I think I'm depressed, but I'm embarassed to seek help?

Question

I know logically I shouldn't be embarassed, but I just am. I don't know how to say it to my doctor. I'm sick of having no motivation to do anything anymore, I have stopped going out with friends, etc... It feels like I'm in this big rut.
I want my life to be exciting again. What will my doctor do for me?

Answer 1

I knew inside me I was feeling depressed, but when I first said it out loud I cried.....but oh I'm so glad I did! Unfortunately society HAS put a stigma on this which is terrible and needs to change once and for all! This IS a serious issue and effects so many. A person can't help "getting" depression anymore than they can help "getting" the flu! That is what people need to start realizing.

Seeking help isn't a weak in fact just the opposite! It makes you very strong! Don't let anyone ever tell you differently. I know this isn't easy, but you are acknowledging you need help and that is wonderful! You can feel like yourself again. There are many medications out there and unfortunately though because everyone’s body chemistries are different it really is a trial and error process of you and your doctor finding the right combo of meds. If you don't feel comfortable with your doctor now, maybe you can get a referral. You want to feel comfortable with him/her. Some meds can actually cause suicidal feelings - notify your doctor immediately. This doesn't mean there aren't meds out there that can help you, just means these ones aren't the "right" ones for you.

Many will argue that everyone is dependant on meds and weren't 50 years ago - that is because we didn't HAVE all these medications. Medications aren't a weakness; they can help you and possibly even save your life. Here are a few facts below on depression that might help you. Please let me know if I can do anything for you at all. I don't know you and never will, but I am proud of you for coming forth with this and you to should be VERY proud of yourself!


FACTS ABOUT DEPRESSION

* Depression affects more than 19 million American adults aged 18 and over each year, representing nearly 10 percent of American adults.

* More American adults suffer from depression than coronary heart disease (7 million), cancer (6 million) and AIDS (200,000) combined.

* About 15 percent of the population develops clinical depression at some time in their life. Depression will affect one in 10 men and one in four women.

* Symptoms of depression include:

* sadness or "down" mood
* loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
* poor appetite or overeating
* trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much
* feeling tired or having little energy
* feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach or guilt
* trouble concentrating
* moving or speaking very slowly, or the opposite, being fidgety or restless
* thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting oneself in some way

* Depression is among the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses. Current treatment includes medication, psychotherapy or some combination of the two.

* Fewer than half of all Americans consider depression to be a health problem and more than 2 in 5 believe it is a sign of personal weakness.

* Over 60 percent of people who die by suicide are estimated to suffer from major depression, with no other psychiatric or physical illness. Thirty percent have alcoholism, and half of those with alcoholism have depression as well.

* Certain intense emotional or affective states may suggest a suicide crisis in individuals who suffer from depression. These include intense desperation, hopelessness, rage, abandonment, self-hatred or anxiety.

* Almost two million Americans currently suffer from bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness), in which episodes of depression alternate or co-exist with periods of mania. This mood disorder carries a high risk of suicide.

* Approximately 20 percent of all patients with bipolar disorder have their first episode during adolescence.

Answer 2

My bet is that you simply *are* depressed. It would not harm to head and talk to a psychologist approximately it... they maybe equipped to aid you. I comprehend it's complex, and simply accepting the truth that you must cross to a psychologist would make you consider even worse, however believe me... it is not a signal that you are vulnerable or not as good as any individual else. You simply have whatever protecting you again... Just like anyone else who would have a limp or a foot difficulty has to visit a foot healthcare professional to get it taken of, the equal is right for individuals who've emotional issues. It's no longer your fault or a signal of weak spot, simply whatever you must repair. You might want cure, and might be no longer... however it is obvious that your lifestyles is being suffering from it, so cross and get your self the aid you want and deserve. The emotions and ideas you could have don't seem to be "average"... however it is not individual both. Millions of individuals manage despair daily, and that feeling of worthlessness or in need of to leave or die is whatever plenty of individuals manage. Just recognise you are no longer by myself... and that there are aid agencies in the market. Find a well psychologist and notice what they are saying. You recognise what you consider is not proper, and in these days there are matters you'll be able to do approximately it. You do not must keep residing like that. As for the woman difficulty... You're 21... and nonetheless lovely younger! Don't fear approximately it an excessive amount of... in the future you'll be able to meet the ideal lady for you. When it is real love, appears do not subject. If you consider unsightly (which I'm certain you exagerate) then make up for it through being lovely at the within. You would no longer be equipped to do plenty approximately the way you had been born at the external, however you'll be able to definitely difference your perspective toward lifestyles and the way you deal with others. Be constructive, constructive, and form and you'll be able to see that is going a looong approach relating to attracting females. And be sufferer. :) The proper one will come alongside while you're able and whilst you least anticipate it.

Answer 3

It is very difficult to have to reach out for help, but i'm glad you recognize that you need to talk with someone. Depression, can continue if you don't get the help you need. Nothing to be embarrassed about. Just say to your doctor you've been feeling very tired, down, have no motivation, don't hang with friends anymore..sleeping patterns, (too much or never sleep), eating...They will talk with you..and get the counselling you need. Not everyone needs medication...some need it for a short time, to help motivate them again, and feel life is worth living again...some need it for longer periods of time. You and your doctor can talk about what will work best for you. If you don't talk with your doctor, or someone very close with you...depression can overtake you in many ways..So Please....Make an appt and go speak with your doctor. Get the help now, and start Living Life once again~:) Best Wishes and May the Angels Always Be With You*~

Answer 4

I was in your situation a few years ago. I was so embarassed to talk about my feelings and everything. Eventually I just realized though that I had to help myself instead of just letting life go by suffering. So I did and you would be very surprised how calm and great the doctors are about it. They see this type of thing EVERY DAY. Most likely they will talk to you about possibly going on an anti-depressant. These can help a lot.
Also, you might want to look into some counseling. I've been going to counseling for a few years now and it's really helped me out a lot. Just remember, they see this type of thing every day of their lives and it's nothing to be ashamed about.

Answer 5

Don't go to your regular doctor for this unless you want him/her to recommend a specialist. Look in your phone book for a psychologist or a psychiatric social worker. You should start with therapy, and if your therapist thinks you need medication, he/she can consult with a psychiatrist to get you a prescription.

You know logically that you shouldn't be embarrassed, so embrace that logic. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. I suffered with anxiety for years and I was so glad when I finally got treatment. You won't believe how much better your life will be once you get treatment. Good luck. I'll be praying for you.

Answer 6

If you go to church, talk to someone there. Maybe a counselor or a pastor or something. If not, seek out a counseling center where you don't know anyone. If you go once and you don't feel more comfortable about acknowledging your depression, you don't have to go again. But then again, talking to someone you don't know will help you not be so embarrassed to talk about your feelings and sort things out.

Hope you feel better!

Answer 7

Doctors are OK for getting a pill but I suggest a councilor also . Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. I wish more people would seek help before hurting themselves and others.

Answer 8

Read the bible and study the Word of God. It will give you joy and a peace of mind. When the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit comes to your life, you will be a different person.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11 (NIV)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)

Answer 9

Embarrassed to talk? Write your feelings down, then give the paper to a doc, who may refer you to a cousellor or specialist. Nothing to be afraid of.

Answer 10

probably refer you to a specialist. don't be embarassed, its no different than seeking help for any other medical condition.