how did you get diagnosed?: Hi everyone... - Anxiety and Depre...

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how did you get diagnosed?

littleorange8 profile image
16 Replies

Hi everyone, I have been feeling lonely, sad and crying almost daily now. I feel like a ghost - like I just wake up, study, eat, sleep. I was wondering whether I should get help from my family doctor about it..

One thing that has stopped me from getting help is that when I used to tell people, they’d say “you just need hobbies” or say “you don’t have ‘real’ depression” since I’ve never got a clinical diagnosis for it.

How do you get diagnosed with clinical depression? Do doctors just figure it out without you telling them, or do you have to actually tell them about how you feel first?

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littleorange8 profile image
littleorange8
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16 Replies
Agora1 profile image
Agora1

littleorange8, there is a set of written questions that many psychologists use in helping with diagnoses of depression. Of course you telling them your concerns play into it as well. It's always interesting to hear others (who don't have a clue) think that a hobbie, putting your feet up and relaxing or just snapping out of it is the answer.

Good Luck in getting some help. It could make a big difference in your life. xx

littleorange8 profile image
littleorange8 in reply toAgora1

the thing is my one friend who said that actually had depression, and he says i don’t have it because his was clinically diagnosed and i’m just “sad”

do people usually just walk in during a doctors appointment and say they think they might have depression? i’m not sure how to start the conversation with my doctor about it

Agora1 profile image
Agora1

littleorange8, it could be depression, severe anxiety or you're just bore and sad. Only the doctor can determine that and then you can start to go forward. I never had depression but had anxiety so severe that I cried daily for 3 years straight. (even in the hospital) Finding the right medication and dose plus therapy put me back on the right track. xx

kenster1 profile image
kenster1

doctors have all the information about you in front of them they know all about your health from previous.if its your first time talking about depression they will assess the situation by what you tell them.they may just say come back in a few weeks to see how you feel or give you something for it.be honest and open as you have been on here though its always the best policy.take the self help approach first though do the right things in life to make you feel better and if you still have to go back then that's fine also.dont be afraid to speak your true feelings.

MariaLove123 profile image
MariaLove123

Hi littleorange8 ☺️ I love your username. I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way. Have you ever had this in the past? You should see a psychiatrist first because they are the ones who do the diagnosis. You just tell them everything! Don’t hold back. Write them day before your appointment. Set up a session with a therapist too. This is someone you can talk to and feel safe with no judgement. Your regular doctor can do maybe a blood test to make sure everything physical is okay. And definitely share on here! There’s so much love and support. It’s really great. Keep us posted. Lots of hugs 🤗

littleorange8 profile image
littleorange8 in reply toMariaLove123

thank you maria :) i have been feeling this way ever since one year after dating my ex boyfriend (who i’ve been with for the last five years).

i think i’m partly embarrassed to get help because i know people who have depression/anxiety because of biological chemical imbalances, but meanwhile i brought this on myself by choosing to be with someone emotionally abusive (my ex would do things like threaten to sleep with girls or ignore me for days if i complained too much).

i lost contact with all my friends now and it’s so hard to deal with things alone.

MariaLove123 profile image
MariaLove123 in reply tolittleorange8

It sounds like the breakup is the real problem here. You should see a therapist about it. Mental illness is nothing to be embarrassed about and it’s not always a chemical imbalance. Trauma can cause it. Genetics too. I know breakups are hard but don’t let it take away your life. Maybe get involved with the gym or your job. How old are you? And it’s never your fault getting into a bad relationship. So many people go through things and blame themselves when it’s just a life lesson. You’re going to be okay. Remember that you are strong and no relationship is going to ruin your life! Spend time with friends, ones who are supportive and love you unconditionally ❤️☺️

Krissyann profile image
Krissyann in reply tolittleorange8

Oh, Littleorange- You certainly did not bring any of this on yourself.....not the abuse and not the mental illness. You did not cause someone to abuse you, that is their issue and not your fault. And as for the mental illness, you are not at fault for that either if that is what you are diagnosed with. Please don’t be embarrassed. We are here for you. It’s an awesome group. And please don’t give up hope on finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, as it takes a while to find a good fit sometimes. I remember years ago when I finally mentioned to my primary physician that I thought I was depressed and he said oh no, he didn’t think so. He was oh, so wrong. You know yourself and how you feel. Believe in yourself and what you feel.

Sending hugs. 😍

littleorange8 profile image
littleorange8

does anyone have time to talk? i’m feeling really helpless right now

You are not alone. I feel like that many times. Im sorry you are going through that. I first went through my primary doctor and they prescribed an antidepressant or therapy. But these days, Some people go Nurse practitioners or psychiatrist,psychologist instead. There is a difference between feeling depressed and having depression. Only a professional with credentials can establish a diagnosis like that. Either way I would definitely reach out and get help. I don’t know how long you been feeling this way. And there may be reason or not. You need to take care of you is crucial. Please do. I wish people didn’t have to suffer, I dont wish it on anyone

wildhoney1214 profile image
wildhoney1214

Hey hope all is ok. I understand how you feel and you should see a therapist. I was in bad shape a few months ago with very bad anxiety and my therapist helped me immensely. Remember you are not alone. There are so many resources and helpful sites online. One of the biggest things that helped me is meditation. It calms you and can literally change your negative thoughts. Good luck to you!

littleorange8 profile image
littleorange8 in reply towildhoney1214

thank you ☺️

littleorange8 profile image
littleorange8

thank you that was very helpful insight and exactly what i wanted to know :)

Sandyxoxx profile image
Sandyxoxx

Hi I'm kinda new . Yes you tell them how you feel. Also what's going on in your life and important, I think is how it changed, examples ; death in family,break up,anything that you could think of that is different n changing the way you use to be . Hope that helped .

Sandyxoxx profile image
Sandyxoxx in reply toSandyxoxx

Just to let you know about me, it was a when my mom passed and I was losing my house ,plus my husband of 14 yrs with 2 beautiful children from him . My life changed , that's when I lose control,not sleeping, lost weight, pain attacks,anxiety, and that was not me ,crying all the time !

Sandyxoxx profile image
Sandyxoxx in reply toSandyxoxx

Opsy * panic attacks ,yes very painful.

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