Hi,

I’m 29 and first got mild depression at 20. I have never done anything about it as I felt ‘silly’ and that people will judge me. I’ve have got to the stage now that I really do not know what to do, I’m so unhappy..
Over the last few years it just feels like one thing after another but I’ve got to the point where I’ve got to do something but not sure what!
I have thought about going to the doctors a 100 times but just can’t bring myself to make the appointment. I think this is because I scared as I don’t know what will happen next. Please can someone give me some advice or tell me what happened when they went to the doctors????

Dear Sarah, I was just talking to a gentleman tonight about him going to the doctor for the first time when he was depressed.  He couldn’t wait to see the doctor as he thought he was going mad.  He had to wait two days to see the doctor and said that it was such a great experience as he was understanding, sympathetic and made him feel that he wasn’t a ‘freak’ (his word).  Doctors are very used to seeing people these days with depression as unfortunately many many people are suffering from depression.  Please do go to your doctor Sarah and if the doctor you see isn’t understanding and sympathetic, ask to see another.  You will feel supported and not alone.  There are lots of support groups these days in most communities that you can find out about at your GP surgery or local library or local paper.  The Depression Alliance has weekly support group meetings in most towns that I used to find a great support when I was feeling well enough to go out to them.  Please don’t suffer in silence.  It often helps to talk to someone about it.  We are always here too if you want to talk about it online.  Take care Sarah.  Best wishes, Helen

Hi Sarah, my name’s Will.  I started feeling very depressed at work a couple of years ago and went to see my doctor simply to be signed off for a couple of weeks as I needed a break.  He was great.  He was understanding.  The doctor said that I was suffering from depression and signed me off work.  I ended up taking 8 weeks off in total and felt so much better for it.  If I hadn’t gone to the doctor I don’t know where I’d be now as I just didn’t feel I could go on.  Having someone tell me that there was something wrong with me, what was wrong with me and telling me what I could do about it helped me tremendously.  I’d go as far as to say it saved me.  He gave me some antidepressant tablets which I didn’t actually end up taking but I knew I had them if I felt I did need them.  So I only had good experiences of going to my doctor Sarah.  Take care and I would definitely recommend you go to the doc.  Will

Thank you both for your replies, it helps so much knowing people are listening to you.
Will, if you don’t mind may i ask what help the doctor gave you?
You say he signed you off work and that you didn’t take the antidepressant tablets so how did you get through this?

Sorry for late reply Sarah. I don’t check my computer very often.  Going to see my doctor and talking to someone about how I was feeling and him telling me it was ok to take time off work helped me to take the time out that I really needed without feeling guilty. I was so stressed and so depressed I just needed to take a step back and look at things from a distance rather than fighting to get through every day.  Don’t get me wrong, I would have taken the antidepressants if I’d needed to.  I just decided to give myself a few weeks breathing space before I did anything, made any decisions or anything important.  Hope you’re doin ok Sarah.  Will

Hi Sarah, I was wondering how you are and if you think you may go to see your GP either on your own or with someone else to support you?  Thinking of you.  Helen

Hi Sarah, I felt I was losing control and going mad for want of another word, I was lucky that my husband went to the docs with me. He told me to come back in 2 weeks just to make sure I wasn’t just on a downer. When I went back he gave me medication and reffered me to a councellor. I didnt take the pills at first as I was afraid they would make me like a zombie. I also wouldnt take time off work as I felt stupid, but then everything suddenly got on top of me and I went home in tears, straight back to the doc s who gave me a sicknote and I started taking the pills. I am still off 6 weeks later but I have realised that I am not stupid I have an illness and though I still have very bad days I know I will get well it just takes time. My doc has been great very understanding. I hope this helps and is not to long winded. It is good to talk. I would love to go to a selfhelp group but I cannot find one in my area, but I find this group very helpful. Good luck Aprille xx

Hi Sarah, just wondering how you are.  Not here to lecture and preach about going to the doc.  I beleive we have to do what’s right for us when it’s right time for us.  Just to let you know we’re here.  Best, Will

Hi Aprille, just read your post here saying that your doc has been great and understanding.  I’m so pleased about that.  Mine was great too.  Hope you’re doing ok.  Will

Hi Sarah, just to echo what Will says, We are all here for you xx

Hi Will, Had a couple of off days , but today has not been too bad so that is good. I hope you and your partner are doing ok. My doc has to be one of the best I have to admit. xx

Hi Aprille, glad you had a couple of days off.  Did you watch any of the Jubilee?  Seeing everyone so happy and united really lifted me like I wouldn’t have believed.  My partner’s having a rough time at the moment but felt better too watching the celebrations.  Anyway, have a good week.  Will

Hi Sarah, hope the Jubilee celebrations had an uplifting effect on you too this weekend.  My partner has been feeling very down for a few weeks but watching the celebrations on the TV and going for a walk amongst the bunting managed to lift her mood at the weekend.  As I say, I hope it did the same for you.  Hoping you’re ok and sending you good wishes. Willl

You don’t have to be scared at the doctor. The help from doctors is crucial to overcome depression, so think that you can only get better. Of course it is important to have your family and friends support, but it is very difficult to get through depression without professional help. Anyway, there are some self-help techniques that can be helpful. Exercise is a good technique, so if you feel like doing some exercise, you can take a look at it: http://www.haveigotaproblem.com/download/23/Self-Help-Exercise

Good luck

Hi Sarah, been thinking about you.  How are you doing?  Will