Do I need to see a doctor?

Question

A long time ago I was diagnosed with depression but my mom didn't allow me to take medications because her sister overdosed on them and died. That was years ago but the symptoms are resurfacing to the point where I can't hide them. I quit my job about a month ago and haven't had any luck finding a new one. Also my parents are getting divorced. For the past couple months I haven't been able to get to sleep until about 4 a.m. every night. My mind wanders constantly and I can't relax. Then I sleep in until about 3 and still feel sluggish throughout the day and just wanna crawl back in bed and be alone. I'm irritable and take it out on my bf when I don't mean to. Also I cry on the drop of a dime, and I'm losing interest in sex. I have to be forced to eat or else I probably wouldn't. I don't wanna tell anyone because I feel they won't take me seriously and I don't want them to worry because on the outside I portray a girl who is happy. But I don't want to be miserable either. What do I do?

Answer 1

I would go and see a professional, I've got the same kinda thing, i'm 19, i've got good friends i'm in good education...but i've got a crappy job, i'm numb to emotion, i've just split up with my girlfriend, i always stay up until atleast 6AM (hence the late msg!) and i jus feel like i'm stuck in a never ending loop! i'm usually really hyper but lately i can't bring myself to put on a front because i cant be fu***d with people sayin what's wrong with you? Are you ok? bla bla bla.. recently i went to the doctors asking if i should go on anti depressants who said it would probably be best to give it a try, i haven't yet though because they can give you massive high points... or massive low points if you miss a dosage. So yeah if it is really seriously getting you down, i would seek advice from someone who knows about this sorta thing, there's no point in trying to deal with it yourself if you can't and shutting off all contact.....

Answer 2

I recommend seeing a doctor. You are listing classic depression symptoms. You don't need to tell your Mom about the visit, do you still live at home? Your situation sounds like more than the "blues". After a while of feeling down, your brain chemistry can get imbalanced and then you stay down.

I've used anti-depression meds. I had to try several til I found one that worked for me. They can help a lot. Just remember to find a way to work on the problems in your life because medicine alone is not enough.

You can only pretend to be happy for so long; get some help and then you can be happy for real!

Answer 3

Firstly you are not your mums sister so can not be compared and yoour mother needs to realize the circumstances that you are in right now.She probably has noticed.
Mate i reckon go and see a doctor medications arent all the same and there are many that you cannot overdose on these days_you mother needs this info.
being happy on the outside will only last for a short time better for you to be honest with yourself and those around you pretty sure that if you stayed in bed and did all the things that you are fighting against the ppl around you would wake up and smell the coffee.
go to the doctor you sound like you really want to help yourself and other ppl issues are getting in the way. i wish the best for you.

Answer 4

Getting a solid psychiatric appraisal might be in your best interests, and a previous diagnosis certainly speaks to the reasoning behind your question. Anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure) is not uncommon in depressive disorders, resulting in a withdrawal from favoured activities (reading, sports, sex, movies). You should see a doctor, because this -is- serious.
If you don't want psychiatric medications, just try to find a cognitive-behavioural therapist, or try homeopathic medication; both Magnesium and St. John's Wort have been given significant status in the holistic medical community.
Just know that it's better to feel a moment of awkwardness in getting help than living a life without joy.

Answer 5

Mechanix gave you good advice, the same as any good doctor would. The only difference is that your doctor may be able to give you something to help you with your loss of sleep and maybe something to help with your depression. It sounds like a somewhat mild case that will subside after your parents get through acting like children in front of you children. Stop paying so much attention to your Mother's old neurosis, even though she felt they were valid at that point in HER life. You're a big girl now and you have to take care of yourself. Lord knows, your parents aren't in the mood. By all means, see a doctor at a clinic near you and you'll feel much better. From here on out, I want you to take care of that little five year old girl who is still living down deep inside you. That little voice is your own, asking for your grown-up help.

Answer 6

Yes. you need to go to a doctor. I understand that you don't want people to worry, but if you're miserable, then you need to talk to a doctor, and possibly a therapist. Plus, the people who care about you the most would want you to get help so that you really can be the happy person that you portray yourself to be. You can only put up a facade for so long...You've already been diagnosed with a serious disease, and you haven't received proper treatment, and you aren't eating or sleeping correctly, which are serious signs that you need to speak to someone.

Answer 7

I would suggest seeing a psychiatrist who can put you on medication if necessary. As long as you are taking the proper dose and are monitored by a doctor to make sure the medication isn't causing any other problems, you should be ok. I think a lot of it is trial and error, as some medications won't help and others might produce unpleasant side effects.

Answer 8

Meds are a great answer and your mom is wrong. Go to a doctor and tell him what's going on. Depression is a biological problem and it runs in families, and it seems like that's what you have. Also, you might have something that's fairly simple but that requires medication: low thyroid occurs frequently in women and causes those symptoms, too. Also, it's possible that your aunt actually killed herself and the family blamed it on the meds to cover it up, so I think you should take your situation very seriously.

Answer 9

I have been in your situation before. As hard as it is to tell someone you really need to. My suggestion is the best person to go to is your doctor. Tell them your symptoms just as you have here and they will know the best remedy for you. Mine was medication and I can't tell you how much better I felt afterwards and people noticed quite the change in me. And the best part was, I didn't even tell them I had been to the doctor and was put on anti-depressants. It was a bit embarressing for me to share with other people fearing they would not understand.

Answer 10

I have depression to, but I'm the kind of person that can force myself to deal with it and work out my own issues... because I know it's an issue with me... If you can't do that, then you should see a Dr. and make sure they don't give you enough drugs at a time to OD on. Tell them that you fear having suicidal tendencies and they'll keep an eye on you. Just make sure you get it taken care of. People commit suicide even if they aren't on anti depressants, so it may end up saving your life if you go to a Dr.