how do i ask my doctor about depression without upsetting my dad?!


Question: How do i ask my doctor about depression without upsetting my dad?
i am having a blood test tomorrow as i have been off school for 2 weeks cause i am just so lethargic. i am pretty sure i have depression and i talked to my mom about it just now but she doubts it. but i havent told the doc yet and i went on friday.

i was just wondering how to bring it up without it being awkward as my dad will be there and we arent a "share your feelings" type of family. i have a really big family history of it.

thanks xx

Answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

A good doctor will recognise clinical depression when he sees it.
Therefore best advice is, not to mention the word "depression" but instead make sure that you tell him all the symptoms that you are experiencing and then he may make a diagnosis if he believes you have the symptoms of depression.

Make sure that you explain in detail about your letargy, for example. Also mention any aches, pains, lack of sleep, loss of energy, motivation, worries etc etc. They are all symptoms of depression. (I hope it goes well!)



At your age the doctor should be asking you if you would like your father to stay in the room or leave while you talk. At 16 you are perfectly old enough to talk with your doctor in private. Can you call the doctors office ahead of time and let them know you would like to speak with the doctor in private ? They could then get the message to the doctor and hopefully coordinate it so your father can give you and the doctor some private time to talk. Good luck to you and please if this doesn't work, maybe talk to a school counselor or nurse, maybe they can help also.

Worked in pediatrics



Is there any way that just you and the doc can be alone? I don't know your age, but when my kids turned 13, our family doctor told me to stay in the waiting room! He said that if I had any concerns, to send them via a note to him when the kids went for their check ups. Actually, that worked out quite well!

"Depression" is a term that is thrown out there a lot. It can mean anything from full-blown clinical depression to just being tired of your routine and bored. Your feelings need to be examined to determine if your are really suffering from 'clinical depression.'

Maybe you can slip the doc a note that you want to talk to him/her 'one on one.' You really need to pursue this.



Be as honest as you can and tell the doctor about your lethargy and your feelings. If you don't tell him, it will get worse and worse and may lead to either suicide or drug addiction.

My own experiences.




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