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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Do i have depression?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health Suicide Prevention
    i believe i do, because i have thoughts of wanting to kill myself and that everyone around me hates me, and i hate them, and im so angry and sad all the time. i asked my foster mom about depressants and she said i would have to go back to counselling, and how they wouldn't make the feelings go away, i just get so frustrated. i feel like she doesnt even want to help me. i also never talked in counselling to begin with. I can't talk about what makes me sad because its not a specific thing.. im just sad. and angry, so angry. because i dont know why, im like this. if that makes any sense..i've felt like this since my mom died 6 years ago,
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    • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith
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    Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    I think that it would be a good idea if you talked with a GP who has experience in working with people who have mental health issues: the beyondblue Web site, http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?, is searchable for such folk.
     
    A experienced GP will be able to draw up a “Mental Health Care Plan” with you. That will entitle you to a number of Medicare-subsidised sessions with mental health professionals (eg, a psychiatrist who can, if indicated, prescribe anti-depressant medication and/or a clinical psychologist who can work with you using non-pharmaceutical approaches - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are often highly effective for people with depression).
     
    As far as your suicidal ideation is concerned, I have been in that dark place, though not recently.
     
    One thing which my clinical psychologist has stressed is that if somebody is experiencing suicidal ideation *and* has worked out a detailed plan/method then the *only* thing that matters is that they are in a safe place.
     
    If that ever applies to you please go *immediately* to A&E of your nearest hospital. There will be health professionals there who can help you.
     
    All the best.

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