Best way to bring up depression with your doctor?
I have not been clinically diagnosed with depression, but there is something going on. I have been dealing with this mostly on my own (I talk with a friend every so often), but I cannot shake the suicidal thoughts. I think it is time I talked with my doctor, but I do not know how to bring the subject up. Any suggestions?
It depends in part on what you are afraid of in relation to bringing it up. Are you afraid that you won't be believed? If so, you might want to keep some sort of record for a week or two before going to the doctor of all the depressive symptoms you're experiencing, when, and how intensely, so that you can refer to it when describing the symptoms.
Are you afraid of being overly believed and having the doctor freak out? In that case, you may want to focus on your lack of desire/plan to commit suicide (assuming of course that you don't want to - if you do, please talk to someone sooner rather than later!)
Are you open to being prescribed medication? Are you hoping for a referral to a therapist or a list of lifestyle changes you can make that might help? Thinking about your answers to these questions may help you work out what you want to say.
In general, the easiest way to bring it up might be to tell them when they ask what brings you in or if you have any new problems, to just say something like "I think I have depression" and if need be start talking about the symptoms you've noticed.
Thank you. I have just never really brought it up to people before. The friend I mentioned approached me about it. I will keep those questions in mind when I plan my visit.
If anything as your doctor for therapist recommendations. That way you can talk to someone who understands. Doctors arntreally trained in mental health. And they could get you the right medication if need be. And help with your thoughts.
That is mainly what I was going to talk to them about, see if they can make any sence of things and hopfully have some sugestions on where to go if they cant.I want to avoid medication if I can.
