Help - am I depressed?

[bluejeans]

Help I've been seeing a counsellor for a few weeks and been advised to see my GP for anti-depressants. Should I take this advice or look into it more? I thought depression was feeling down all the time - I feel ok some of the time - seeing friends etc and have good days and bad days - often feel tearful and have some work and relationship issues however. Is it best to look on internet at different anti depressants or just take Drs advice? Am worried about side effects etc. And the counsellor said I might have to fill in a questionnaire - what if I'm having a good day and not depressed enough? Just need some advice please! - unsure whether to go down this road

Hello bluejeans

I've suffered with depression since my teens and after the babies were born it was quite severe pnd.
I would perhaps write a short mood diary each day for a week or so and take that to your gp, then if you are having some good days interspersed with bad it will be a true reflection of how you are.

a good gp should prescribe ad's based on yoru symptoms as not all people with depression are down in mood - many suffer with anxiety type symptoms and certain ad's will exacerbate that. If you are already seeing a counsellor can you ask if they offer CBT or other therapies good for depression too? it might be the option to avoid med's.

It sounds like your work and relationship issues are having a huge effect on your mood - addressing these might help you avoid taking meds if you are worried at all about them.
Side effect though usually only last as long as theh drug takes to 'kick in' - for me it was about 2 weeks but others might be a bit longer and you might not find the right one first time round either.

take care and please look after yourself xx

Hi Ouch

Big thanks for your reply. Been feeling quite upbeat for a couple of days but know it won't last - so I think your mood diary is a very good suggestion for me

Not made an appointment with GP yet - I thinkI would like to avoid meds if possible but that might just be my 'if you're not sure do nothing' attitude?

Anbyway thanks for your advice

BTW I'm worried about your nickname - does it refer to childbirth or anything else in particular?

Ooh no - its my thumb! it really hurts and I can't find out why! there's a thread on here somewhere but no-one has answered so I think I am a freak of nature!

good luck with seeing gp etc xx