You know I am always ready to listen to you, as will be many others :)
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You know I am always ready to listen to you, as will be many others :)
Abigail I know you hate taking the medication I've seen friends and family ditch their meds and had relaps. It's hard I know but please don't stop them without speaking to the doctor. This is for you Davey and anyone else who is worried about deprssion. None of you are being a pain in the backside despite what you think. Not all of us have delt with depression in our lives but we care about you and we are here for you.
So, I've been trying to reply to this for about 24 hours now, but every time I want to write something, I struggle. I suspect it's more down to my own issues than a lack of words... Because I want to say it'll get better, and I always hope it does for anyone who's reading this. I originally wrote something longer, but I think it would be something counterproductive for the majority of people to read!
I'm afraid of going into work. I need to go in tomorrow but I'm so nervous about it I don't think I can do it. But if I don't do it, I feel like I'm letting everyone down.. I really don't want too. Basically I wash up in the kitchen at a secondary school. But every time I go, I am never quick enough at the work and the staff who are meant to do other work in the kitchen have to come in and help me. The boss has told me I need to be quicker. I try to be as quick as I can... and last time, I ended up snapping at a member of staff. I just feel like I can't face it. I feel like a very weak person because I can't face it.
I really hope you all feel better soon. Depression can be a terrible thing but it will get better. I don't fully understand your individual situations but please make sure you talk to somebody you love about this because they care about you and they will want to help you with all their heart.
Have you tried talking to your boss and explaining that there's a limit to how fast you can go? Is your just solely washing up or could you change duties?Quote:
Originally Posted by DaVeyWaVey
I'm still on anti - depressants, just need to remember to take them. I am really not the nicest person to be around when I haven't take them to be honest.
Please contact me. I have suffered from depression PTSD related and I can help point you in the right direction for help.
Depression is a very serious illness but because its not as noticeable as a broken arm people tend to ignore it. Unless you have suffered depression yourself its hard to realise how bad it is
Alan's right Tannie. The best people you can get advice from are the people who have been there and came through the other side. I'm on the other side I've not suffered from depression but I've watched my sister suffer a number of breakdowns and bouts or depression. It's heartbreaking when you feel helpless I wish you lot were around 21 years ago.
You may have already tried this, but have you got a set time to take them? E.g. for me it's 11am, so when I see that time it reminds me to take them!Quote:
Originally Posted by Tannie
I hope that everyone feels better soon! I'm feeling a lot better lately, I am actually happy with where I am... however, I do wonder if I work so many hours to drown out the fact that actually, I have nothing better to do and no-one else to worry about, that upsets me, because I love my job and I don't want it to be a cover up for how unhappy I actually am. I jut stop myself from seeing it because in work, you don't have time to think about yourself.
I think it depends - if before you were feeling depressed because you had nothing to do, then you could actually be feeling better. But if it's just because you're so busy and have no time for anything else, then please take care! I only say that because I used to do that, and then one day I just fell apart! I hope the feeling good continues!Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirsty :]
*waves*
Um.. yeah I guess I just came in here to ask what happens the first time you go the GP.. like what may they ask or if they will refer you etc.. I know I need to go, but its taken me since September to even consider it and I don't really like to do things anymore without knowing what will happen first, if that makes sense.
I think I was just a bit mixed up before, whether I was making it up and the fact that I don't always feel low, sometimes I get really overexcited over stupid things but then it doesn't take a lot to bring me down again. I'm just fed up of not being able to do anything anymore, or things I used to be able to do. I still manage to do my uni assignments but that's about it tbh. Missed a couple or so lectures so far this term, just get so anxious when I'm there now (well, all the time really) and end up just winding myself up.
(& I think this has probably been going on for years, rather than a few months.. when I think back..)
I think each GP has a different approach to depression so you may have a different response. When I went, I had to fill in a questionnaire (called PHQ 9) then the doctor talked through my options. Depending on the severity of your depression, the doctor may recommend different things. For mild depression counselling is usually the first line of treatment. Severe depression gets medication and counselling.I told the doctor I didn't want counselling and he was fine with that. He said that the option is always there if I want to try it at some point.Quote:
Originally Posted by StarsOfCCTV
The doctor didn't ask me many questions, the important ones are in the questionnaire. He recommended not drinking alcohol or taking drugs, especially in the first few months of treatment as they can make depression worse. He asked if I'd had any thoughts of suicide and what I wanted to do after university. It seems a random thing to ask but he was really asking if I had any plans. The ability to see yourself in a few years doing something is a positive sign.
I had to go back every few weeks in the first two months to check I wasn't suicidal (medication can have that effect). I think one week I was there three times because I was suicidal. I saw a different doctor and she said as long as I don't do anything I'll be fine. Yes, that's reassuring :rolleyes:
My recommendations would be:
1. Be honest. The doctor can't make an accurate assessment unless you tell him everything.
2. See the same doctor - once they get to know you they notice changes you might not and they can tell when you're lying. I saw my GP on Wednesday and he asked if I'd had any thoughts of self harm or suicide. I said no but he went on this long speech about it and he knew I was lying. He didn't ask me any questions about it as he could tell I didn't want to talk about it.
3. Consider all your options before making a decision. Don't be afraid to say you don't want X treatment. Anti-depressants have changed my life, I can function normally when I take them. I know why I'm depressed and talking about it isn't going to change anything.
4. If you don't agree with something the doctor says, tell him. If he still doesn't understand your position see someone else in the practice. If you don't go often enough to know the best doctor, ask the receptionist. The most popular doctors are the best.
5. Let your personal tutor know. They can help more than you realise.
6. If you're prescribed medication, don't stop taking them suddenly. I've done this a few times and it is horrible. The physical symptoms I can deal with but not being able to get out of bed, eat, get dressed or do anything except plan my death is awful.
I think that's all I've got for now. Let us know how you get on :)
Thankyou :) I'm still registered with the GP at home, but I don't think I'm going to be able visit home before 3 weeks so hopefully I'll go then. I think I know what Doctor I'd see, though I find them all a bit patronising tbh, but I guess I don't go often enough to know them all properly. And yeah if they suggest any treatment I think I'd opt for medication over counselling, just don't go for all that talking thing..
I know what you mean about the talking, it's not easy at all. I get depressed sometimes and find talking to friends a lot better than counsellers. Does work for some though. :) I have found that medication helps a lot.Quote:
Originally Posted by StarsOfCCTV
Hi,
First off I hope it goes well at the doctors. Have you thought of perhaps registering at the uni docs, mainly because of the fact that they may want to monitor you freuquently, especially if they prescribe you anything, but also because if they do end up making a referral, you might have issues with attending the appointments. Also, uni doctors may be more trained in specific MH areas, due to high numbers of students experiencing depression/anxiety.
As Abigail said, every doctor does it differently. My doctor at home kept monitoring me, the doctor at uni sent me straight to a specialist, so it does vary!
I will ask my friend what the doc is like that she registered with. Its not too much of a problem with me going back home if I have to because I have a car this year its just a couple of hours down one motorway to get back. I don't think the on-uni campus one is too great though, they only have advance appointments and they are always really busy whereas I think if I registered at a new one I'd want a ring up on the day surgery like the one at home just because its easier. :)
Update: Ok, u-turn.. found a GP health centre place 5 minutes away from my uni house :rolleyes:, good reputation/large practice. Just need to go and hand the forms I've printed off and filled out (aside from the nhs number, I don't know that). Easier said than done. :rolleyes:
Dr booked for this evening, at home. I hope I can actually go.. :/ I wish it wasn't this hard! Should've gone weeks ago.
You can do it, Stars, good luck xxx
Good luck Stars, you've taken the hardest step. Good luck let us know how it went
The first time is always the hardest but it does get easier. Good luck :)
Well I went. :) I got Citalopram. On the instructions though, it says it may affect driving..so may be wise to wait until after I'm back in Bristol before I start to take them (Sunday/Monday)?
I'd definitely advise that, so you can get used to taking them and see how they affect you before you have to drive again.
That's mainly because anti-depressants can cause tiredness. It's probably best to wait until you're back in Bristol to start them.Quote:
Originally Posted by StarsOfCCTV
What dose are you on?
^ Yep, I looked at the instructions, there's like 101 side effects. :lol: He said take 10mg a day for the first week them 20mg from then on and see how it goes. I have to book a follow up in about 2 weeks.
On my German ones, it has all that, then it says at the bottom 'get well soon' :lol:
I know, I take citalopram too. I think the only side effects I've had are tiredness, lack of sex drive and melancholy. I found this last night which is more detailed than the leaflet in the box.Quote:
Originally Posted by StarsOfCCTV
Can I ask, how did you go about it in your doctors appointment? I mean like how did you start off? Do you just say how youve been feeling or be more direct and say you think you may be depressed?
I said I was feeling sad and then the doctor asked more specific questions. I avoided saying I thought I was depressed, I didn't want him to think I'm one of those people who look symptoms up on the internet and think they've got some incurable disease.
Thanks
I dont really know what to do, Ive veen feeling, low, if thats the right word for quite some time, to be honest I really just dont want to go out anymore, I went to london last weekend which I had been looking forward to for months and it was great although I did have a cold and when I said bye to my mum and got on the train to come back to uni I really had to hold in the tears and then on the train I must have been crying (silently) for over an hour, I guess I just missed her but not only that cos Id been ill I just hoped that I had ruined the weekend, well not ruined but i felt like i let myself down cos Id been looking forward to it so much.
not only that but pretty much the whole term ive felt down in a sense, I judt dont want to go out anymore, nights out and stuff, I just want to stay in.
I could go on and on about other thnings but I dont want to bore you, I think I may be struggling to cope this term and I thought it was just stress but now im not so sure
Maybe im over-reacting
Hah, I just came out with it.. pull off the plaster quickly and all.
Abbie - You should go, even if you think your over-reacting its better to put your mind at rest, don't leave it for ages like I did because it may just get worse and it'll be harder to go to the Docs. x
@stars: I hope starting citalopram goes well
@abbie: no harm in going, and they may be able to help you! Good luck x
The doctor said I might feel anxious the first 3/4 days but he didn't say I'd hardly be able to leave the house let alone go to uni. :( My uni's not too strict on attendance, half the classes don't take registers and those that use them just for statistics, I think aside from practicals, but still I always feel guilty for missing classes and I don't want my lecturers thinking I'm skiving for no reason. I should probably email my tutor (although I don't know him particularly well) and ask him about any allowances I might get, or whether I could have next week off or something. Its probably better for me to be at London home at the moment..idk. I guess I'll see how I feel tomorrow. I'm still taking the pills though, so hopefully it'll get better..double dose from Sunday, yay..
If the anxiety continues you should go back and see your GP. It might be that you just don't get on with citalopram.
My tutor was really helpful when I told her. She informed all my other lecturers, helped me out with extenuating circumstances and told me not to worry about missing lectures. Its such a benefit to have them in the picture as I don't feel bad when I don't turn up to lectures or can't do group work because I don't want to talk to anyone. If you don't get along with your tutor you can ask for a different one. I'm lucky that all my lecturers are very approachable and friendly.
Thanks. Yeah, I've only been taking them since Sunday so I will give it longer. I will probably email my tutor tomorrow, I wouldn't want to change because I know my lecturers even less lol
How's it going Kasple? Has the anxiety subsided?
I've been meaning to reply to this thread, sorry. Yeah a bit, I went to the Doctor and he said I should give it a bit more time. And he gave me a new prescription to go up to the Easter holidays with 20mg tablets so I don't have to take two each day. :)
Eta: And I did email my lecturer and he's been fine and not minded that I took a bit of time off uni. :)
I'm at the doctors in an hour. I have no energy, all I've done for the past week is sleep. I feel so sad and I'm annoyed at myself because I've got deadlines coming up and I'm avoiding work. I just want to get away for a few days but I don't know where to go. Luckily my passport is out of date otherwise I'd be on a plane this afternoon to the cheapest destination.
Hope it went well at the doctor's, Abigail, and I also hope you feel better soon :)