Should I see my GP for ADs?

[girlynut]

I'm not sure I'm depressed per se but I certainly feel like I'm not coping and incredibly anxious / tired.

I have 2 DSs (5yr and 18mth) and a very supportive BF.

I work FT Mon - Fri in a new job which requires me to complete 3 IAQ exams this year which are 1 hr multiple choice papers. The commitment is about 50 hours study per exam. The job offer was conditional upon doing these exams so I couldn't afford to say no.

I'm also studying the Legal Practice Course with the aim of qualifying as a solicitor. It's part time which involves a weekend at college every 3 weeks or so and then 15 hours a week study at home. So far, I'm getting good grades and am top of the class. I have an exam in 3 weeks so have started getting up at 5am to revise before work.

We're also having an extension built at the moment. The builders plan to start knocking out internal walls in a few weeks but i've told them to hold off until after my exam!

I have a lot of support from BF who cooks and cleans and looks after children. Also my parents and in-laws are great.

But I'm constantly on edge. Always thinking about what needs doing next. Making lists. Planning. And I never really get any down time. There is always something to be done, from taking DS1 to karate to comparing kitchen quotes. I know that I am snappy and horrible to BF and DCs as a result. I fly off the handle at the slightest thing, screaming and shouting and then dissolving into tears. I think I'm probably drinking too much too trying to relax - couple of glasses of wine most nights.

I can't see that anything can give. I need to work. My law studies are important as I got my law degree last year and want to keep going.

Do you think ADs would help? I think I can cope with the workload and being tired but I really want to stop losing my temper and feeling worried. I tried Fluroxin(? prozac) for PND in 2006 but had allergic reaction. Are there any other ADs that might be suitable?

Sorry for long post. Just need a solution to this...

Hi,
sounds like if you could explain exactly what you posted above to Gp they will be able to give you the best advice.
The general policy now is to not give out ADs initially but to try talking treatments - many gp practices have counsellors now or to refer you for something. Then look at prescribing. Well those are the NICE guidelines anyway, not all gp's follow that procedure as all people are different.

There are many other ADs such as citalopram that Gps prescribe.

Your life sounds very much like mine, and I too am teetering on the edge of asking my GP for antidepressants. There are loads of different kinds of ADs around, so if you've had an allergic reaction to one type, I don't see why you couldn't try another. Was there a reason you weren't switched to something else before?

also, have you considered a talking therapy at all? I wouldn't recommend short term counselling through GP as this is only likely to help with short term problems. Longer term therapy is a much better idea.

Other things to consider: booking a holiday, planning a night out at the comedy with friends or boyfriend, or basically doing anything that feels like you're taking a break - hard at the moment, but perhaps your family and bf could help you plan something? (You could try the Groupon website for cheap weekend break deals in your area?)

I did consider some kind of counselling but I think it would just feel like another thing to have to fit in! I just need a way to get through the next 18 months until college is done. I don't see this as a long term problem really.

I've made an appointment to see my GP tomorrow and will ask if I can try some other ADs. My friend also suggested St Johns Wort so might give that a try.

I didn't bother to get switched to a new type following my allergic reaction, as it put me off a bit TBH and I simply quit the job that was making me miserable and waited until DS2 was a bit older until going back to work. This time I don't have that option!

It's nice to know that Mumsnet is here for me to offload on. Thanks guys. x

I think you might be more relaxed with less alcohol, plus it is actually a depressant, whatever it might feel like at the time. Tea is a useful drink, on the other hand, and fewer calories.
Is it possible to arrange a half-day off/away once a week (weekends) for a change of scene and break from the house?