pretty sure im depressed but too embarressed and ashamed to go doctors....

[allthreerolledintoone]

what do i say to him or how do i say it without him thinking im wasting his time.Its really hard to admit im not coping and this feeling of weakness.

[FabIsDoingPrettyWell]

It is actually a sign of strength to go to the doctors and say how you feel. It isn't easy. Make an appointment and write it down if you feel you will struggle to speak.

[thingamajig]

Depression is a real proper illness, like asthma or a broken leg. You wouldn't feel bad going to the doctor about that- so don't feel bad about going for depression.

The cruelty of depression is that it makes you feel that you are not worth looking after, or that people won't take you seriously. They will. Here is a list of common symptoms of depression. Write down the ones that apply to you. Take the piece of paper in with you.

Have you made an appointment yet? You can see someone who is not your normal dr if you would find that easier.

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook?nothing will ever get better and there?s nothing you can do to improve your situation.
  
• Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You?ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
  
• Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain?a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.
  
• Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).
  
• Irritability or restlessness. Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
  
• Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
  
• Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
  
• Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
  
• Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

[lilmissmummy]

Going to the doctors is a lot easier than you think it will be. My doctor made me fill out a form all about how I felt in different situations. Once I did that then he arranged counselling and antidepressants. It was much easier than I thought it was going to be and I feel much better now with constant medication and support.

I agree with thingamajig and fabisdoing pretty well, writing it down will help also.

[MadLenny]

The best thing to do is to be honest with your doc as then they can advise the best course of action specifically for you. The very fact that you are aware of how you are feeling is a good sign in itself, when I was first ill after the birth of my DD it was my DP who eventually encouraged me into going to the docs and in many ways it was a relief