GP's tomorrow re: depression (a bit long and incoherent, but I'm nervous)

[ComeOnBeANoOne]

I have finally made an appointment to see my GP. In my head I have known for so long now that I have suffered. I'm almost 22 now but I can remember since 16 even having low, completely numb periods. Initially there were days, then later to weeks at a time where even the smallest task seems daunting. Now I feel this sense of just plain hopelesness and lack of motivation is just taking over my life. It makes everything a struggle and sometimes just trivial things (constructive criticism from tutors at uni) leave me in absolute despair.

I have a young daughter who I don't want this to affect. I saw a councilor and it is they who finally convinced me that it is nothing to feel embarrassed about, and my GP will take me seriously.

My problem is, I'm now feeling close to chickening out again. I just don't feel as though my moods are something to concern a medical professional with. I know that sounds silly, but I'm getting really anxious that I'll simply say "I'm depressed" and then not know how to explain it. Do they have some set questions they ask?

What if I get told that I'm just lazy and need to work on that?

I think if anyone can just give me some reassurance that I'll be taken seriously I'll feel a lot calmer about it. Because I really do want to get help. But at the moment I'm behaving completely irrationally I know, but even just thinking about walking into the office tomorrow is really working me up.

Thank you.

[Sparklingbrook]

When I went to the GP, she got me to do a Questionaire. It was a point scoring thing and gave her an indication of where i was. I will try and find it. Back in a sec.

[Sparklingbrook]

Here it is She gave me it on a sheet.

[changeforthebetter]

And you have done absolutely the right thing. Good luck

[ComeOnBeANoOne]

Thank you so much sparkling

I won't post the score I got on here obvs, but I'm hoping it will like some form of questionnaire because it's really not something I feelcomfortable talking about. This is an anonymous forum and I found it really hard to know what to write in my OP even. I think I'm going to ask a relative to drive me there. It takes it out of my hands a bit and means I can't back out then.

[ComeOnBeANoOne]

Thank you change

[Sparklingbrook]

Good luck ComeOn. I was prescribed meds and after the initial few weeks of getting used to them it got so much better. x

[ComeOnBeANoOne]

I am a bit worried about any side effects of meds, but I think they would be a big help now after feeling like this for so long. Hopefully will try and continue seeing a counsellor also. Thanks all.

[Sparklingbrook]

Good luck ComeOn. We can worry about the meds after your appointment. x

[Likesshinythings]

ComeOn I felt exactly the same as you the first time that I went to the GP about my depression but don't let it stop you getting the help that you need. Like you I realise now that I had been having periods of depression since my teens but it wasn't until my late 20s that I finally got some help. I remember being convinced that they wouldn't take me seriously or that I wasn't feeling bad enough to qualify as depressed but I was totally wrong and the GP couldn't have been kinder or more understanding. And I'm sure it will be the same for you (and if the GP is not helpful or sympathetic then ask to see someone else - easier said than done, I know).
As for meds, I think the idea of them is really scary but the reality, for me at least, is that they can be a huge help. Again, if what you are given at first doesn't help then go back and get something else.
Good luck tomorrow. Hope you are feeling much better soon.

[whattodoo]

Good luck tomorrow comeon. I'm sure your GP will listen sympathetically and be keen to help you.

I've been where you are now, its scary knowing things aren't 'right' but not wanting to jump into the unknown to seek a solution.

Good luck x

[ComeOnBeANoOne]

Hello. So, it went well! Once he'd told me to stop apologising for being there. I think I'm glad to finally be on the radar now and know I'm doing something about it.

He will be contacting me about seeing a counsellor, and has prescribed 20mg of citalopram to start with. Does anyone have any experience of SSRI's? What should i expect.

I'd rather not gave to tell my family, so hopefully won't be too many side effects.

I'd also just like to thank you all for taking the time to post and helping me go through with this. So thank you so much.

[piratecat]

hiya i was about your age when i finally went on anti's. they didn't suit me so do go back if you don't feel a) better or b) feel bad or worse after a few weeks.

I am on Prozac, now and they have helped me no end, and i have had no side effects. The first ones i was on made me worse, and i struggled for years on them, not realising (not the ones you are on btw) they were making it worse, i thought i was beyond help.

Yet, i didn't have an understanding doctor, this was 20 years ago, and you will have much more success by monitoring yourself and checking back with the gp.

My mum was on citalopram for 2 yrs, all good, then she slowly started to feel worse, so it was time for her to go back and now she is on a different one. There are lots out there, so it could be you need to try a couple. Fingers crossed you won't. I lost many yrs to my depression, and so i urge you to keep looking after yourself and there's so much more understanding and help available now. You will be fine. xx hth

[whattodoo]

Oh, I'm so pleased it went well.

Hopefully you won t have to wait too long for counselor appt.

I'm sure your doc told you this, hut don't expect the tablets to start working immediately - could be a couple of weeks.

You might be lucky and not get any side effects. I don't, although I'm on fluoxetine.

When are you going back to see doc?

[ImNotCute]

I've just seen your thread, well done for getting help. All the GPs I've ever seen about my depression have been great.

I've tried several ADs (including the one you've got) and the worst side effect I've had was just feeling a bit spaced out for a little while. I hope they help you, make sure you give it time and go back if you need to.

[ComeOnBeANoOne]

Hi all,

piratecat in my naivety I didn't expect there to be so many different types, but it's good to know to keep an eye on myself and I suppose at least if they aren't helping. It's great that you also finally found something right for you also. Was it finally finding an understanding dr that made a difference?

I'm in a way lucky that I have a very close friend who is currently doing an MA in a related branch of Psychology, so I've been able to have a good chat with him in the meantime about making sure that I make changes lifestyle-wise also that will help also.

I was also worried about meds affecting me looking after my daughter, but I think I've been overthinking there. I think the hardest part now will just be being patient for a couple of weeks. Obviously it would be lovely if there was a quick fix but at least things are on the right track now.

And I go back in 3 weeks whattodoo, so a week or so after they should have begun 'working'.

It's genuinely just nice to have people who understand on here. It makes a difference not feeling like I'm just being silly xx

[Likesshinythings]

Glad you GP was helpful.
I've been on Citalopram and they were good for me. However, I did find that they made me really sleepy and I would doze off at inopportune moments (like in meetings!).