HELP depression

[KateRobins]

I'm feeling really depressed lately , I've been to my doctors for help but they say I'm just in a low mood and ill soon feel better but I truely believe I'm suffering from depression, the problem is I need a sick note as I'm unable to go into work but they ain't giving me one as they keep saying I'm just in a low mood and I'll soon be better ,
as any one else had this problem and do any of you have any ideas to wot I should do

[Sir Alec]

Get a second opinion. Shame on your GP for taking your symptoms so lightly. However I don't suggest you take anti-depressants unless you really feel you need them. They are vile things with lots of side effects.

[welshlibranr]

agree with sir alec, you should get a second opinion!....have a bit of time off work, but try not to have anti deppressants!..........they are not good in the long term!......

[KateRobins]

thank you both , I think its time I changed my doctors and I totally agree with you on the anti depressants

[Buenchico]

This isn't going to solve your problem but it might be a first step along the way:

Try a call to SANE's helpline between 6pm and 11pm tomorrow (or on any other day - the phone lines are always open during those hours).

This link might also be useful:
http://www.overcomede...uk/WorkEducation.html

Also remember that both physical and mental activity can help with depression. Go for a walk or read a book instead of sitting in front of the telly (which is probably one of the worst things you can do if you're depressed).

Chris

[Jan1957]

GP's do not take depression lightly but are under very strict rules and have a question and answer questionnaire to go by these days. To me it does sound like you are just down at the moment. You say you are depressed but all you talk about is wanting a sick note to get off work. What symptoms of depression do you think you are showing?

[welshlibranr]

really good advice from Chris!.........go for a walk, get out and about!....

[Jan1957]

Very easily said to some people about the exercise. What about us housebound folk? It's not always that easy which I think is why Kate should have told us more about her circumstances.

[KateRobins]

I can't get out of bed in the morning I just want to stay there crying most of the time . just thinking of going out the house makes me panic with fear as I think people are looking at me and judging me . The reason I think I feel like this is I lost a close family member just over a year ago and now I'm suffering with fertility problems along with ofther things so its just all piled up and I don't see the sence in carrying on

[welshlibranr]

Kate, your problem is worse than I firstm thought!....so go see another doctor!........tomorrow!............take care!.............

[boxtops]

Kate, certainly ask to see another doctor. Clinical depression is a very specific medical condition and is not treated lightly. However not all doctors are expert in everything and you need someone else to look at your circumstances. If it helps, write it all down, so you don't forget any symptoms when you go - you may be depressed but you need it clinically diagnosed. You may have severe anxiety too if you are scared to go out, and I understand that feeling. Is there a different doc in the practice you can go to, and say that you are still unwell and that nothing will lift you out of it? Unless your works policy is different, you can take up to seven days off sick by self-certifying but tbh, having been where you are many years ago - making yourself go to work is a good thing, it gives you something to focus on. Staying at home doesn't really help.

[WELSHYORKIE]

Kate - you mention that you've lost a close family member - then why not try Cruse Bereavement Counselling - 0844 477 9400 or www.crusebereavementcare.org (i think) maybe talk to one of their trained people. I lost my wife a just over 9 weeks ago and I listen to upbeat music and to be quite honest with you, for me, it is working. I would also echo what others have said with regard to your doctor.

[andy-hughes]

I have banged on at length about this - but i will again because it really annoys me -

Depression should have a different name, because it is simple to confuse Depression with being depressed, and they are two very different things.

Being depressed - which is what your doctor has concluded is wrong with you - is part of the human condition, and everyone has it from time to time.

Depression is a serious debilitating potentially fatal mental illness which can last for years, and need specific theraputic and pharmacutical treatment to control it - it is often only controllable, not cureable.

In the light of your subsequent posts, i would seek advice from another GP and be very honest about all your symptoms.

I do not agree with the advice to avoid anti-depressants. The horror stories are often based on apocryphal evidence - modern anti-depressants are far more sophisticated than those given years ago. If a patient suffers from bad side effects, it is because the medication is not suitable for them individually, it is not a standard reaction in everyone. The answer to saide-effects is to go back to your GP to have medication altered - not to avoid the treatment.

Hope you are OK - please let us know.

[anneasquith]

very true andy.............medication used properly and for genuine depression can literally be " life savers "

[Old_Geezer]

It sounds to me as if you can name distinct causes for your depressed state. I don't claim to be an expert but I think that may support the idea that rather than suffering from depression itself, it is likley to be a long lasting low in your life you're having problems moving on from. If you can find an interest that occupies your mind favourably, and if it is the work you normally do all the better, then it may help to go for it, try to start a virtuous circle in your life. Just a thought. Meanwhile best of luck with all you are doing to tackle your fertility problems. If these start to progress maybe you'll feel you've turned the corner.

[RATTER15]

I agree with Andy , some Anti-depression meds don't have these side affects and some people don't suffer from side effects in general.

I know a few people that are on these meds with no problems.

[anneasquith]

hi ratter, im sure your aware that depression in the elderly is often " missed "

[Sqad]

and so is "organic disease"

[mazzywoo]

Hi Kate.
I am so sorry you are feeling so low at the moment. Depression is horrible as are the feelings of anxiety that can happen with it. I agree with some of the other people who have posted-you really need to see maybe another doctor to discuss this soon. It sounds like you have had a rough time lately huns-I wonder if you could get some counselling? When I had depression, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) really, really helped me. Antidepressants can sometimes help but they do have side effects. You need info about them first I think.
I do so hope you will get some assistance and that you feel better soon. Best wishes, Maz xx

[KateRobins]

thank you all so much for your very kind advise , I will be going to see a different doctor soon and hopefully have this sorted xx