How do I tell a doctor that I'm depressed?!
Question: I've been dealing with depression my entire life and I've been desperate for help for a long time but it's only now that I have the ability to go to see a doctor. My parents don't take my problems seriously and I am afraid that if I go to the doctor he won't take them serious either. I am afraid he won't think there is anything wrong with me and that I wont be able to get any help.
I've never had a regular doctor before and don't know anyone who does have a regular doctor. I want to make a doctor appointment but I am afraid of telling anyone that I need help. So my question is, what am I supposed to say to the doctor when I go in for my appointment?
Answers: I've been dealing with depression my entire life and I've been desperate for help for a long time but it's only now that I have the ability to go to see a doctor. My parents don't take my problems seriously and I am afraid that if I go to the doctor he won't take them serious either. I am afraid he won't think there is anything wrong with me and that I wont be able to get any help.
I've never had a regular doctor before and don't know anyone who does have a regular doctor. I want to make a doctor appointment but I am afraid of telling anyone that I need help. So my question is, what am I supposed to say to the doctor when I go in for my appointment?
Just tell him or her how you feel. If you that feels kinda weird or uncomfortable to talk about how you feel with the doc, try thinking of your feelings as you symptoms. Depression is a real illness with real medical symptoms that just happen to be with emotions. It is really no different then going in and listing more physical symptoms when you have the flu (like runny nose, cough etc). There is no shame it having depression just like there is no shame in having the flu. Society seems to have a sort of stigma about mental illness, but that is starting to change.
Try not to be afraid whether or not he will take you seriously. If he is a good doctor and recognizes that depression is a medical illness and not just being moody, he will take you seriously. The worst that can happen is that he doesn't, and then you end up right back where you are now. So go ask for help. and Keep asking until you get it. There is no reason you have to feel this way when there is plenty of ways to make it better.
Just tell him/her how you feel and he'll now what to do
Hey doc, I'm depressed. Got any anti-depressants for me?
just tell him that you are having problems with depression, you might want to try other methods to cure it first before you take drugs. because drugs have side effects
You say "I'm depressed, can you help me?"
It seems simple in writing, but it's very hard to do. You feel stupid. You feel like no one is going to care, or take your problem seriously. But they will....trust me.
I've been where you are...just speak up, it doesn't even matter what you say.
see if you can get a pshychiatrist. they will understand you. thats their job. if you cant then tell the doctor straight up your dpressed. if he laughs then hes not a doctor. or not a good one
tell the doctor your chronically depressed and severely suicidal and your not leaving the hopsital until you get help.
You just tell him/her that you've been dealing with emotional issues for a long time and you are curious about the help you could find. The doctor may recommend seeking the help of a therapist or just prescribe medication. Going to see a psychiatrist could be helpful because they deal with both medication and therapy. I think the most important thing to remember is that doctors deal with huge, embarrassing, and life threatening issues everyday and won't be surprised by your problem. This is their job, to take care of you.
So you don't have a PCP (primary care physician? ) If you go to a regular PCP say this:
"I think I may have a serious problem with depression. I've been feeling this way for a while now. Can you refer me to a Psychologist?"
Otherwise make your own appt for a shrink consultation and just lay all the cards out on the table. It's not like they haven't heard it before. And they should be able to access the situation as to whether or not you need just therapy, or anti-depressants.
Tell them exactly what you said in your first paragraph there. They are professionals, and they are there to help.
You could also talk to a school guidance counselor. They will be able to find ways for you to get help.
On a side note - since you seem young I'd try and stay away from meds unless it's absolutely necessary. Talk therapy and other types of non-medical therapy are available (and natural). There have been so many problems with young people and anti-depressant meds and I hate the idea.
Just say, "Doctor, I'm depressed."
At that point, the ball will be in his court, so to speak, and he will lead the interview from there.
Explain how you are feeling and that you need him to keep your depression confidential and not tell your parents.
It could be tricky getting meds if you can't tell them, but you'll work something out together.
Any primary care doctor or even an emergency room doc can help with that.
Do you have a school counselor or a teacher you trust who could help you? Some caring adult who would keep your concerns confidential?
Just do it. They have heard it before and if this is a good Dr. he or she will take you seriously. Call a hospital and ask for the name of the Dr who heads their psychology dept. Then call that Dr. and make an appt.
Doctors have a questionnaire that they can give you. Inform you doctor you fell depressed more often that you think you should and could you maybe look at the questions/symptoms for depression. It is best to be very honest and open about it other wise you could be misdiagnosed.
let them know how long you have felt depressed, what your own signs are that lead you to believe its depression.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publicati...
has a list about 1/2 way down of symptoms. find how many fit you and take the list to the doctor.
If you are still young 13-20 here is a list of depression in teens
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depressi...
even if you aren't that young you might have had those symptoms in that age range.
Also tell him how these symptoms impact your life, motivation, relationship, productivity with work/school
A capable physician will read the history you submit in the privacy of his office. In that history you may describe your condition and symptoms. He will then ask further questions and make recommendations or prescribe a medication.
I would recommend that you seek out a support group and see if you can get your symptoms sorted out before you have to commit to an MD visit.
Just come straight out and tell him what you are feeling. There are specific symptoms for depression but he may want to run different tests ie: blood tests to determine if what you are suffering is really depression which today is curable. Don't wait, and don't be embarrased to talk to him or her.