Who else can I ask for depression help?

Question

Im 20 years old and suffer from depression. I went to my doctor asking for help and she told me I was too young to go on anti-depressants. She sent me to a Psychiatrist who made the whole situation worse. I dont know who else to turn to. I've told family and friends I'm so upset and considering suicide, and they just tell me to stop being stupid. I wish I could, but I dont feel like myself any more.
Does anyone have any answers?
Thanks.

Answer 1

I think you should go back and see a different doctor. It really makes a huge difference if you get a good doctor - some of them don't have a clue when it comes to helping people with depression. You can ask the receptionist at the doctors for an appointment with another doctor - they won't ask why you aren't seeing your normal doctor. You aren't too young for antidepressants, and it is something that should be discussed further with a better doctor.

One more thing, YOU ARE NOT STUPID. You have an illness that is making you feel this way. This isn't your fault, you didn't choose this, you didn't make it happen. You cannot just snap out of it, you need proffesional help.

There are lots of resources available to people who are feeling suicidal. If you think that it might help to talk, you can contact the Samaritans on 0845 790 9090. http://www.samaritans.org.uk/

There is lots of advice and information about suicide at: http://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/suicide.php

There is also lots of information about depression at http://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/depression.php#

If you feel at risk of harming yourself , you can go to Accident & Emergency - they have staff on duty who will be able to help you.

You do not have to cope alone, if you want to talk to some pick up the phone. Best wishes x

Answer 2

Your doctor is wrong, it is this kind of attitude that causes people to get suicidal. Depression is a serious illness at ANY age. A good doctor will be able to advise on the right anti-depressants and other treatment for you.

If you have a surgery with several doctors, you could try making an appointment with one of the others almost like a second opinion. You need to tell them that you cannot cope and the situation is urgent. Counselling is a great help, and did wonders for me, but you have to gel with your counsellor for it to work. When you are meeting potential friends or partners you will only choose those you feel most at ease with. Counselling is the same, you are digging up horrible things from your past and present so you need to feel comfortable with the counsellor.

Many people don't understand the seriousness of depression, including some doctors, and will try to pass it off as you being stupid. This is not the case and more a matter of ignorance.

If you don't get proper help from any other doctor at your surgery then you may have to try switching to another surgery in your area, especially if mental health is a special interest. Also try contacting www.mind.org.uk, they help with all kinds of mental illness and maybe able to put you in touch with one of their own trained counsellors in your area.

It is a hard road, but you can beat depression. Good luck.

Answer 3

A lot of people dont take depression seriously enough, as its not something that can be seen.Have you tried any natural remedies?there are some really effective ones available and you wont suffer side effects or withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them.B vitamins taken with magnesium and zinc are excellent for depression, as is the herbal remedy St.Johns wort.it may take a couple of weeks, but youll soon notice the difference in the way you feel.Try to give your family some literature to read on depression, and help them to understand what you are going through, and suport you through it.Things will get better, dont give up, you have your whole life ahead of you. good luck.

Answer 4

I've replied to the message you sent me, please give me a yell, i've had it really bad for the past 4 months, tried suicide twice and i'm glad I didn't, things are never as bad as you think, there is help out there, and we'll do our best to find it for you. As for you being too young to be on anti-depressants, that's a load of rubbish, I met people younger than you when I was at the crises centre that we're on them, so I'd see another doctor if I was you. Give me a yell, and we'll talk about it ok xxxx

Answer 5

I've been suffering from depression for about a yr i'm turning 16 this year. which really sucks if your family tells you to stop being stupid there not taking it seriously and if there like that there not the people you should be talking to about it. just find someone to talk to someone you trust your life with and talk to them cause the best way to get this feeling out of your system is to talk about kk hope it helps and that you feel better

Answer 6

WHOA to young for antidepressants? i got on them when i was 14 years old your doctor needs a doctor . seriously see another doctor. I suffer from depression to but his is a word of the wise "suicide is a permanant solution to a temporary problem" also suicide is selfish. Not trying to be harsh just stateing the obvious. Ive tried ot kill myself numerous times when i was younger and it doesnt help. try meditation try walking anything to keep your mind awya form the negative i know it doesnt seem like itd work but it does. But like i said get a NEW DOCTOR!! if you want to get better that is. w/e you dont get on zoloft if a doctor trys to prescribe it decline and ask for something else

Answer 7

your Doctor`s a tw@! ask for someone else, your not too young as i had them when i was 16, been a sufferer a long time.. but think of this tomorrow will always be a better day and don`t let other peoples negativity bring you down. the suns out go for a nice in a park near you sunshine always helps me. good luck.

Answer 8

Ask another doctor. Some of my students are on anti-depressants; they're not even 18! Get some help!

Answer 9

Are you in the UK? try contacting the Samaritans - they'll listen to you without judging you. Secondly visit the depression alliance website they have groups and publications that can help you.
Lstly - change your doctor for a more sympathetic one who will treat this as the serious illness it is

Answer 10

You aren't too young for anti-depressants. They start off in low doses. You've asked for help and aren't getting what you need. I would trying changing your doctor and asking family and friends to be more sympathetic. If they've not experienced it they shouldn't just dismiss it.