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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to not go back to the doctors?

10 replies

nitrox · 09/01/2014 19:07

Wasn't sure what to have the thread title as?

In early November I went to the doctors to discuss depression and anxiety I have had for a long time now and felt I needed to get help in the form of medication or counselling.

I went to the doctor and poured my heart out about everything, she was very nice and said that she wanted blood tests doing first and then we could discuss medication if the bloods were all okay.

I never went for the blood tests. It took me a long time to go in the first place and after I'd had a cry I felt a bit better and felt silly and didn't want to go back to face the doctor again. I'm a bit introvert and just avoided it all after the initial appointment.

It didn't take long for me to feel a bit crap again and now I'm back to square one and wondering what to do.

I feel I am depressed but not drastically as in I'm a danger to myself, but for the last 2-3 years I've just felt rubbish, a bit numb and joyless. I've been successful in my business despite this, and also at Uni, and I often doubt that I have depression and I'm just a miserable person.. but then I think back to how I was years ago, optimistic and adventurous, and the person I am now doesn't feel like the same at all. I used to be very popular and meet up with friends, but now I hide myself away and don't even want to speak to family much of the time.

I'm female, 30, no kids, self employed, overweight (size 20-22), have a boyfriend... is it just my weight? How do I change if I can't diet successfully? arghhhhh...

Somebody slap me.

OP posts:

Tableforfour · 09/01/2014 19:56

I'm a GP. I see lots of people with depression and there are often a few false starts, someone plucks up the courage to come, then doesn't come back - six months later I see them again, then maybe not for another few months and eventually we get into a routine. Your GP won't mind, please do go back. If you can't face the GP without having done the tests and you've lost the form, just ring up and reception can print you our a copy.

Does your weight bother you? Don't think about getting to a size 10, or whatever you want to get to. If you really want to do it, make a few simple changes and aim to lose half a stone. You'll probably do it quite easily, your clothes will be a bit loose, your motivation will increase, then you can do another half stone. And another.....in my experience weight loss is one of the most powerful things to improve mood.

Good luck with everything xx

PinkyHasNoEars · 09/01/2014 20:01

I don't think you need a slap! I do think you need to go back to your GP.

Listen to what Table says about your GP not minding false starts: you said that she was very nice, and I'm sure she will be again. And again, and again, and again. If necessary.

It sounds like you know that you have a real capacity for happiness - I hope you find it again.

newyearhere · 09/01/2014 20:25

Sounds like your GP wants to help you and just wants to check if there are any obvious physical factors contributing to how you feel. If you can phone up and re-arrange the blood tests it would be a great start. Let us know how you get on.

Mrsmorton · 09/01/2014 21:26

table you sound lovely. If my GP wasn't also lovely, I would wish you were her. Maybe you are!!

Tableforfour · 10/01/2014 12:25

Thank you blushes

OP I hope you are doing ok

PinkyHasNoEars · 10/01/2014 19:41

Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you OP.

And I second what MrsMorton said about you Table. You do sound like a lovely GP.

SparkleToffee · 10/01/2014 19:45

Pls go back...... I have spent 20 years suffering with GAD ( generalised anxiety disorder) and I finally went to go to see about cbt counselling. I have nearly finished a 12 week course and it has changed my life .

I'm so sad now that I spent so long keeping it to myself and not getting the help I needed. Your GP will be able to help so please don't spend any more time suffering.

missymayhemsmum · 10/01/2014 19:50

What a great GP you have, to check whether there is a physical reason why you are feeling crappy before prescribing you anything. Do go back, she won't mind.
In the meantime, what has helped you feel better in the past? For me it is getting a bit more fresh air and exercise, looking at the sky, taking multivitamins and iron to sort out any low iron/zinc etc, and singing along to loud music. Oh and early nights. be gentle with yourself, do things that help you feel a little bit better if you can, get the tests done and push for counselling.
Good luck!

Slutbucket · 10/01/2014 19:56

You sound a little depressed to me. If it was your back that was hurting you'd have no hesitation in going. There is such a stigma about depression but why suffer? Looks like you need to rule out things like under active thyroid first though so go for the blood test. It's only a little blood test just see it as that. You don't need to make any decisions. Fwiw I'm on anti d's and I feel fantastic and wish I'd done it sooner!

Lonecatwithkitten · 10/01/2014 19:56

You have a really great GP she is looking for physical causes of depression such as thyroid disease or pernicious anaemia to name two. My Mum felt like you and was fobbed off with antidepressants for 25 years I turned out that she had Sjögren's syndrome causing her problems.
I know it's hard, but please have the blood tests and go back and see your GP she is doing a good job.

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