Depression: red flag to Social Services?

[JoanCrawfordsLobsters]

I have an appointment to see my GP in a couple of weeks because DP thinks I need to talk to someone about depression. He's right. I do.

This is a big deal for me. I have never reached out to anyone before and have lived with self-destructive thoughts for over 20 years. I'm frightened by how severe they've become, and can't live like this.

I have suicidal thoughts more and more often. I know I would never go through with it. I would never even attempt it. I love life on good days and have known people attempt suicide. But there are those thoughts, making me Google things.

I have two children. If I admit suicidal thoughts to the GP, will I have Social Services round, inspecting our house, grilling us, interviewing the children and planning to take them away? I can't begin to describe how much worse that would make me feel, and am wondering if I should cancel the appointment.

From my experience SS don't get involved. Please get help. Don't cancel the appointment. Sending you a unmumsnetty hug.

P.S. I told the GP I was feeling suicidical. I was really surprised kind, nonjudgmental and sympathetic she was.

I have bipolar affective disorder and have been through very severe depressions and suicide attempts. I've also had a manic episode since the birth of my son.
I have regular contact with my mental health team but have never had any contact or involvement with social services.
Please go speak to your GP and be honest with them. Plenty of people with children have mental health problems. Your GP will be able to help and support you without judging you as a parent.
Good luck and I hope you start to feel better soon.

Here's a statement from a resource set up by s

"The courts should never allow a Social Worker to remove a child from a parent simply because the parent has mental health difficulties."

www.childprotectionresource.org.uk/reporting-post-natal-depression/

Thank you all. I feel tears of relief reading your responses. Cookie, I'm glad to hear your GP was so kind. I hope mine will be too.

I have tried counselling twice in 20 years, and never lasted longer than one session because of my stupid tendency to reassure the counsellor that things aren't that bad, it's okay. I want to make sure I don't wuss out this time.

I find the best way to avoid wussing out is to type up everything I need the professionals to know and give it to them to read. Much easier than sitting there, terrified, and having to verbalise what the problem is. Good luck.

Thank you, LL, I did that this afternoon, and it was reading it back that made me realise how awful it all sounded and worry what red flags it might put up. I fully expect to just burst into tears when I get there, which was my reason for writing it all. I'm glad to hear it recommended by someone who's been there. x

Well done for making an appointment - that is a big step.

Writing down your thoughts and questions is a good idea - I couldn't speak when I went to my GP (crying too much) and she sat quietly, read my notes and was sympathetic. No suggestion of social services becoming involved.

I have found it hard to take the next step - meds and counselling - and also haven't been able to talk to DH. You are doing really well - best of luck. Take deep breaths and stay brave - you are worth helping and deserve it.

Forgot to say - I was honest with my GP about suicidal ideas and it was ok. Quite a relief to finally talk to someone about it. She was non judgemental.

Joan - going to see the Gp and opening up in general is absolutely the right thing to do imo.

I have depression and I have had periods of using AD. I have episodes where I have been so low and depressed I once turned up at the doctors without an appointment and sobbed at the reception that I needed to see the gp right then. I was suicidal. I told him with graphic honesty what I would do to end it all etc

I have never had any dealings with social services etc

Depression is an illness, as is diabetes, thyroid issues etc. Social services wouldn't get involved, please don't worry.