Diagnosing depression.

[DeerWithNoEyes]

So, basically I think I'm depressed; I don't feel sad, I just feel nothing. I have no motivation, it's a huge effort even just to shower every day (that's disgusting, I know!) And I'm certainly not suicidal but, it's strange, I have no intention of killing myself but I would like to just fade away almost. I don't think that makes sense, sorry.
Anyway, I've booked a GPs appointment, do I just trurn up and say 'I think I'm depressed' or is that a bit presumptious/dramatic?

It's not dramatic or presumptuous if it's how you feel!
Has there been anything going on for you lately? Any stresses or events in your life?

Sorry you're feeling this way

How is your sleep? Appetite? Concentration?

Thank-you for replying,
no, no stresses or events, that I can think of.
I just don't feel happy any more, I don't feel very much at all.
Maybe I'm not depressed, maybe I am being a bit dramatic. Maybe it's post-Christmas blues. Oh, I don't know, I'd just like to not be here any more, everything's too much effort.
I do realise how self-pitying and pathetic I sound, sorry, I know people have much worse problems than this.

You don't sound pathetic at all! You know you're not feeling quite right.
Is there anything coming up that you're looking forward to?

Sorry, cross-post.
Sleep is strange, waking up a lot in the night, wide awake and then literally staying in bed most of the day (probably a vicious cycle, but I honestly feel exhausted).
Appetite's normal to be honest I think.
Concentration's bad, need to fill in some pretty basic paperwork but I'm struggling to read it and take it in. I love reading and got a new book recently (from a friend, a book that I will definitely enjoy), can't get into it.

It certainly sounds as if you may be depressed, by all means tell the gp that's what you think as well as all the symptoms you described here.

You may already know this, but 'biological' disturbances are classic symptoms of depression

So things like sleep, appetite, energy, motivation, attention and concentration, libido

Does your mood fluctuate during the day? Is it better at night compared to on waking in the morning?

Is this the 1st time you've experienced this?

It fluctuates a little but not a major amount really. I've always been more of a night-person.

I think I have been depressed before, once at the gp I was diagnosed ith mild depression/moderate anxiety - I can't remember much about that though to be honest.

This empty feeling is new though I think, I remember feeling sad and lacking in motivation but now I just feel hollow and like the world is happening around me but that I'm not a part of it. And I'm tired all the time.

So.. When I go to the GP, do I say 'i think im depressed' or do i say 'i feel like this.... what could it be?' I get pretty anxious about GP appointments and things too so just want to make sure they don't think I'm (purposefully) wasting their time.

Thank-you all, I really appreciate the responses.

Yes, just say what you've said here. Your GP will be very used to people not being sure about this stuff! They will probably get you to fill in this questionnaire;

PHQ-9

Depending on your score, you may be offered medication or talking therapies, or they might just arrange to see you on a more regular basis for a while. IMO you do sound a little depressed, but catching it early and being proactive (as you are by seeing the GP) will help greatly.

Good luck.

I would describe symptoms rather than start out with a diagnosis. If you're worried that you are going to forget some things (happens to me) then write it down. You can even give the paper to the gp to read.

Thank-you...
So (sorry), assuming they say 'hi, how can I help you today?' (I haven't seen a GP in a long time, I guess that's the kind of thing they say)...
I would say 'I'm not sure, but I don't feel quite right, I've been feeling more tired than usual and don't really enjoy life anymore... etc etc...'
Does that sound ok? I hate stuff like this, I might just cancel!!! sorry!!!

That sounds fine, honestly

Just say what you've said here

Really, don't worry (know that's easy for me to say ). That sounds completely fine. S/he will probably just give you a little time to waffle and then will start asking a few questions, about your mood, appetite, concentration, motivation etc. When my GP asked what was up I just burst into tears and we still got there in the end!

You're on the right track. The anxiety about going and what to say is part of the depression, don't let it put you off. Just start the conversation and your gp will start asking relevant questions. They see depressed people every day, he/she won't think you're being silly and it really is worth seeking treatment. Don't cancel.

Your GP might suggest blood tests to rule out any thyroid issues too, don't cancel the appointment.

Hi definitely describe the symptoms. If you are staying in bed all day due to tiredness do tell them that. A good gp should offer blood tests to rule out any physical causes of your symptoms as well. It is helpful to tell them facts such as sleep problems, motivation, concentration, how dealing with work and children as it will help them know what to test for and to suggest a correct diagnosis and useful suggestions for you to recover.

Often after a first appointment if they run blood tests they will ask you to return when results are ready. Does not mean you do not have depression but they would ant to check there is not a physical issue going on. And as you say January blues can be very real so sometimes a watch and wait for a few weeks can be useful.