Starting antidepressants

[Fourlittlepiggies]

I have a long list of reasons why prescribing antidepressants should be straightforward. BUT I don’t know how/ can’t bring myself to ask or discuss things with a GP.

What do I actually need to say? Do I need to say I am depressed and ask for antidepressants? I would have to do an e consult which asks for problem/ symptoms/ what treatment I would like.

I am struggling to regulate my emotions and have regular outbursts (crying, shouting) in front of my dc, which I am hugely ashamed of but can’t seem to stop. I have been though significant trauma over the last few years and had talking therapy and EMDR but never taken medication. Now feels like the right time to try.

thank you.

Your go will have had seen hundreds of women saying the same things you’ve said in your post, op. They should be understanding with you. Please don’t worry, it’s good you’re asking for help x

Can I ask your age? These could also be perimenopause symptoms. I’ve know so many friends of perimenopause age who thought antidepressants were the answer (same symptoms as you) when they were not depressed, but in fact perimenopausal x

@bookworm1982 I’m 36 but have felt like this for years.

If you are not depressed but struggling to manage your emotions, I think therapy would be more effective. You can self refer to IAPT.

@PurpleLovecats that is a good suggestion and I could get therapy privately through work again, although I don’t know how I would ever squeeze it in. Maybe I’m not depressed, I don’t know.

I take them and have done for years. I also have counselling which hasn't been so effective for me unfortunately. Looking back, I would say that initially it was the perimenopause but there is so much breast cancer in my family, I was loathe to take HRT. That was possibly a mistake.
The GP will be a good start point and they won't press ads on you if you're unsure.