When is it depression?

[mschanandlerbong]

Mostly lurker here, but looking for some advice. Lately I have been feeling terrible. Constantly stressed out, tired all the time, I struggle to make it through the day. All I want to do is crawl into bed and just avoid the world. I cry a few times a week, when I never used to cry at all. There's more but I don't want this to turn into a novel. My question is when do you know you need to see a professional? I've been feeling like this for a few months now, and I've never felt so low. Depression runs in my family, both my dad and brother are on medication. 

I did recently buy a light therapy box, since I live in the north and work in a windowless office, and have started forcing myself to exercise more. Should I wait until those start helping before I see a doctor? 

I don't know what I'm really looking for here, but any words of advice you may have would be appreciated. I'm just tired of constantly feeling so terrible.

[angelaa73]

Go to the doctor now.

[margotmacomber]

Struggling ever day, wanting to stay in bed all day...that's enough to be depression.  

[mudslide]

Sounds like depression to me. Get help before it gets worse.

[chalupabatman]

Go see a doctor. It is amazing how the right meds can make you feel like yourself again.

[UMaineTeach]

I would talk to your doctor. She'll ask you questions and make a diagnosis. She might not even do an Rx, but can suggest other things like the exercise and the light box or refer you to a therapist.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64063/

[ginger]

So do you want to feel REALLY good about yourself, or do just just want a boost to get your butt to the doctor?

Go to your doctor. PCP is fine if wait times for a psych are too long. Every Psych I've had has said PCPs are just fine for single medications, but when you have to start layering, it's time for a Psych.

Feel better.

Are you having any suicidal ideations? Not necessarily wanting to act anything out, but kind of unintentionally visualizing yourself dying in certain situations?

Then my answer is see your doctor tomorrow.

[ginger]

Feb 5, 2013 19:34:57 GMT -5 @cse1960 said:

I know what you mean about struggling every day. If you cannot bring yourself to talk to your dr, try taking Vitamin D and magnesium. I take 500 units of magnesium and 5000 units of Vitamin D 3 every day and these have really, really helped improve that feeling, of wishing I could just stay in bed and not get up, not return calls, not do anything at all, just withdraw.

Sue sue. I know you meant for this to be helpful, but if someone is truly, and deeply, in the pit of depression, vitamins are probably not going to help. It might prolong a visit to the doctor though so that they get worse in that time and do something permanently stupid.

[mschanandlerbong]

Thank you for the kick in the butt. I will go to the doctor. Should I go to a regular doctor, or specifically a mental health practitioner? I don't currently have a PCP so either would be a new doctor to me.

[ginger]

Are you in the states?

If so, you will probably have to wait 2 to 3 months to see a Psych, and you probably shouldn't wait that long.

I'd start with a new PCP and get on a cancellation list for a good psych.

If you trust me and want me to look, I have Angie's list and can send you you're highly-rated doctors and psychs in your area.

[mschanandlerbong]

ginger - thanks. I have angie's list too, but it slipped my mind until you said it. I checked and there's not too many psychs around here with any ratings. I'll call around to see if there are any upcoming openings, and if not, schedule with a pcp.

[ginger]

Good luck finding someone quickly. That's usually the biggest hurdle. You'll be great.