To ask how I can get the drs to give me depression tablets?

[FluentDog]

I have had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. I am also convinced I have ADHD but never been diagnosed. My depression has never been super severe no self harming or anything like that but I can spend all day in bed some days just sad and worrying about life. Anyway long story short I have been to the drs about it a few times now and I always get fobbed off. Last time I went I got given some leaflets about managing emotions. I just want to get on some medication. I can’t afford therapy and the waiting list for NHS is too long and I can’t imagine they’d even put me on it if they won’t give me tablets. So I’m wondering how do people get drs to actually give them something more than just a bloody leaflet.

God knows with MN! You're not being at all unreasonable x

Just ask. When I felt depressed, I had a phone consultation with the GP. I said I feel depressed because of these particular life circumstances and I would like to start on an antidepressant.

We talked a little bit about what was going on in my life and some self-care measures I could also engage in. And then we talked about what to expect when starting meds and he gave me a choice between two and explained how they each work and the side effects. And I said this one, please, and he sent the prescription off to the pharmacy. It was really easy but you have to be quite direct because appointment time is limited.

Fwiw, I was on them about a year and a half, which was really beneficial at the time. I came off them when I felt ready with no side effects and I’ve not experienced any depression since (that was about 3 years ago).

I didn't vote, but it's not clear whether you've actually communicated clearly with your GP about how you see your condition and whether you've actually acted on any of the advice on the leaflet. (My GP isn't wildly sympathetic, but when I see her, I'm very clear on what my symptoms are, what I think may be going on, and what I think I need as a treatment path, then she usually comes back with further questions or cautions, but I think has always agreed to what I asked. She trusts my judgement.)

OP, I also feel that if you've had depression and anxiety for as long as you can remember, it's likely to be something very deep-seated, and medication is unlikely to have the results you want.