Depression and anxiety- is it time to see a doctor

[Kiansmummy]

Hi I need some advice I have been struggling with negative thoughts mainly about death and the meaning of life for a month now and although I am functioning on a certain level I cant seem to shake these feelings- They started when my son was 6 months old so this leads me to believe that it may possibly be postnatal depression although I have bonded with my son and he often keeps me going-

I have a wonderful partner, a fantastic family I am healthy and have no money worries and yet I am spoiling each and every day with these thoughts. I should be happy!!!

I am considering going to the doctors but I am concerned on how I will be treated and whether or not this will affect me getting a job working with children in the future(I have an early years degree) I almost feel like this is giving up and admitting I have a problem instead of dealing with it myself!! I also dont wanna have to rely on medication to get me through life!!!
Sorry to moan but the responses to my previous question were very helpful

[mamalovesmojitos]

hi kiansmummy.
i think you should go to the doctor. mental health is fragile, just like physical health. you need a little help now so ask! if it did worsen the longer you leave it unattended the worse it will get.

you should not be put on medication if you are not extremely depressed/ unable to cope. i was on ads for years and they are a great life raft if you are sinking fast but they should be only offered after other treatment has failed. nobody knows how safe they are in the long term and i had terrible withdrawal symptoms when i finally came off mine 18months ago.

maybe just talking to someone will help you make sense of things. of course you're not giving up! you want to be positive for your child and happy as you are clearly grateful for what you have.

everything you say to your doctor will be protected by confidentiality and it will not affect your job prospects. if you had bad physical pain for a few months you would run to the doctors. this is no different.

look after yourself! be kind to yourself. a bit of sympathetic listening, some you-time and rest, positive thinking and you may feel much better before you know it. .

[wingandprayer]

Agree with mlm. See your GP, explain what's been going on and ask for counselling. Don't even get onto the subject of AD's before you've given it a shot. Cognitive Bahvioural Therapy would help you manage those negative thoughts and give you coping strategy. Well done for recognising you need a bit of help though and good luck with getting it.

[Kiansmummy]

Thank you for your kind words I may as well go to the docs as I am driving myself mad- If feeling like this has taught me anything its that I now realise that depression and mental health priblems can strike without warning and affect anyone I will be loathe to judge any one now- I feel better just talking about it and looking at my little boy who is laughing his socks off now!!!

[Rumseymate]

Hi Kiansmummy
I have just visited the doctor after months of feeling incredibly low. I have a 3 year old and a 14 month old. If I'm honest I think the depression started when I was pregnant with my second and i just havent managed to shake it off since.
I've realised that I'm not getting better myself and need some help. It's been a tough decision to have to make but I feel better just having admitted that I have a problem and need some help.
You should definitey see a doctor. I'm sure they will be sympathetic. I've realised that i need and want to get the most out of life (in particular for my children) and the way I've been feeling I'm not. I'm hoping this is the start of feeling better.
Good luck with it all. Keep strong. You are not alone. Thousands of people get depressed. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

[mamalovesmojitos]

kiansmummy- its funny isn't it? sometimes just daring to say it is such a relief. hope you go to the docs soon.

rumseymate- you're very brave to visit the doctor. nobody should have to accept being depressed. i hope you feel better soon.