Is this <enough> to ask GP for anti-depressants?

[cupidsbowl]

I keep going over and over whether I’m feeling bad enough to warrant going to my GP. I can still get up for work but other days do nothing. I don’t want to go places, I don’t want to see anybody. I had to go visit family recently and I was dreading the entire weekend. I dream about living somewhere so remote I never have to speak to anyone. It’s like I can sit and talk to people but say as soon as I’m on my own going to the loo for example all the negative thoughts are back. I know really I’m isolated and need to mix with people but I can’t motivate myself to. But then I think well I’m not suicidal not really, I’m more just existing and maybe that’s ok. Has anyone been like this where you’re not sure what to do? I know I want to change things but I can’t and will medication really change anything?

Yeah, medication is good for that kind of scenario because it gives you the boost you need to start to make changes and socialise more and then once you're out and about you enjoy life a bit more and it all feeds into how you're feeling better until eventually you hopefully don't need medication - for a while at least because the bouts of depression can return but I'm sure you know that anyway.

Yes, that is enough. I have been to the doctors to get help with my mental health and I would say my life was similar to yours, not being suicidal and being okay with existing is a very low bar for mental health, it sounds like you are really struggling with motivation/caring about anything and feeling really cut off from everything and I know how hard that can be (believe me). When I went to the GP I had to fill out a questionnaire which was scored, the basis of that score was a starting point but I asked for referral onto mental health support services available. I was given the details so I could self-refer. You could ask if they have a list of counsellors in the areas, these would be statutory (through the NHS/council), voluntary (free to use but usually staffed with trainees/volunteers or private (most choice but biggest cost). NHS referred me onto CBT which was some use but didn't blow me away. I supplemented with private. Be aware some antidepressants can make you feel worse before you get better (I wasn't told this but read the leaflet of any prescription you get), and also think about diet and exercise, this was a game-changer for me. The doctors will see a lot of clients about mental health issues similar to yours, so I would make that appointment xxx

Yes of course go to your GP and get assessed. Or you can refer yourself for IAPT. Antidepressants are discouraged as first line for mild to moderate depression though so you might find they send you for therapy rather than put you straight on medication

Sorry I didn't answer your question about whether antidepressants can help, I think they helped me, but like PP said they may have just been enough to get me motivated to move in areas that were equally (or even more) useful. It can be hard getting the right medication and the first type they offer might not work/dosage might need adjusted. I know it is hard (and I didn't do this but wish I had), but keeping a journal might be useful in logging how you are feeling. When you feel low, then it can be hard to say whether there is an improvement or not. I think, that I went to the GPs because my life was just too hard and it was exhausting me more than I realised. I got to the stage where getting through the day was just the end in itself. I did not care about being happy, that seemed unobtainable, I never, ever booked anything or looked forward to anything, life was just a series of trials to get through.... it is very hard.

This sounds like the perfect time to get help, when you still have the motivation to do something about it before the quicksand engulfs you and you don't know how to ask for help anymore because it has become overwhelming.

Good luck, I hope the ADs help

Thank you for replying I appreciate it. @BungleandGeorge whats IAPT?