What gave you the push to speak to your GP about depression?

[Sinnerman]

I’ve always had periods of feeling low but it always swung round to feeling ok again. Atm I can’t seem to get back into things. I don’t want to see people, I want to change my job and start exercise but have no motivation. I don’t really see a future or have the ability to plan anything long-term. Everything seems so much effort. But I do still get up for work the days I have to. So then I think oh maybe it’s not so bad. I hate speaking to the GP anyway, they always make it feel like there’s no problem. I’m worried I’ll just cry. But I do want something to change I just don’t know how.

Sorry if you’ve read this whinge. I’d be interested in other people’s experiences and how they got on?

So very sorry that you are feeling this way. Your GP is your first port of call. They are usually really understanding and sympathetic regarding mental health issues and will help you to find the best way forward regarding treatment. Please call them and make an appointment - you will be glad that you did.

My GP has an online consult form and they will give you a ring within 48 hours. I filled in through tears at about 2am (post natal depression). I spilled all my thoughts knowing that if I did it during the day when I find myself better able to cope then I would convince myself I was okay even though I’m not. The doctor rang me that afternoon and prescribed sertraline which I started today. Maybe see if your practice has this available? And if not, don’t be deterred from seeking help because sometimes you feel okay and even happy because this what put me off for so long. X

I started crying over a little thing and just couldn't stop. I wrote down everything that I was worried about/how I was feeling and filled two sides of A4. My husband made the appointment and drive me there otherwise I dknt think I would have done it. I ernt in handed the piece of paper to the Dr, started crying again. The Dr was so lovely and a few years later and some helpful little tablets and I am in a much better place. My advice is go to the Dr its not going to get better by itself.

Waking up every day wishing I was dead. Called Gp, straight in for an appointment and walked out with a prescription for Prozac. My ds was a year old. I was on them for about a year and they were life changing.

It’s good to hear positive stories, thank you for sharing and I’m glad you feel things are better. I will see if my practice is doing the online form, that would be good if I can write it out rather than speak it.

I also used the online form to spill my guts, and it was really helpful that the gp had already read it when she phoned me back. She was great - to the extent of noticing that I was registered as a carer for my Dad at the time and asking some very intelligent questions about how that was affecting me.

The trigger was ceasing to function at work one day and a sympathetic boss who basically told me he needed me to get a fit note so I could take a break.

A break and a course of CBT got me back on track. And HRT, which may or may not be relevant to you. I still get stressed, but the grinding anxiety and depression have massively abated.