What will a doctor do for depression??

Question

I think I suffer from depression. I want to see a doctor but am afraid of what the procedure will be??... I don't particularly wanna be on medication but at the same time feel that I definitely need something. I'm not suicidal by any means but did discover that my grandfather committed suicide. Is there any chance that genetics play into any of this? or is it just coincidence?

I try to be as healthy as I can.... I eat well and go to the gym daily (do both cardio and weights) I take womens multi vitamins daily as well

Answer 1

some forms of clinical depression do indeed have a genetic component to them...you are right to be concerned. But ordinarily there is a cause at the root of all clinical depression...and that cause is what you need to deal with. A doctor can and will prescribe medication but that is only half the answer....you need some form of therapy as well and there are many to choose from. Would suggest you see a psychiatrist rather than your regular doctor, as they know the medications better, and they have access to all the information about the therapy that is availble to you.
I completed a program just recently that got me off of antidepressants after thirty years of taking them....will tell you about that if you are interested, just email me.

Answer 2

See depression treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris in section 2, and consult a doctor, to eliminate thyroid problems, etc. as possible contributing factors. It is your decision, and yours alone, as to whether to take any antidepressants offered, but, before you do, read section 1, and check medications out at www.drugs.com so you will be on the lookout for side effects, like sexual dysfunction. My strong recommendation, however, is to follow the advice of my doctor, his partner, and also Dr. Mercola, at http://www.mercola.com and avoid antidepressants. All of their advice, (except prayer, because many people are not religious) I have incorporated into the "core treatments", including others as options, such as herbal remedies (none of which have been conclusively demonstrated to work with severe depression). If you are diagnosed with clinical (major) depression, antidepressants may be necessary for a while, which will give the treatments time to become effective. The antidepressants themselves need days, or even a few weeks to reach full effectiveness. It's a good idea to taper off them slowly, with medical advice, after several weeks, to several months, because they are only effective in the long term for about 30% of people. I'd just thank the doctor, and pocket the prescription, trying the treatments for several weeks, to see if they are sufficient for you, before considering filling it. Although there may be a genetic predisposition, depression may not necessarily be expressed, if diet and lifestyle is good.

Answer 3

Genetics, could very well play a role. At least, you recognize that you do need some help with your depression. A psychologist, after speaking with you and listening to you. He may even recommend, that you have some sessions with a Therapist. He or she may prescribe an antidepressant.

It is not the end of the world, it will help you deal with things, a lot better than have been dealing or not dealing before.

Answer 4

That puts you at a much higher risk of depression and suicide. The dr. is only going to ask you questions, advise good ways to feel better, and give you meds to make your brain's chemicals work right.

A great site: www.nami.org. National Alliance for Mental Illness. It can answer all your questions, find a dr. for you (psychiatrist, please!) and help you find ways to pay for it.

Genetics: Why would I have several aunts and lots of female cousins with deep depression who could not feel better without the help of oral estrogen? How can that be unrelated? I went into menopause at 31 yo. Without my estrogen, I'd have followed your grandfather a long time ago. It's definitely got a LOT to do with genetics. So does ADD and bipolar.

Take care, feel better,
Debbie

Answer 5

You might have the capacity for depression, but if you aren't suicidal, the dr. might just recommend therapy instead of meds, since you have an aversion to them. You'll be reevaluated after a few months to see if you've gotten any better. If you haven't you might have to be put on meds. But they won't be a forever thing, just temporary. Most people go off in less than a year.

Answer 6

I agree with "nurse..the only"...except I'd go to my family dr. first and ask him to recommend a good psychiatrist. Don't just try one because they're in the yellow pages. Try to find one that has a good reputation. (I say this because some can do more harm that good)

Answer 7

are you eatingright? exercising daily? getting sleep? you have to start with the basics..

exercise may help you avoid medication.

Answer 8

talk and talk about it then recomend a pyscaligist along with some pills to make you "feel" better (more like cover it up and make you feel worse because you are not yourself)