How to talk to GP about how I feel ?

[Whywaitfortomorrow]

I think I am depressed. Don't want to see anyone, talk to anyone, have nothing to say to anyone. I know I need to see the doctor but have been with the surgery for years and years and never go there for anything other than for the children. I don't know what to say if I make an appointment. Can't speak to my friends. I am a rubbish friend as I know I should call to see how they are but just feel that I have nothing to contribute to them. Not working at the mo, which means too much time on my hands and can't get motivated to do anything. I read novels and watch films whenever I can as I can't be bothered to do anything else. I don't know if I am just lazy, unmotivated and boring or if there is something else wrong with me. What sort of help can I expect if any ? I think getting to my mid forties without having achieved anything when I had so much potential is something I really have to get over to be able to move on. I feel like I have no idea where the last twenty years have gone and I have nothing to show for it. Sorry for rambling. I fall asleep reading fiction and can't seem to focus on real life at all.

You do sound depressed. It is hard to talk to GPs especially if you're so isolated and not used to taking to anyone. I would write down a list of your difficulties and if you struggle to speak, hand the list over. They are likely to run through a questionnaire with you called the PHQ9 which will give them a score saying how severe the depression is. They will then likely refer you to your local IAPT service for an assessment, unless you're suicidal in which case they may refer you to your local CMHT.

GPs deal with this ALL the time, many times a day - depression is incredibly common. I'm sure you will get some help. Good luck.

Thanks ovuma - making a list is a really good idea as I know I won't be able to keep it together without bursting into tears.

Crying is also absolutely fine! I've cried at the gp before and they honestly don't mind (unless you have a bad one, in which case rebook to see another). It's natural to be tearful when you feel low.

I have just been looking on the web for phq9 and found some other useful information. This made me out to be moderate to severely depressed ! I am ok, as long as I don't have to leave the house or talk to anyone else. There was also a list on mind.org.uk which I will print off and take to dr as that seems the easiest thing to do. Will post back when I have plucked up courage to see gp.

Sounds like a good plan! Just book the appointment as you may have to wait for a while anyway! Good luck.