When to see GP for low mood?

[cupcakelemon]

Over the last 3 months I have been living through anticipatory grief (a very close and much loved relative with cancer). I have some days where I feel sad, some days I feel numb, some days I have random bouts of happiness and excitement for the future and other days - like most of this week - I just cry. All the time.
I WFH which keeps me very busy during the day times but as soon as I turn the computer off I take myself to bed and sleep.
I used to make such a habit of going to the gym after work and seeing family/friends but I don't have the motivation for that.
Until now I have been putting these feelings down to the anticipatory grief but it occurred to me this afternoon that is this turning into depression and should I go and see my GP?
I feel guilty just at the thought of it, because I hear so much about how busy they are. I don't want to waste their time but equally, I don't want to get stuck in this cycle either.

Any thoughts or words of advice would be gratefully received. Thank you xx

Please speak to them. It’s good that you have recognised that you are feeling this way but it’s important that you have something in place so that you don’t sink too low which can take longer, and be more difficult, to rise up from.
You can self refer for talking therapies in some areas but it may be that medication could help you. I hope you are able to find the right support for you, you could also talk to Macmillan for support.

www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/

www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/supporting-someone/emotional-support-for-family-and-friends

A GP might prescribe anti-depressants, or they might suggest counselling. There would likely be a waiting list for counselling sessions, potentially a long one. That leaves ADs. Have you ever taken them before? They can be helpful for some, although there’s usually side-effects to contend with too.

I would look at how you’re managing overall first. Are you taking care of yourself, eating properly, showering regularly, that kind of thing? Are you managing your workload ok? If you’re managing these things, I’d pause on seeing the doc. It might be worth speaking to someone at Crus to help you manage your grieving process. And force yourself back to the gym, if you can, exercise can be a massive help, and it doesn’t have the side-effects ADs have.

I’m sorry you’re going through this: losing someone close to cancer is brutal emotionally. You could do with some support too.

Thank you all so much for your advice. Talking really does help and I have got the ball rolling to get some counselling. Good shout too about forcing myself back to the gym, it's often those workouts that you really can't be arsed to do which have the biggest impact on emotions.
I've never taken AD's before, I'll see how the counselling + gym makes me feel, I too am conscious of the side effects that come with AD's but I won't rule them out if I need something else to help. I'm trying to strike the balance between acknowledging how I feel and letting myself feel this way, and not sinking any lower.
It's tough 😔
Thank you all again xx

I've been suffering with low mood, not for the first time but definitely worse than it has been previously. (Usually have SAD but that combined with PPD has tipped me over the edge this time). I went to the GP and was referred for talking therapy with a support worker - she is lovely and has been a big help. I've also now been started on antidepressants and thankfully have a wonderfully supportive husband and I'm finally feeling like I might be able to come out the other side.
Definitely speak to the GP, there are options for you and you don't have to suffer feeling like this.

I agree you should try to give yourself a kick to get back to the gym - once you're there you will feel better for it. I have an injured wrist but I know once I can get back to the gym it will definitely help