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Just been diagnosed with depression
13
As title, really
Ive been to see my GP today as Ive been ill for a while now (about 5/6 months) but put off going as I just thought it was due to exams/uni/work/jobhunting etc stress. I got to the point where I couldnt carry on any longer so finally went to see him today
He's diagnosed me as being depressed and has given me escitalopram, a months worth, then I need to go back and see him. I was in there for ages with him and he was really helpful/thorough. This is going to sound a bit odd, but I actually feel worse than ever now, I dont feel any better from being to see my GP, I actually feel ten times worse
Depression hadnt even crossed my mind to be honest so I was a bit shocked, as Ive been having physical symptoms too, so Ive had a blood test and they are going to test for thyroid conditions
Obviously I know I need to take these tablets but part of me doesnt want to, as I dont feel I need them?? Also Im worried about any side affects?
The other thing that worries me is, will there be any implications from having this on my medical record? I have some interviews lined up next week and if Im successful I'll have to go for a medical, so I assume they'll have access to my medical history? Obviously I didnt mention this on the medical forms when I applied as Ive only just found out now. I guess Im just worried that they might see it and be put off?
Ive been to see my GP today as Ive been ill for a while now (about 5/6 months) but put off going as I just thought it was due to exams/uni/work/jobhunting etc stress. I got to the point where I couldnt carry on any longer so finally went to see him today
He's diagnosed me as being depressed and has given me escitalopram, a months worth, then I need to go back and see him. I was in there for ages with him and he was really helpful/thorough. This is going to sound a bit odd, but I actually feel worse than ever now, I dont feel any better from being to see my GP, I actually feel ten times worse
Depression hadnt even crossed my mind to be honest so I was a bit shocked, as Ive been having physical symptoms too, so Ive had a blood test and they are going to test for thyroid conditions
Obviously I know I need to take these tablets but part of me doesnt want to, as I dont feel I need them?? Also Im worried about any side affects?
The other thing that worries me is, will there be any implications from having this on my medical record? I have some interviews lined up next week and if Im successful I'll have to go for a medical, so I assume they'll have access to my medical history? Obviously I didnt mention this on the medical forms when I applied as Ive only just found out now. I guess Im just worried that they might see it and be put off?
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
Firstly, I hope you feel better soon.
Secondly, about the jobs. They shouldn't discriminate against you. I was told by the department I tried to apply for a transfer to that they wouldn't accept me if I was depressed (it was before mine was diagnosed) but I then became paranoid about them finding out once I was diagnosed. I later tried to claim discrimination as I was sure that they weren't allowed to exclude people just because of a medical condition, was told that I had a case and the department weren't allowed to say that. But sadly, I had to return home before I was well enough to take on the case.
I hope that helped.
Reply 2
21
every other person is diagnosed as 'depressed', i doubt employers are going to think omg we're not going to employ you because you'll kill yourself in the office.
people tend to be realistic.
and if you feel like you dont need the medication, dont take it. simple as really.
you should however, tell your doctor this and tell him you havnt taken the medicine and also tell him how you felt worse after your last appointment. they usually will transfer you to the clinic counseller so you can talk about some of your thoughts.
people tend to be realistic.
and if you feel like you dont need the medication, dont take it. simple as really.
you should however, tell your doctor this and tell him you havnt taken the medicine and also tell him how you felt worse after your last appointment. they usually will transfer you to the clinic counseller so you can talk about some of your thoughts.
Reply 3
Aw, I'm sorry you feel down about it. 
I have no real experience with it, so I can't offer any advice, but feel better soon xx
I have no real experience with it, so I can't offer any advice, but feel better soon xx Reply 4
1. Don't worry about the jobs. Those that do medicals rarely have access to medical history and generally rely on the provided form/information from you.
2. I'd suggest you try and see somebody more than once a month. Regular progress and encouragement etc really does help.
3. Everybody gets depressed at some point or other. There's nothing to feel ashamed of. It's just a challenge to work through.
4. The tablets are part of your doctors strategy to combat the depression. Whilst you don't strictly 'need' them, it's likely to help as part of the overall roadmap. He was very helpful and thorough, so just take them as they come as he advised. After all, taking pills is unlikely to do any damage!
edit: forgot to mention, sometimes they take a coupla weeks to kick in, so don't get dejected if you see no improvement at first. (ty to fleur!)
5. Escitalopram is quite a new and effective treatment as far as SSRI's go afaik. Side affects are fairly minor, and nothing particularly dangerous. If you google up SSRI side affects, you should find the common ones there.
6. Your medical record is confidential, and its unlikely to have any adverse affect on 99% of employment opportunities.
Good luck.
2. I'd suggest you try and see somebody more than once a month. Regular progress and encouragement etc really does help.
3. Everybody gets depressed at some point or other. There's nothing to feel ashamed of. It's just a challenge to work through.
4. The tablets are part of your doctors strategy to combat the depression. Whilst you don't strictly 'need' them, it's likely to help as part of the overall roadmap. He was very helpful and thorough, so just take them as they come as he advised. After all, taking pills is unlikely to do any damage!
edit: forgot to mention, sometimes they take a coupla weeks to kick in, so don't get dejected if you see no improvement at first. (ty to fleur!)
5. Escitalopram is quite a new and effective treatment as far as SSRI's go afaik. Side affects are fairly minor, and nothing particularly dangerous. If you google up SSRI side affects, you should find the common ones there.
6. Your medical record is confidential, and its unlikely to have any adverse affect on 99% of employment opportunities.
Good luck.
Reply 5
samba
1. Don't worry about the jobs. Those that do medicals rarely have access to medical history and generally rely on the provided form/information from you.
2. I'd suggest you try and see somebody more than once a month. Regular progress and encouragement etc really does help.
3. Everybody gets depressed at some point or other. There's nothing to feel ashamed of. It's just a challenge to work through.
4. The tablets are part of your doctors strategy to combat the depression. Whilst you don't strictly 'need' them, it's likely to help as part of the overall roadmap. He was very helpful and thorough, so just take them as they come as he advised. After all, taking pills is unlikely to do any damage!
5. Escitalopram is quite a new and effective treatment as far as SSRI's go afaik. Side affects are fairly minor, and nothing particularly dangerous. If you google up SSRI side affects, you should find the common ones there.
6. Your medical record is confidential, and its unlikely to have any adverse affect on 99% of employment opportunities.
Good luck.
2. I'd suggest you try and see somebody more than once a month. Regular progress and encouragement etc really does help.
3. Everybody gets depressed at some point or other. There's nothing to feel ashamed of. It's just a challenge to work through.
4. The tablets are part of your doctors strategy to combat the depression. Whilst you don't strictly 'need' them, it's likely to help as part of the overall roadmap. He was very helpful and thorough, so just take them as they come as he advised. After all, taking pills is unlikely to do any damage!
5. Escitalopram is quite a new and effective treatment as far as SSRI's go afaik. Side affects are fairly minor, and nothing particularly dangerous. If you google up SSRI side affects, you should find the common ones there.
6. Your medical record is confidential, and its unlikely to have any adverse affect on 99% of employment opportunities.
Good luck.
all of this, it's good advice. It's important to bear in mind though that antidepressants do take a while to kick in, but it's important to take them every day even if you don't thnk they are doing anything. Give the medication a go and see if it helps.Reply 6
21
sorry to object. but i really dont think pills are the best form of help.
i feel that if the OP doesnt feel like she needs to take them..she shouldnt. i think if you begin to rely on drugs then it somewhat takes the control away from you.
i feel that if the OP doesnt feel like she needs to take them..she shouldnt. i think if you begin to rely on drugs then it somewhat takes the control away from you.
Reply 7
louiise
sorry to object. but i really dont think pills are the best form of help.
i feel that if the OP doesnt feel like she needs to take them..she shouldnt. i think if you begin to rely on drugs then it somewhat takes the control away from you.
i feel that if the OP doesnt feel like she needs to take them..she shouldnt. i think if you begin to rely on drugs then it somewhat takes the control away from you.
Yes the OP doesn't feel like she needs them, but clearly she is unwell, so she may as well give them a try. If it doesn't help, it doesn't help, but it's worth seeing. Obviously OP, if you're not happy about taking the medication, then don't, though I strongly suggest you discuss that with your GP. But if it's more a case of you being unsure, I think it's worth giving it a go
Reply 8
louiise
sorry to object. but i really dont think pills are the best form of help.
i feel that if the OP doesnt feel like she needs to take them..she shouldnt. i think if you begin to rely on drugs then it somewhat takes the control away from you.
i feel that if the OP doesnt feel like she needs to take them..she shouldnt. i think if you begin to rely on drugs then it somewhat takes the control away from you.
I think that little 18 year olds shouldn't be making objections about things they know nothing about, have no experience in, and have zero evidence for. I'm pretty sure her doc will have considered the effects of the medication before prescribing it.
Depression takes away your control to live your life. If pills help regain that, the ledger is always positive.
Reply 9
i've taken citalopram in the past and it's a very mild anti-depressant
Reply 10
OP, I would listen to your GP rather than people on this forum. We obviously know nothing about how you're really feeling. But just be warned that antidepressants take a few weeks to work.
Reply 11
13
I was given citalopram and had a bad reaction to it. Have now given up on pills and decided to face it on my own. However i wouldnt suggest giving up on medication give it a try and see how it goes. It was just that the meds wernt for me. I dont think that anyone has the right to slag off people who use medication for depression unless they have extensive knowledge of Depression themselves.
Reply 12
Just to point out that escitalopram and citalopram aren't the same drug. [although one is based on the other]
Reply 13
tbm
OP
13
Thanks for the help everyone
Im going to take the tablets and see how I get on. My GP said that it would take a few weeks before I felt better anyway, and that hopefully after taking them for a month I should be ok. He also said in the meantime that if the blood test results come back that its something physical instead that he'd contact me to let me know
Im going to take the tablets and see how I get on. My GP said that it would take a few weeks before I felt better anyway, and that hopefully after taking them for a month I should be ok. He also said in the meantime that if the blood test results come back that its something physical instead that he'd contact me to let me know
Reply 14
thisbemadness
Thanks for the help everyone
Im going to take the tablets and see how I get on. My GP said that it would take a few weeks before I felt better anyway, and that hopefully after taking them for a month I should be ok. He also said in the meantime that if the blood test results come back that its something physical instead that he'd contact me to let me know
Im going to take the tablets and see how I get on. My GP said that it would take a few weeks before I felt better anyway, and that hopefully after taking them for a month I should be ok. He also said in the meantime that if the blood test results come back that its something physical instead that he'd contact me to let me know
That sounds like a plan. Good luck
Reply 15
21
samba
I think that little 18 year olds shouldn't be making objections about things they know nothing about, have no experience in, and have zero evidence for. I'm pretty sure her doc will have considered the effects of the medication before prescribing it.
Depression takes away your control to live your life. If pills help regain that, the ledger is always positive.
Depression takes away your control to live your life. If pills help regain that, the ledger is always positive.
Firstly, please don't patronise me.
I'm so sorry Samba I had no idea I couldn't voice my opinion about a particular topic. Did you not notice that I apologised in advance for my objection that I thought some people might not like? Obviously not.
I think it would be really interesting to find out just how you know I know nothing about this subject, or how you know I have no experience in it. Please enlighten me.
I too, am also pretty sure her doctor will have considered the effects of her medication before prescribing it, every doctor has to do that with any medication, that was not the point I was making.
A lot of doctors are inclined to prescribe a biological treatment, before considering other therapies, which I think are more successful in treating depression, but I also think that drugs can be a good way to motivate a patient to take the action to seek more help.
I was merely making the point that "if the OP doesnt feel like she needs to take them..she shouldn't".
Adding to your point about how depression takes away your control, and how you think that if drugs can give some control back then they should be used, I agree to an extent, I agree depression takes away your control, but I don't think that should be adressed only by altering your biology.
In my opinion, cognitive therapy would be a more sucessful form of treatment, as drugs don't necessarily offer a long term cure, symptoms can re-occur when drugs are no longer taken, and drugs only address the symptoms and not the causes of the depression. I think the last one is key.
Again I'm sorry for offending you but I think your post was a rather inappropriate reply.
Edit: I'm not slagging off people who do take medication for treating depression. It boils down to the choice of the person. I was only giving my opinion, because sometimes I feel like people see anti depressants as the only form of treatment for depression, when it can make people a lot worse off. I hope you feel better soon thisbemadness, and good luck.
Reply 16
tbm
OP
13
The other thing I wanted to ask but forgot is if you suffer from this sort of problem, have you told anyone else?
Im not planning on telling anyone because a) its no one elses business and b) I dont think its necessary, I'll tell my boyfriend because I live with him and he knows Ive been unwell. But earlier on I mentioned in passing to a 'friend' that Id been to see my doctor and told her what he'd said, and her response was "dont be stupid, you're not depressed at all". I can see her point because I dont think I give out signals that Im depressed (i.e things that people would notice), but the other part of me thinks how dare she say that? Do people react like that a lot?
Im not planning on telling anyone because a) its no one elses business and b) I dont think its necessary, I'll tell my boyfriend because I live with him and he knows Ive been unwell. But earlier on I mentioned in passing to a 'friend' that Id been to see my doctor and told her what he'd said, and her response was "dont be stupid, you're not depressed at all". I can see her point because I dont think I give out signals that Im depressed (i.e things that people would notice), but the other part of me thinks how dare she say that? Do people react like that a lot?
Reply 17
louiise
sorry to object. but i really dont think pills are the best form of help.
Reply 18
thisbemadness
The other thing I wanted to ask but forgot is if you suffer from this sort of problem, have you told anyone else?
Im not planning on telling anyone because a) its no one elses business and b) I dont think its necessary, I'll tell my boyfriend because I live with him and he knows Ive been unwell. But earlier on I mentioned in passing to a 'friend' that Id been to see my doctor and told her what he'd said, and her response was "dont be stupid, you're not depressed at all". I can see her point because I dont think I give out signals that Im depressed (i.e things that people would notice), but the other part of me thinks how dare she say that? Do people react like that a lot?
Im not planning on telling anyone because a) its no one elses business and b) I dont think its necessary, I'll tell my boyfriend because I live with him and he knows Ive been unwell. But earlier on I mentioned in passing to a 'friend' that Id been to see my doctor and told her what he'd said, and her response was "dont be stupid, you're not depressed at all". I can see her point because I dont think I give out signals that Im depressed (i.e things that people would notice), but the other part of me thinks how dare she say that? Do people react like that a lot?
That's a really personal thing to be honest. Some people are very open about it, some aren't. I wasn't, though a coupla people were aware of the situation.
Basically, if you don't feel comfortable doing so or don't think it's necessary, then don't do it. Ultimately it's your life and having 'discussions' about it with your friends can be banal/annoying/stressful. Having said that, if you think a friend can help, there's no reason you shouldn't tell them!
Some people do, some don't. It depends how much experience they have with it and with you really.
Reply 19
louiise
Firstly, please don't patronise me.
I'm so sorry Samba I had no idea I couldn't voice my opinion about a particular topic. Did you not notice that I apologised in advance for my objection that I thought some people might not like? Obviously not.
I think it would be really interesting to find out just how you know I know nothing about this subject, or how you know I have no experience in it. Please enlighten me.
I'm so sorry Samba I had no idea I couldn't voice my opinion about a particular topic. Did you not notice that I apologised in advance for my objection that I thought some people might not like? Obviously not.
I think it would be really interesting to find out just how you know I know nothing about this subject, or how you know I have no experience in it. Please enlighten me.
Frankly, if you knew anything at all about the workings of mental health, you'd realise that your 'opinion' about this borders on dangerous for various reasons.
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