Can I ask my doctor to put me on anti-depressants?

[LouLou17]

I've gone to my doctor before and they've sent me to go to councilling for my depression but it doesnt work, do you think that they will put me on anti-depressants because my depression has come back so much worse than before

[bananabread]

You can definitely ask your doctor (I have always been really nervous about it but so far I have had 4 very kind doctors who are willing to investigate anything I think is a good idea). There are lots of different ones now but the best thing to do is write a list of all your feelings so that your GP can try to pick the best one for you to try based on your needs. Some are quite sedating etc so it depends on how many responsibilities you have and how alert you need to be for them! I have been on ADs for a few years (lots of different ones) but they do take the edge off the constant sinking feeling. I hope this helps. Let us know how you get on, take care xxx

[LouLou17]

Im just scared of my doctors in general and im just worried they'll shut the door in my face or send me off to counciling which really doesnt help

[bananabread]

I completely understand, I hate ringing the docs (the receptionists seem to think they are the gate-keepers to wellness!), but if you can manage to make an appointment and get in to see a GP they are actually the kindest and most understanding of the health professionals, in my experience. They certainly will not make you feel like its a waste of their time, and often they will choose to prescribe an anti-depressant that can begin working while you wait for counselling. I wrote a little list which I just gave to my doctor explaining that I could no longer cope and needed as much help (pharmaceutical and therapeutic) as I could get. You should be asked what type of AD you think is best, usually fluoxetine or citalopram as a first point of call, and if you dont want counselling you dont have to do it. But I think almost everyone would agree that the combination of both is the best for long term recovery. Of course what you feel most comfortable with is the important thing, but I think its at least worth giving the doctor a go if you can manage it. Rethinkmentalillness website is quite good for tips on how to approach the GP, but also the other forum on here, ActionOnDepression, is a bit more active and there are some wonderfully kind and knowledgeable people on there. Good luck, my thoughts are with you xxx