Is this normal

So I was diagnosed with being depressed but my doctor hasn't suggest any routes to help me. I've even told them that when I get really low I consider suicide.. Is this normal? Do they diagnose you then see you again? Or..

[Hidden]

Hi

I'm sorry you are feeling depressed. You ask is this normal, but what's normal. It seems to me that what you get when you see the GP is luck, some are brilliant and some are not so good, also there does seem to be a postcode lottery.

It sounds as though you were hoping for help and I wonder whether you have any thoughts as to what might be helpful for you? The GP could have offered you medication, I don't know if he did but certainly he should have discussed with you what you would find helpful. He could have referred you for counselling if you think that would be helpful, or for CBT if you are stuck in a pattern of self-destructive or isolating behaviours, or even for psychotherapy if you feel your problems are long term and go back to much earlier difficulties. However my experience with GPs is that you will be offered the most cost effective and speedy option first, that is medication, unless you know you would like to have some other form of treatment and ask for it. Sometimes I've found I have to push for a referral but usually if I do it tactfully the GP is more than willing to consider and discuss the matter.

Mind is a really good source of support in most local areas as it's possible to get help whilst also offering help which aids recovery, also Samaritans for those really low moments when there's no one else to turn to. If your problems relate to specific problems like drug or alcohol misuse, or domestic violence or sexual abuse there are lots of support groups around.

If you have any idea why you are depressed then people on the website will be able to offer more specific advice about routes to help as we've all been there.

Suexx

[health8ay34i]

Hi there,

I've just been given Prozac today to deal with my depression.

With my experience I was diagnosed with major depression and anxiety after having previous counselling sessions and stumbling in on the Doctor in a complete mess... I've hid my depression for 3 years now and finally have stepped up to make a difference because I'm so fed up of how rubbish I've been feeling.

My GP has recommended pyschotherapy and CBT to me and is willing to give me a referral. I'm surprised that not much has been done by your GP, how long was your appointment with him/her? They may need to run additional tests such as blood and urine tests (so I've heard) just to make sure there's nothing else causing your unhappiness.

It's important that they do the right thing for you because medication is a serious matter and the last thing they would want to do is make things worse for you and prescribe you a drug that can harm you depending on your levels of depression.

don't worry! I'm sure your GP will come to a conclusions soon enough once you visit him/her again to ask for advice, they can't deny you advice on therapy and medication.

I hope things work out for you and well I'm on my own trip now to getting better and I can tell you that right now I am happy that i've made a move and didn't leave this problem out there for much longer - please do the same and get help ASAP.

X

[missrat]

I'm sorry your GP wasn't helpful and hope when you visit again you can really discuss things. In the meantime, it would be good to talk to NHS Direct, and the MIND and Royal College of Psychiatrists have good leaflets etc.

It's good to have a list of helplines for when you are feeling suicidal - the Samaritans and, depending where you live, there may be a local helpline such as Mental Health Matters

Ann x