How do I ask my GP to assess whether I am depressed or not?

Question

Probably sounds like a strange question but I'm unsure whether visiting my GP and saying 'I think I'm depressed' is the correct way to go about asking my doctor for a diagnosis.

Answer 1

Just tell your doctor "I think I might be depressed." He/she will probably ask you you some questions; answer the questions honestly.

Answer 2

You might want to review the signs of depression which are listed here and on other web pages. Come up with examples from your own life that match these signs. Try to determine whether you are depressed because of one or more situations that occurred to you or if you are simply genetically predisposed to depression. Make notes on what symptoms you currently have and on how long you have had each symptom. Also note whether any extended family members have had depression and to what extent (hospitalization, suicide attempt etc.) and what medications were successfully used for treatment. If you make notes before you visit your doctor, then you will be less likely to leave out important information when you visit.

Answer 3

I pray to God that you are not depressed however, I do understand and also had to make some assessments myself to determine depression. It seems that more and more adults in their 30's-50's and young teens are suffering with depression. These are some of the signs. Also, go on line and key website for BIPOLAR. There is a survey of questions that can assess someone who might fall into this category.

If you are experiencing some or all of these symptons - make a note of these and then run, don't walk to your physician for a complete physical exam. Discuss these with your physician and try to recall the first time (date) you began to experience symptons and how long.

As a teacher, I was made to believe that I must stand tall ALL THE TIME and I was beating my own self up everyday. Finally, the last week of school before summer, I erupted in an ocean of tears that would not stop. Fortunately, we have help available through our school system and I was able to talk with someone in addition to my own physician. It was recommended that I try Cymbalta for a while and after a couple of weeks, I began to see a difference in my moods. I was encouraged to exercise more, change my diet, and stop staying home alone - get out and do things. I don't plan to be on this forever, but it was very instrumental in helping me to see past some of my issues and to allow someone who is professional to help me.

Symptons that you may be depressed:
Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day
Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favorite activities
Feeling of worthlessness
Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
Thoughts of death or suicide
Trouble making decisions
Fatigue or lack of energy
Sleeping too much or too little
Change in appetite or weight
Trouble concentrating
Aches and pains
Restlessness
**For women - excessive crying (sometimes uncontrollable)

Good luck friend- and God bless you.

Answer 4

That's probably the quickest & easiest way. You could make a list of your symptoms & hand it to the GP.

Or, you could ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. When the GP asks why, say, "I think I'm depressed." Then, the GP may say, "Oh, I can help you with that."

Answer 5

"I think I'm depressed" is exactly what you should say. He/she should then ask you what symptoms you have been having, and go from there.