I think i might have anxiety and depression, what do i do?

[MissStegosaurus]

I've had a lot going on over the last year and a half including 2 close bereavements and a traumatic birth and I think it's really taken its toll on me. I keep crying for no reason and i have a ball of anxiety in my stomach all the time. I did the gad7 and phq-9 questionnaires and scored 15 on both of them which apparently means that I have moderate anxiety and depression. I've been kidding myself that I'm ok but I don't think I am. What do I do next? What happens if I go to the GP?

I too suffer with anxiety, I found a lady on YouTube who suffers with OCD and she has been such an inspiration with her positive attitude.

Her name is Hayley and she was on a Channel 4 program::
www.youtube.com/c/OfficialHayleyLeitch?sub_confirmation=1

Hope she can help you like she has helped me xx

You tell the GP your score. They will likely suggest a medication, along with a few repeat visits to adjust the dose and see how you are responding. Depending on your area, they may suggest support groups or talking therapies as well.

Im not sure about taking anti depressants because side effects, is it kind of a given that id have to go on them?

You can ask your GP for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for anxiety and depression, or if you feel like you could do with talking therapy to deal with your bereavements and trauma, you might benefit from counselling.

If the waiting list is too long for you to wait, you could try www.anxietyuk.org.uk. They have lots of resources and can link you with a therapist cheaper than usual private rates.

Are you in England? If so you can self refer to your local IAPT service (talking therapies in primary care). Your GP should also have their details. My GP wouldn't even consider prescribing anti depressants until I'd had therapy.

Also you won't necessarily get side effects from taking meds. I take sertraline and have never had any problems on it at all. Your GP will start you off on the lowest possible dose as well. Good luck!

Sorry I've only just seen that you've had a traumatic birth. How old is your baby? IAPT prioritise women in the perinatal period, and will be able to refer you on to secondary care services if you need

I am in the uk thanks so much for your responses. I've got twins who are over a year old so im not immediately post birth. I don't think I've got pnd as i did the questionnaires in the months following the birth and i was ok, just what you'd expect with baby twins. The bereavements and returning to work are what have tipped me over i think but the stress of two demanding toddlers doesnt help.

If you let them know you had a traumatic birth they will assess you for PTSD. Also the children's centres are invaluable if you need more practical support to get yourself back on track. Depending on where you are you might also have a local parental mental health team that support parents with children under 5. IAPT or your children's centre will know.

How is your sleeping? Not good I imagine with two babies. Are you eating nutritious food? Any chance you can reduce work hours for a while? It sounds as if you have a lot to cope with plus bereavements to process. In my experience, it takes time to feel 'joy' after losing a close relative or friend. I hope that you can put your well-being first while you wait for more help from your GP/counselling.

Again thank you for responding. My two sleep quite well and i try and make sure i go to bed early. I only work part time due to childcare constraints as it is so can't really reduce my hours. Im trying to eat well but i comfort eat and have no motivation to exercise. We also have a lot of debt (just about manageable) and can't afford for me to do my old hobbies any more so i don't really have anything that's just for me. I will look at the children's centre and see if they can offer any help.