you want to go down the path of having medication blah blah blah and if you do then you'll have something to whine about because coming off antidepressants is not fun i can promise you that.
x

[TheSmithsIndeed]

Actually, I think you've highlighted a very important point there.
Some doctors are just too quick to dismiss teenagers as hormonal and moody when sometimes, it is much more complex and deeper than that.
There seems to be a lot more depression in young people nowadays, something which I too am experiencing, and I think this issue is something that everyone should be concerned about.
I don't know whether this apparent rise in depression is because of more awareness about it or because of the stresses of modern day life but for me personally, school often contributes to these feelings of such extreme hopelessness that's it's hard to describe.

[Rachel08]

(Original post by Anonymous)
The doctor was an idiot! I kept trying to explain to him what was wrong but he just wouldn't listen! I told him how things haven't been going right in my life and that coupled with my opinion on the world and the people is making me depressed. It's making me lose my appetite, my interests, my concentration is going and I just don't want to do anything anymore. I kept reiterating this as vehemently as I could be he just couldn't or just wouldn't comprehend what I was telling him and I was starting to lose my temper with him and I could see I was annoying him.

His comment? "I don't think your depressed" "Everyone can feel frustrated from time to time" "Depression is chronic, it's not just something that you feel for two weeks" And I kept saying that I've been feeling sad for years. I told him that I had a strict father who gave strict punishments; I didn't have a happy childhood; I didn't enjoy primary or secondary school and college. His comments are that I shouldn't blame anyone for this. I should lead my life. And this was when I started to lose my temper. He said that I should be more active in doing things and I told him that I've been active in making friends (and so on) but he just wouldn't listen,

I'm not blaming anyone.

His advice again (baring in mind that "I'm not depressed but what I'm doing to myself is of course making me sad".

-I have lost my appetite - "Start eating properly. Eating few meals will make you sad". Eating has no effect on my mood. I'm not eating because of my mood.
-I've lost my interest - "Start a project". But I can't start a project because I have no interest in anything!
-I need to take direction of my life since I "don't know what I'm doing with it". I told him the plans I have for future but I have no interest in carrying on because I just don't want to (I didn't get to tell him I found it pointless). He said that I shouldn't be taking a year off just because I don't want to go to university. But I said to him that I do want to go to university.

I told him that my counsellor agreed that I suffer from depression. But that doesn't matter. He didn't take me seriously at all! He just treated me as a kid whose having a bad day! I had to control myself or else I would have shouted at him. He just didn't understand at all. He didn't listen to me and kept interrupting me. He didn't treat me with respect and just kept acting as if he was always right. I know he's wrong. I know how I feel and I so angry that he just wouldn't believe me.

He going to reference me to a psychiatrist because he's given up and I'm going to look for a new GP. I feel so sad now and now I'm just doubting my sanity. Am I or aren't I depressed? Am I just a whiney teen?

Aaaw I'm so sorry that he treated you like that. It's the last thing you want when you're feeling like that. You do sound like you have depression. Appetite is a typical physical sign and lack of interest in things and lack of motivation for the future are both typical signs of depression. These are not things that a 'whiney teen' would feel. 'whiney teens' still take enjoyment from doing things, have aspirations for the future etc. The fact that you also have a physical symptom shows it is not just typical teen behavior.

I think getting a new GP is definitely a good idea, perhaps try a woman, they are often better at comprehending these situations. Your current GP sounds like the awful type of man who doesn't believe in mental illness.
Perhaps ask your counsellor to recommend someone or to speak to someone on your behalf. Maybe even try and arrange a meeting with your doctor with your councillor present too, so they can help to explain the situation.
I hope you find a doctor sympathetic to your situation, who can give you some help and that all goes well x

[Sabertooth]

(Original post by Tally DeBenedictis)
But tbh you sound like you want to go down the path of having medication blah blah blah and if you do then you'll have something to whine about because coming off antidepressants is not fun i can promise you that.
x

Taking them isn't much fun either.


Tbh the advice the dr gave you is common sense. Food and nutrients and all that does play a role in mood, if you eat crap you will feel crap, again exercise can play a role as well as sleep and keeping busy. No dr worth his degree should give you antidepressants before you've tried those things you can do yourself. You might brush it off as useless advice but I think it's just common sense to try that stuff first. No point drugging you up if the solution lies in simple lifestyle changes.

[Anonymous]

I don't WANT medication. The doctor said "I'm not going to prescribe medication because you're 17" and I said "I don't want medication".

Who says I'm having fun? Do you think I enjoy feeling like crap everyday? Feeling tearful, lifeless - dead and constantly feeling like in the end life has no point? No. I watched a movie a few weeks ago that made me think that I should live every day as if it was the last but I just can't.

So because I didn't compile a big list of things that bother me or whatever then I'm dismissed? I've had plenty of bad days and I've bounced right back up. Like I said I don't have to prove anything you guys. You guys don't know me or what I've been through so you should be making judgements anyway.

I done replying now.

[UnheardSounds]

Unless you feel this is really serious, it's best to avoid going to the doctors as having this kind of thing on your record can negatively affect you in the future

[Tally DeBenedictis]

(Original post by Sabertooth)
Taking them isn't much fun either.


Tbh the advice the dr gave you is common sense. Food and nutrients and all that does play a role in mood, if you eat crap you will feel crap, again exercise can play a role as well as sleep and keeping busy. No dr worth his degree should give you antidepressants before you've tried those things you can do yourself. You might brush it off as useless advice but I think it's just common sense to try that stuff first. No point drugging you up if the solution lies in simple lifestyle changes.

Tell me about it :/ was stuck on Deanxit along with Seroxat for a year and a bit.
Not fun times.
But tbh they didnt make me feel so much better the amount of times I tried to OD on them but then I dropped them both within a week...wow. that has GOT to be THE worst week of my life..never thrown up/ shook/ cried or been in so much pain in my life. Couldn't eat or drink anything properly!

I don't think people really realise what they do to you.
they only attempt to retrain the brain because they block the negative chemicals going in (or something like that anyway)

I found that waking up to do something i enjoyed was a massive help. Now I know I have to wake up before 10 every morning because I have to go and feed my goats (yes pathetic I know) but surprisingly it starts my day off well!
A plan of your day also helps then you always keep yourself busy.
x

[secret_smile]

(Original post by UnheardSounds)
Unless you feel this is really serious, it's best to avoid going to the doctors as having this kind of thing on your record can negatively affect you in the future

Could you elaborate?

I was under the impression all medical records were confidential and that there are laws preventing discrimination against mentally/physically ill people...

[Anonymous]

(Original post by Sabertooth)
Taking them isn't much fun either.


Tbh the advice the dr gave you is common sense. Food and nutrients and all that does play a role in mood, if you eat crap you will feel crap, again exercise can play a role as well as sleep and keeping busy. No dr worth his degree should give you antidepressants before you've tried those things you can do yourself. You might brush it off as useless advice but I think it's just common sense to try that stuff first. No point drugging you up if the solution lies in simple lifestyle changes.

I don't want to take meds. I want to eat properly, I'm tired of feeling hungry but I feel like eating is a bother. I'd rather have my stomach cut out. I want to feel healthy and active. I love running but nowadays I'm so bloody slow! I don't want to take medication.

[PurpleConverse]

(Original post by UnheardSounds)
Unless you feel this is really serious, it's best to avoid going to the doctors as having this kind of thing on your record can negatively affect you in the future

Lies and source it if this claim is so true.

Only affects people as far as i'm aware going into army and them sort of services.