Doctors appointment but don’t know what I want out of it

[CloserIAm2Fine]

I have a doctors appointment soon for my mental health but I don’t actually know what I want from it

Work is hugely stressful at the moment, and while it would be lovely to be signed off for a few weeks in one respect, I would then have anxiety about going back, worrying about what colleagues think of me because they’re going through exactly the same shit and they’re coping and I’m not, I had a lot of time off a few years ago and don’t want that again.

I’ve been on various ADs for almost all my adult life (I’m mid 30s). I would like to maybe increase my dose but I think I’m maxed out tbh. I don’t really want to change meds as I can’t cope with withdrawal and side effects of that on top of everything else. Ideally I think I’d maybe like something extra that I could take when things are really bad, but I don’t imagine that even exists.

I’ve had counselling and CBT in the past, with mixed results, I currently feel like an extra thing I have to do each week is the last thing I need (which I’m aware is my depression speaking but there you go).

So I kinda feel like I’m going to be wasting their time and mine. Any suggestions of any other possible options I’ve not thought of?

Talk to your manager about the impact its having and find a solution to what's causing the stress. Sleeping tablets but that is only for emergencies. A cocktail isn't a great idea so long term reducing stress is best. Learning to say no. Also most people arent coping as well as you think

Thank you for your kind words

I’m actually sleeping ok, the meds I’m on currently do have a bit of a sedative effect, so that’s good, cause not sleeping is horrendous.

My manager is lovely but unfortunately is very limited in what she can actually do (large company with many layers of management)

Have you thought about changing your job to something less stressful? Stress can cause anxiety and depression. Also try to work out what exactly is causing your mental health issues and address the cause.