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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
Should I seek help for my depression?
Related Topics
Should I admit myself for depression? I am angry constantly and upset and feel like I just can't cope anymore.
Don't think I'm ready to do any thing drastic yet but I know it's getting more often thought about. -
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1
Agree
Emma Pinn
Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist
I'm a Clinical Psychologist who has expertise working with children, adolescents, young people, and adults in managing anxiety, depression, emotional problems, insomnia, low motivation, and … View Profile
The earlier you seek help for your depression, the better. Do not wait until you feel like doing something drastic before seeking help. I encourage you to make an appointment with a GP to start with, to discuss treatment options. Your GP may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist, or both, for treatment. Many people experience significant improvement in their mood relatively soon after starting treatment.
Best wishes for your treatment and recovery.Report this post
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1
Thanks
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
One of the bravest things that I have done in my life was to accept that I needed help from mental health professionals with my clinical depression.
As Emma has pointed out, talking with your GP is a good plan. S/he will be able to refer you to a psychiatrist, who can (if indicated) prescribe anti-depressant medication as well as to a clinical psychologist who can use other approaches (for example, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and/or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) with you.
There is good evidence that a combination of medication and those other approaches is often more effective than either is in isolation.
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jessicaHealthShare Member
I have been off meds because I wanted control of my life. It's been ten years without and I'm finding these ten years have been a downward spiral. I'm scared to fall back into that life I'm scared of needing the meds. I have three small children and I want to be THE be the best me for them which I'm doing but I feel all of that sadness and thoughts trying to resurface. Please help me
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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
Hi Jessica
I think that I can understand your unease about anti-depressant medication. A personal anecdote which I hope will help you:
A while ago my psychiatrist told me that probably I will need to be on my anti-depressant for the rest of my life. I was not exactly thrilled to hear that. My psychiatrist picked up on that and asked me this thoughtful question:
"Suppose that you had Type I diabetes - do you agree that you would need a daily dose of insulin?"
Of course I agreed.
The point that he was getting at is that some people (through no fault of their own) need insulin. Other people, again through no fault of their own, need anti-depressant medication.
I found that empowering and I hope that you will as well.
With care.
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