Help. How do I ask my doctor for antidepressants?

[Linering]

Hello,

I’ve been struggling for months with ongoing chronic pain and believe I have some depression and anxiety too. It is getting worse to the point I don’t recognise myself. Haven’t spoken to my sisters in 6+ months. Can’t bring myself to go food shopping or any form of shopping. Don’t socialise, dread any form of social interaction - even my own family at Christmas.

I’ve phoned the doctors quite a few times in the last few months for investigations into the pain, and also had a couple calls with the mental health nurse which has been no help.

I’m at the point I want to phone my doctor and basically ask for antidepressants but don’t want to come across as self-diagnosing or like some sort of drug seeker? I know that sounds silly but it’s a genuine worry they fob me off.

Thanks

Be honest with them. Explain how you feel. Describe your anxiety and depression symptoms, and the situations you mention above. You can even say how you’ve heard how antidepressants have helped people in similar situations, and wondered whether they would help you.

Any decent doctor won’t fob you off.

They absolutely won’t think you are making a fuss or self diagnosing. They will likely take your through a set of standard questions. They will
Also want to know you are open to self-help and will hopefully be willing to refer you for CBT.

For some peoples ADs are essential long term, for other people they are a really useful short term way to get head above water. Either way they really make a difference to people and you are absolutely in need of help. Please ring and make an appointment to speak to GP next week.