I did an online test for depression, what next?

[PippaFawcett]

I have had a difficult year, NC with family, don't like my job as it is a lot of lone working and a long commute, DS is now 3 but has slept terribly since birth so I have been in a haze of exhaustion for three years - he is actually getting better but my tiredness hasn't lifted. I have had my thyroid tested but nothing came back and I am comfort eating all the time so my weight has rocketed.

Anyway, I did an online depression test and it said 'highly likely' or similar. What do I do next? Book a GP appointment? What happens there? I don't feel what I would describe as depressed but I do feel like my week is a long slog to be endured and 'got through' rather than enjoyed.

Experiences and advice welcome!

I totally agree re modern life! And for working women it's easy to fall for the Superwoman myth, that you have to do as well as a full time SAHM re kids while working full time and also have a sparkling clean and tidy home, - it's simply not possible, but I think unconsciously some of us think that we can do it. I still am very disappointed that I can't manage that, and it's actually really hard to admit.

Talking to your DH is definitely key. My DH wasn't actually very understanding untill I had a near breakdown and threatened with divorce. But although I said some harsh words, it certainly helped. I don't think we are out of the woods yet, but it's certainly going in the right direction.

Have you noticed what kind of self-talk you do? I realised that my self-talk was always along the lines of "but I haven't washe the floor yet, there is sitll paperwork waiting and really I should have dusted" etc., so now I am trying to talk like this in my head to myself: "Sweetie, you did all the washing, you met all of your deadlines, so now you deserve a cup of tea and just enjoy what you have achieved". I am amazed at what a difference it makes for me!

In the past when people said "the washing up can wait, it will still be thre in the morning", I used to think "but there will just be more of it and no one will do it for me!" and I didn't really get it. Now I understand that it means that you will miss out and become bitter if you are always fretting about the housework, and that when you die, you do not want to think "I have done the dishes"!