Dreading GP visit tomorrow
Discussion
I know I have to go, but really don't want to.
Further to others recent posts, I recognise that my mood has been very much lower than normal for a much longer period = depression. Been here before. Actually this is the worst it's ever been because of my determination to 'control it' or 'manage it'.
I really REALLY don't want to go back on the pills, but what alternatives are there? Hoping for some sort of councilling, but is that available? I'll happily pay if necessary.
On a slightly separate note, but still relevant, my boss wants some sort of document to say that i have been diagnosed and am getting treatment no idea how that would work?
Further to others recent posts, I recognise that my mood has been very much lower than normal for a much longer period = depression. Been here before. Actually this is the worst it's ever been because of my determination to 'control it' or 'manage it'.
I really REALLY don't want to go back on the pills, but what alternatives are there? Hoping for some sort of councilling, but is that available? I'll happily pay if necessary.
On a slightly separate note, but still relevant, my boss wants some sort of document to say that i have been diagnosed and am getting treatment no idea how that would work?
This post may be picked to pieces by people that actually "know" something, but I'll give it a shot.
My wife suffered from depression too, and the doc gave her anti-depressants. However she felt that it just made her a bit "foggy" and didn't really address the root cause of the problem.
I "think" that anti-depressants work by bringing your Seratonin level up and stabilising it. Its a brain chemical that can affect mood.
A different way of affecting your seratonin level is mild exercise. I know which one I'd choose.
I guess what i'm saying is, address the issues that may be causing this if you can, get in a few mild lifestyle changes and try not to "over-think" things. Half full rather than half empty type of thing.
Anyways, enough drunken half truths and rambling, but the best of luck for tommorow.
My wife suffered from depression too, and the doc gave her anti-depressants. However she felt that it just made her a bit "foggy" and didn't really address the root cause of the problem.
I "think" that anti-depressants work by bringing your Seratonin level up and stabilising it. Its a brain chemical that can affect mood.
A different way of affecting your seratonin level is mild exercise. I know which one I'd choose.
I guess what i'm saying is, address the issues that may be causing this if you can, get in a few mild lifestyle changes and try not to "over-think" things. Half full rather than half empty type of thing.
Anyways, enough drunken half truths and rambling, but the best of luck for tommorow.
Slyjoe said:
This post may be picked to pieces by people that actually "know" something, but I'll give it a shot.
My wife suffered from depression too, and the doc gave her anti-depressants. However she felt that it just made her a bit "foggy" and didn't really address the root cause of the problem.
I "think" that anti-depressants work by bringing your Seratonin level up and stabilising it. Its a brain chemical that can affect mood.
A different way of affecting your seratonin level is mild exercise. I know which one I'd choose.
I guess what i'm saying is, address the issues that may be causing this if you can, get in a few mild lifestyle changes and try not to "over-think" things. Half full rather than half empty type of thing.
Anyways, enough drunken half truths and rambling, but the best of luck for tommorow.
Nowt wrong with that if you want to avoid the pills.My wife suffered from depression too, and the doc gave her anti-depressants. However she felt that it just made her a bit "foggy" and didn't really address the root cause of the problem.
I "think" that anti-depressants work by bringing your Seratonin level up and stabilising it. Its a brain chemical that can affect mood.
A different way of affecting your seratonin level is mild exercise. I know which one I'd choose.
I guess what i'm saying is, address the issues that may be causing this if you can, get in a few mild lifestyle changes and try not to "over-think" things. Half full rather than half empty type of thing.
Anyways, enough drunken half truths and rambling, but the best of luck for tommorow.
Try doing less of the stuff that gets you down and more of the stuff that cheers you up.
Take time out for yourself.
Learn to manage stress if relevant. Or your time, if relevant.
Try meditation if the spiral of thoughts is making you depressed. Something like tai chi or yoga classes; or seek out a local Buddhist "temple".
Learn to appreciate what you have and what is around you eg take time to appreciate nature/trees/clouds/etc.
We've all been there at some point in our lives and pills aren't the only answer.
Ask the doc about cognitive behaviour therapy. It's usually offered on the NHS.
I finally went to my GP after admitting I need help because of my depression and also my constant procrastination which has has made my life hell and halted my progress in for the last 3-4 years. After a 5 minute chat I was given some strong antidepressants which I refused to take and also sent for a consultation at a NHS therapist. I was advised to take some weaker antidepressants even though I was reluctant and also referred for CBT sessions.
So far I've heard nothing back about the referral, my initial GP visit was all the way back in March and the reason I finally decided to go was due to my constant f
k ups specially my uni exams which is all due to procrastination so I was determined to get help and at least be mentally prepared for my upcoming exams but all that has happened is me being sent from one place to another, being forced antidepressants and being told not to expect any miracles from NHS due to cut backs!
So far I've heard nothing back about the referral, my initial GP visit was all the way back in March and the reason I finally decided to go was due to my constant f
k ups specially my uni exams which is all due to procrastination so I was determined to get help and at least be mentally prepared for my upcoming exams but all that has happened is me being sent from one place to another, being forced antidepressants and being told not to expect any miracles from NHS due to cut backs!It may be worth asking about having a Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) assigned to you. They can afford to spend more time with you, and do it more frequently. More than that, they have far more training and experience than a GP does, and know what other support is available and what might be best for you.
I'm sure most people get depressed at some point in their lives, and you shouldn't dread going to the doctor about getting help, at least you know you need to address a problem.
the problem is when you are depressed for a lengthy time and it spirals.
I find what helps me is to look towards the positives in the near future, any holidays coming up? simple time off to spend with family?
Most people just add up all the negatives, but you should try and think of them as separate entities and see what you can do to resolve them individually.
is work is getting you down, why? discuss with boss to see if can make better? reduce workload?
issues with someone being difficult, perhaps discuss with them, or another friend, sometimes its just good to share a problem to get it off your back rather than let it build up with worry.
people tell me that I'm one of the most laid back people they know, but I've been depressed before, financial problems, work problems and personal problems all rolled into one and it takes it's toll.
So I'd suggest go to your doc and discuss your problems, they will be able to tell you if it's stress related or its a body problem, get some happy pills and go grab a friend and have a chat.
As for the note, as your boss if he has any doctors notes clarifying his state of mind
the problem is when you are depressed for a lengthy time and it spirals.
I find what helps me is to look towards the positives in the near future, any holidays coming up? simple time off to spend with family?
Most people just add up all the negatives, but you should try and think of them as separate entities and see what you can do to resolve them individually.
is work is getting you down, why? discuss with boss to see if can make better? reduce workload?
issues with someone being difficult, perhaps discuss with them, or another friend, sometimes its just good to share a problem to get it off your back rather than let it build up with worry.
people tell me that I'm one of the most laid back people they know, but I've been depressed before, financial problems, work problems and personal problems all rolled into one and it takes it's toll.
So I'd suggest go to your doc and discuss your problems, they will be able to tell you if it's stress related or its a body problem, get some happy pills and go grab a friend and have a chat.
As for the note, as your boss if he has any doctors notes clarifying his state of mind
Edited by gowmonster on Friday 2nd September 02:16
I'm currently having some fairly intensive counselling sessions with a lovely lady I found via http://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
Every time I see her she pleads with me to visit my GP for some happy pills because of the huge score I got on the Beck's test. (On her scale, 26 is suicidal. I got 43, first time I've ever done well in a test!)
I've never been a big fan of popping pills anyway, but am still reluctant to get some despite their possible benefits as I don't want to be any more zombie-like than I already am. There's also the huge possibility that they'd become a very easy solution and I'd down the lot with a bottle of gin.
My twice weekly sessions are certainly helping me put my thoughts into managable sections, but I always come out of them with a headache, so I'll often either go for a walk or visit a coffee shop afterwards. (This has caused a bit of an almost unrelated problem recently involving a visit by the police, but that's for another thread) The sessions are expensive-ish at £45ph but at the moment I can justify the spend.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Every time I see her she pleads with me to visit my GP for some happy pills because of the huge score I got on the Beck's test. (On her scale, 26 is suicidal. I got 43, first time I've ever done well in a test!)
I've never been a big fan of popping pills anyway, but am still reluctant to get some despite their possible benefits as I don't want to be any more zombie-like than I already am. There's also the huge possibility that they'd become a very easy solution and I'd down the lot with a bottle of gin.
My twice weekly sessions are certainly helping me put my thoughts into managable sections, but I always come out of them with a headache, so I'll often either go for a walk or visit a coffee shop afterwards. (This has caused a bit of an almost unrelated problem recently involving a visit by the police, but that's for another thread) The sessions are expensive-ish at £45ph but at the moment I can justify the spend.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
GKP said:
the huge score I got on the Beck's test. (On her scale, 26 is suicidal. I got 43, first time I've ever done well in a test!)
Edit: Didn't know there were tests... but I just found a test online. Did it for myself putting myself back into a previous situation a long time ago.
http://counsellingresource.com/lib/quizzes/depress...
Total score of: 44
(Over 21, Possibility of Major Depression)
And for my current state: 6 (and I suspect it's only 6 because when I'm gambling it can be a bit nerve-wracking).
Oh, to keep it relevant, I didn't take any pills.
Edited by RemainAllHoof on Friday 2nd September 12:38
As mentioned by RemainAllHoof, CBT seems to be effective at helping you manage moods / thought processes / behaviour. I'm on a second course of therapy at the mo' and it's fascinating to have someone pick apart one's actions and thought processes.
Some CBT info at http://whatyoushouldknow.depression-alliance.co.uk...
If you have trouble getting CBT try finding local groups on Mind and Depression Alliance, where you should be able to get some leads on therapies available locally.
http://www.mind.org.uk/
http://www.depressionalliance.org/how-we-can-help/...
Good luck.
Some CBT info at http://whatyoushouldknow.depression-alliance.co.uk...
If you have trouble getting CBT try finding local groups on Mind and Depression Alliance, where you should be able to get some leads on therapies available locally.
http://www.mind.org.uk/
http://www.depressionalliance.org/how-we-can-help/...
Good luck.
GKP said:
I've never been a big fan of popping pills anyway, but am still reluctant to get some despite their possible benefits as I don't want to be any more zombie-like than I already am. There's also the huge possibility that they'd become a very easy solution and I'd down the lot with a bottle of gin.
I gather that SSRIs (the one's GPs are allowed to prescribe) are relatively "safe" in that regard. Tricyclics, on the other hand....Thanks all, it went Ok. GP ran the tests, agreed that I do have the symptoms of moderate to severe, but completely understood my reluctance to go back on the pills (last time was about 12 years ago, so thinking has obviously moved on)
Have been referred to a councelling/therapy service but no idea how long this will take.
I agree with previous posts that in my case it is all about managing my stress levels, unavoidably high at present with family issues, but hopefully i can learn to manage them better.
WRT my boss (more professional colleagues than employer/employee), I have talked to him in detail about current problems and have no issue with giving him this info, and I understand why he wants it (a little paranoid because of someone else who lied about being in treatment for a problem). I'll give him the info for his PoM.
If I wanted to have therapy/councelling on a private basis, how would I go about finding a good one, and what are the general costs? Not because I doubt the quality of the service that I've been referred to, but possibly for spped of access, or possibly ongoing support?
Have been referred to a councelling/therapy service but no idea how long this will take.
I agree with previous posts that in my case it is all about managing my stress levels, unavoidably high at present with family issues, but hopefully i can learn to manage them better.
WRT my boss (more professional colleagues than employer/employee), I have talked to him in detail about current problems and have no issue with giving him this info, and I understand why he wants it (a little paranoid because of someone else who lied about being in treatment for a problem). I'll give him the info for his PoM.
If I wanted to have therapy/councelling on a private basis, how would I go about finding a good one, and what are the general costs? Not because I doubt the quality of the service that I've been referred to, but possibly for spped of access, or possibly ongoing support?
SSRIs are useful at least initially or if there are continuing stressors - different SSRIs work best for different presentations and different people citalopram works for me and it controls the anxiety / OCD type traits i get when particularly stressed.
CBT is useful for a lot of people, some people will find counselling useful but it can be expensive if outside of the NHS / Occ health systems...
CBT is useful for a lot of people, some people will find counselling useful but it can be expensive if outside of the NHS / Occ health systems...
mph1977 said:
SSRIs are useful at least initially or if there are continuing stressors - different SSRIs work best for different presentations and different people citalopram works for me and it controls the anxiety / OCD type traits i get when particularly stressed.
CBT is useful for a lot of people, some people will find counselling useful but it can be expensive if outside of the NHS / Occ health systems...
Had fluoxetine last bout, and while it helped with the mood the side effects were unpleasant to the point of making it worse, but that was the thinking of the day - 'happy pills'CBT is useful for a lot of people, some people will find counselling useful but it can be expensive if outside of the NHS / Occ health systems...
wendyg said:
Had fluoxetine last bout, and while it helped with the mood the side effects were unpleasant to the point of making it worse, but that was the thinking of the day - 'happy pills'
fluoxetine either works brillaintly o r the S.E.s render it useless don'yt write anti depressants off on the basis of one variety of one family of them Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff