Some questions about depression?

Question

I realised something after this weekend when a few (in hindsight mostly trivial) events in my life sent me into a real spiral for a few days and some crazy notions crossed my mind, that I might have a bit of a problem. I thought everyone has moments of feeling down... but I think for me it's more than just a cute personality quirk. If it wasnt before, it is now... I think it's a problem and I dont think I should ignore it anymore.

I have a few questions - as these are intense but brief bouts that come and go and last only a few days, what would be the best approach to getting some sort of help? Its non emergency, and Im coping, I just want to deal with it while I am still coping. Should I go to my GP initially perhaps?

Would I have any say in the treatment I got? I dont want pills if I can help it.

Would getting help necessarily become something that people I know around me would have to find out about? I want to deal with it, but privately.

Thanks in advance for your help

Answer 1

Its good that you have realised that the way you feel is causing you to have problems, and are finding ways to help yourself.

Try this link to the Mind website

Understanding depression:
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm

the information is easy to read and understand.

Please go and talk to your GP and explain what is happening
he is there to help. You can refuse medication if you want to do that, it is your choice, he can't make you take it. It would be best to discuss it with him, tell him your reasons for not wanting to be treated that way.

He may be able to offer some alternative treatment, although waiting lists are long in the UK, especially for counselling.

The only people who need to know about your illness are the ones that you choose to tell. Anything you say to your GP is confidential, as it is with any other health professional, unless they deem that you are a danger either to yourself or to other people.

It is possible to get help and support and do it without anyone know that you are getting it.

Another source of support would be from your local mental health charity:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area/

you can refer yourself and it only takes a phone call.

The same rules apply about confidentiality, so no-one need know that you are using their service.

They are less formal than health professionals, which may suit you better, but they deal with all kinds of mental distress and have lots of understanding and knowledge.

I used my local service for many years without anyone knowing, things have changed for me now as I actually work there, so I don't keep it secret anymore and also because I feel more comfortable about talking about mental health issues.

Help and support is available and it can be kept private, you just need to know where to look for it.

Hope this helps.

Take care and good luck.

Answer 2

Over the last five years I had begun to have increasingly withdraw into a downward spiral of depression..

But now with the method I can fully focus my energy and thoughts into a decisive line on how to make my life better constantly. And it works like magic! I'm beginning to attract people to me once again and things have just been looking up since then.

Helping you eliminate depression?

Answer 3

I think it's a great idea for you to see a doctor, but honestly I would go to a psychiatrist rather than a GP. They know more about these issues and they will be more familiar with a range of treatment options than a GP will. No one around you will have to know unless you tell them, just like with any other health problem. I wish you happiness and health in your future.

Answer 4

First off, glad to hear you realize that something isnt going right for you and that you want help.
Yes, talk to your GP. Thats a good first start. Pyschiatrists are medical based as in the area of giving out medications, not counselling. So ask for a referal to a clinical counsellor instead.
Exercising and eating right will help a little, but counselling can go a long way as well.
Good luck!

Answer 5

I spent lots of time having my GP treat me before I went to a Psychiatrist...after I went and he changed all my meds and diagnosed me with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and not depression I felt better than I had in years. As far as taking pills you have to realize depression and anxiety are actual chemical imbalances in the brain, taking medication helps stabilize these chemicals. Pills are not meant to "numb" you, there is NO shame in seeking treatment and no one has to know but you. Counseling will also help you to cope. Good luck!

Answer 6

Depression is largely due to lonliness,being reserved or beeing self centred.No medicine is required for this condition.Deveop more friends,keep having some hobby,always keep your mind busy.If you start living with world ,instead of alone,depression will automatically vanish.Meditation,concentration ,reading habits,social life etc are effective to counter depression.You can get the help of a psychatrist.

Answer 7

I would suggest going to your gp.If you tell your gp you don't want tablets,they can put you in touch with a counsellor,who can try and help by talking to you.Good luck.I left mine bit too long and am on tablets at the moment,(only 2 a week now)!

Answer 8

I went to my GP every time I felt off but told him I didnt want tablets, he was very good and told me to just let him know how I was feeling from month to month, he didnt push me to take tablets and just talking to him helped. I have to admit I am now on tablets as I was getting worse and we both realised it, it is no shame having to take tablets, if it helps it ok, but you must make sure you let him know if they are having any effect on you at all, from good to bad, but you must also give them time to work. You dont have to tell people your taking them, and if you do and they get nasty they are not worth your time.

Answer 9

depression is a illness i thought i could deal with it but i was wrong you could try all sorts of things befor treatment call in to your health shop ask them i ended up seeing a psychiatrist my self i let it go on for a long time

Answer 10

you should talk to your gp staright away, if you tell them you dont want tablets they will discuss other forms of help. I would advise you to talk with at least a close friend about this, its not nice to go through alone.