Finally getting help (depression?)

Welshgal · Jun 7, 2021

Hi all,
hopefully this is an okay place to post but I just wanted a place to let out my thoughts and worries. And of course open up the conversation to others who might are in similar situations.

I‘ve been dealing with very bad/sad moods for quite a while now, within the last 18 months or so I have also been sleeping an extreme amount and there‘s days/weeks were I feel completely lost and demotivated and detached from everbody and everything.
For the last 12 months I‘ve been told it‘s normal to feel this way because of the pandemic but I think there is more to it.

I have finally decided to go to my GP first thing tomorrow and have arranged for my dad to drive me there so there is no going back now.

The final straw was that after my second dose of the covid vaccine on thursday I have been exhausted to the point of not being able to stay awake for more then 2-3 hours. Therefore I have not been able to do any work for uni and it has made me spiral into one of my lows.

I‘m absolutely terrified about going even though my doc is super empathetic and really takes his time with every patient so I know I‘m in good hands.

My question now is what do I say? Do I just list my symptoms? Tell a whole story? Request blood work? Do I voice concerns about depression, thyroid issues or just let him do the diagnosing?

Would really appreciate some advice

Catwoman · Jun 7, 2021

Firstly, I'm sorry you're feeling this way and just because many of us feel this way doesn't mean you have to expect or put up with things. That's a long time for you to suffer and feel this way. There is help out there and you're doing the right thing by seeking help, sounds as if you have a good relationship with your GP, please do not be terrified. You have also considered a few options other than depression which is reasonable for you to expect your GP to investigate. I'm no doctor but the symptoms you describe can be linked to many other things, diabetes, thyroid problems as well as emotional and mental health issues. Medication you may be on can also affect you, your hormones, the pill or medication for pain relief etc. There is no doubt though that the pandemic has affected people in so many ways and for many it's only becoming apparent now or has heightened existing problems.
The best advice I can give is write down a list of your symptoms, how you feel day to day, what you struggle with however small you feel they are, they all could be relevant. Note any family history also if your GP doesn't have this. Be open and honest, don't put up a front but you may need more than one consultation. Tests may take a few weeks and if suggested you are suffering from depression any medication could also take a number of weeks to work, so don't give up if there's no immediate improvement. Find joy and reassurance in simple pleasures, something away from your studies and study space if possible. Outside ideally, set yourself mini, daily goals. On bad days even if its to get up washed and dressed. Yoga or meditation are also highly recommended if you are struggling to get good, quality sleep or have anxious episodes and can be found free on you tube. Anything you get enjoyment from but put no pressure on yourself. Journalling also helps many. I hope you've family or friends you can get support from. Good luck with your appointment. Take care.

Sally1993 · Jun 7, 2021

Just explain how you feel. Your GP will do a little quiz and ask you a series of questions. You get a numbered score and they tell you whether you’re depressed or not and how severely. They will let you know what you can do next.

I was diagnosed with moderate depression and started medication. They recommended counselling but I sought private counselling because I didn’t want to wait for the NHS.

Please don’t be nervous. It might feel like a weight off your shoulders to confront it.

Edited to say - good luck x

Grannytakesatrip · Jun 8, 2021

I wrote down a list of everything I wanted to say before I went. My GP was very understanding and knew the only reason I was coming to her was for help. I’ve been referred to CBT and have been put on a course on anti depressants. I feel a lot better in myself now after being on the anti depressants for 6 weeks

Welshgal · Jun 8, 2021

Thank you all!

Reading through your responses while waiting has helped me stay calm.

I‘m back home now. My GP was very understanding and decided because of my symptoms and family history to take blood for a physical check. He said it‘s most likely a thyroid issue which can cause depression-like symptoms.
I’m getting the results tomorrow and have also been giving an appointment for a sonogram but that isn’t until the end of June.

Feeling torn between being reliefed that I finally got help and scared about a possible diagnosis and having to take pills forever.

Catwoman · Jun 8, 2021

Welshgal said:
Thank you all! Reading through your responses while waiting has helped me stay calm.

I‘m back home now. My GP was very understanding and decided because of my symptoms and family history to take blood for a physical check. He said it‘s most likely a thyroid issue which can cause depression-like symptoms.
I’m getting the results tomorrow and have also been giving an appointment for a sonogram but that isn’t until the end of June.

Feeling torn between being reliefed that I finally got help and scared about a possible diagnosis and having to take pills forever.

I've been thinking about you! I'm so glad you had a positive appointment and your GP sounds brilliant being so proactive about other investigations. Things are moving positively that's the main thing and as soon as you get to the bottom of things the sooner you can get treatment and begin to feel well again.

Please don't worry about medication for thyroid, personally I've had no issues at all and if it's the case there's an issue (I'm presuming the doctor is investigating for under active thyroid?) and you need life long treatment you'll find some amazing websites and online support to share and chat over concerns (but be wary of self taught medics

). Hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Rest when you can and don't feel guilt.

ispywithmylittleeye59 · Jun 8, 2021

Well done for going to the dr

the hardest step is done! I hope the bloods help.

In addition to thyroid, low iron and b12 have caused me to have very low moods and be very lethargic. Had a round of b12 injections over the course of a year and I feel like a whole new woman!

Welshgal · Jun 9, 2021

My blood work came back and all within the normal range! It even dropped from 18 months ago which is great news.
Still going in for a sonogram to check but my Dr said we probably will just have to keep an eye on it and not go in with medication straight away.

I have however been tasked with changing my diet (I wasn’t eating ridiculously bad but definitely could reduce the weekly take away) and trying to get more active again. He suspects this might be all I need to feel more normal (plus seeing the end of the pandemic) but he has also offered to keep therapy an option which I’m glad for.

Thank you again all for your kind replies. I hope everyone is doing well

BelleAmie · Jun 9, 2021

I’m so proud of you for making the decision to see your GP, the first time you admit that something isn’t right and you need help is so difficult and you’ve done so well

It sounds like your GP has been very understanding which is fab. Keep track of how you’re feeling and hopefully the lifestyle changes will help. Don’t be afraid to go back or to seek further help if you feel it’s needed though; sometimes you have to try a few different approaches to find what works for you. Sending love x

Catwoman · Jun 9, 2021

I'm so pleased your bloods came back well. As @Bellamie has said, fingers crossed the positive lifestyle changes help, they certainly are worth trying and don't hesitate to head back to your doctor if things don't improve. Lots of love. Be good to yourself.

Catwoman · Jul 2, 2021

Heh @Welshgal just checking in with you to see how you've been?

Welshgal · Jul 2, 2021

Hey @Catwoman!

I‘ve been mostly better. My test came all back as normal and I‘ve managed to stick with somewhat of a workout routine. There are still days where I feel like I‘m on the edge of it all going south again, so I am scared this is only temporary.

Been also in contact with someone from counseling from my university but as expected they are swamped right now and can‘t help unless it‘s an emergency.

Thank you for asking.
I hope everyone else is fine too

Catwoman · Jul 2, 2021

That's great about your routine, well done! On the days your less able or feeling a bit wobbly, be kind on yourself. It's perfectly normal and it won't be an easy, quick fix. On those days, break your down into half days or more and tackle each of them, even if it's just having more rest to complete a study deadline. I'm glad you've been in touch with professional support also, these services are excellent and use them if you need to. Take care. Happy Friday