Depressed what happens if I go to the gp?

[MoonlightLily]

I am very depressed. If I go to the doctors will I have to take medication? I really don't want to, is there other options?(nothing against medication I would just rather not) also will they report me to social services as I have children? Or inform their school?

You don't have to do anything although I would strongly advice medication because unless your rich waiting lists for talking therapies are horrific. No they won't tell anyone. Honestly depression is probably one of the most common conditions gps deal with you will probably be about the 10th person that day they've dealt with that has depression. You can self refer to talking therapies. So the chances are they will offer you antidepressants and give you a phone number or website to local talking therapies and then rush you out the door. However if this is your first time struggling with any mh issues If the dr doesn't suggest it I would ask for a blood test as a lot of physical illnesses can cause mh problems such as anemia, thyroid ect. So worth checking first.

Oh love, sending you a big squeeze x I’ve had depression and anxiety in and off since being a teenager. My worst bouts were when I was pregnant with my first, and after I’d had my second dc. I was terrified they’d think I was an awful parent, and I put off getting help. I really wish I hadn’t. Antidepressants and CBT gave me my life back. I have every belief that they will for you too. Please try the medication. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of absolute strength and courage that you recognise there’s a problem and are willing to do something about it. Social services or school will not be informed unless there are serious concerns for the child’s well-being. Being depressed does not make you a bad mother, it makes you human x

Firstly, I’m so so sorry you feel this way. It’s awful and hard to see a way out. I know how it feels, because I have had bouts of terrible depression since a teenager, I’m now in my forties.

So I have lots of experience of seeing a GP. In my experience they are incredibly kind, sympathetic and supportive. You must be brave and go. The times I’ve been at my worst I literally sobbed and sobbed at the doctor, and it was such a relief to listen to their advice.

They will not force you to go on medication, if you do not want to. It’s true, the waiting list for talking therapy is long, but it’s better to be on a waiting list and having regular check ins with your doctor than sitting at home in misery waiting for the depression to magically go away. The GP can put you in touch with all sorts of different support groups.

But please please consider medication if you’re really suffering. After my latest period of dreadful depression, I did NOT want to take antidepressants because I had managed in the past to help myself with good diet, exercise, routines, self care etc. But this time it was so bad I just couldn’t do those things. My doctor gently convinced me that taking the tablets was not a cure for the depression, but would give me the lift to be able to do the things that would help. A bit like a set of crutches won’t cure a broken leg, but they help you to get moving and get some independence back.

I have struggled with depression for many years, since I was a teenager. I had tried to manage it in other ways - talk therapy and counselling (both privately and on the NHS), exercise, balanced diet, routine, etc. Eventually I decided to try medication as I could see no alternative and my depression and anxiety were severely impacting my quality of life. I phoned my GP surgery and spoke with the mental health nurse. I explained my situation, how I was feeling, and what I had tried. I then had to specifically ask to be put on medication - it was not something that they suggested. They then discussed medication options, as well as talk therapy, and once my medication prescription was approved by a GP, I began to taking anti-depressant medication.

So, to answer your question, you don't have to go on anti-depressant medication if you don't want to. Your GP might discuss it as an option. However they may suggest that you first try other ways of managing your low mood before going on medication, such as changing your diet, trying talk therapy, or even as another user on here suggested you may be asked to give some blood samples to check for any malnutrition or vitamin deficiencies that may be causing your low mood.

You needn't be worried about seeing a GP to discuss your depression. They are bound by confidentiality and while it may reflect on your patient record why you spoke to the GP, it certainly won't be disclosed to anyone outside the NHS (such as social services or your children's school, etc.).