Difficulty approaching GP about "Depression"

I uh, have certain problems. I won't go into them there, but I 'heard' that those kinds of problems would be considered "depression". And it's gotten to a really bad stage now, to the point where every aspect of my life is suffering.

I have to admit, I *have* looked at those sites which are full of "checkbox lists", but many of those things can apply to anyone, and I'd like to think that I'm not silly enough to try and diagnose myself based on the fact that I may have these symptoms.

It's gotten to the point where every aspect of my life is starting to suffer. I don't actually really care if it's given a label or not...I genuinely need help with the flaws, because I think I have a lot of potential which will go to waste.

So how do I approach my GP? All I see in my head is some melancholic scene with me telling him/her...

"I...I think I'm depressed"

I don't want it to be like that, though! I'm not crumbling and I don't feel sorry for myself, but I don't know how I should go about telling the GP that I may have some problems with my brain!

Last time I went to the doctor, he asked me why and I found it difficult to actually put into words. I'm not the kind of person who feels comfortable blurting out their feelings and the like. Heh, my age doesn't help things either, since a lot of people seem to drop the depression card at every opportunity, and my GP is probably going to think I'm some angsty teen and not help. This is difficult!

The thing is, I'm probably thinking too much about what my GP will think of me, and I'm not giving them enough credit.

So advice plz!

Reply 1

CJ

TSR Group Staff

21

yes, they will have dealt with problems like your own many times, and will do the appropriate thing. Chances are, if deemed necessary, you will be refered to a specialist.

If you find the GP is getting nowhere and not doing anything to help, ask to be refered to a specialist.

The sooner you see the GP the better tbh.

Reply 2

fleur de lis

15

I understand what you mean about finding it difficult to put your feelings into words; i struggle with this too. Definitely give the doctors a go because you can't keep going on as you are and you don't want the problem to get worse either. I would advise writing your symptoms/feelings down on a piece of paper beforehand, as this might aid you in getting across your point and you won't be put on the spot. Good luck :smile:

Reply 3

guitargirl03

13

As a person who suffers from depression, I would honestly advise you to go see your GP. They wont usually be able to give you a definite answer if you are depressed, they'll probably refer you to a specialist (which is what they did for me).

The sooner you're told whether you have/don't have depression, the sooner you can take steps to help yourself.

Reply 4

IndianDiva

I went through a phase a few month ago where I felt depressed and generally very low about absolutely everything.

My mum was very concerned so took me to see the doctor and made her carry out some blood tests and what not to find out if evrything is ok (it wasn't just depression, I was having other related issues)... it turned out I suffer from hypothyroid.

It really is worth going to see your doctor, as there could be a valid medical cause to your problem, not just a mere phase of being temporarily depressed, so yeah, don't just brush it off.

To be honest, you just need to go in and say it as it is, I'm sure your doctor has heard it all before, so don't worry about feeling stupid or anything.

Reply 5

Anonymous #2

Nisherz187

I went through a phase a few month ago where I felt depressed and generally very low about absolutely everything.

My mum was very concerned so took me to see the doctor and made her carry out some blood tests and what not to find out if evrything is ok (it wasn't just depression, I was having other related issues)... it turned out I suffer from hypothyroid.

It really is worth going to see your doctor, as there could be a valid medical cause to your problem, not just a mere phase of being temporarily depressed, so yeah, don't just brush it off.

To be honest, you just need to go in and say it as it is, I'm sure your doctor has heard it all before, so don't worry about feeling stupid or anything.

really? did you have any other physical symptoms of hyper-thyroidism? (or symptoms that could have indictaed it?)

Reply 6

IndianDiva

Anonymous

really? did you have any other physical symptoms of hyper-thyroidism? (or symptoms that could have indictaed it?)

The main symptoms I suffered, and most noticable, were generally depression and stress, often suffering from fatigue, being tired all the time... almost physically exerted and feeling weak.Since I've always been an energetic and lively person, these symptoms were somewhat easier to spot.

The symptoms developed gradually, and at the time it seemed like a phase I was going through. Had my mum not taken me to the doctors to get it checked out, it would have gone undiagnosed... it was something that could easily have been missed since I thought things would fall into place with time.

By the way, I suffer from hypothyroid, which is the opposite of hyperthyroid.

Reply 7

Rand0m1

As everyone else has said so far do talk to your GP

he will be able to make a decision on whether or not to send you to a specialist or counsellor.

Just turning up to the appointment requires strenght. But your telling us so youve obviously got enough to take those few steps.

In the meantime try to get as much natural light as possible, and do some exercise. It will help reduce any fatigue. And natural light helps to stimulate happiness.

These helped me, although my depression was mainly the result of Seasonal.Affective.Disorder which is very common especially arround the winter months and made worse by some truamatic memories

as i said youve guts just telling us. all we can do is share, give advice and oppinions, it is you who has to make the next move

Difficulty approaching GP about "Depression"

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