Doctor - What to Expect?

[twk.]

Hi, my mother recently asked if i would consider seeing a doctor about my 'depression' when i go home next, i was just wondering what a doctor would be likely to do if i admitted i was depressed? Whats the usual course of questions/actions? I thought i saw a thread about this a while ago but i can't find it or remember what it was titled.

Thanks in Advance.

[Through-Glass]

Hey there,

When I called my doctor about my depression, I was directly refered to a counselor for psychotherapy, as I was also struggling with self-harm. However, some doctors will ask you to come in, and prescribe medication. This all depends upon the severity and nature of your depression and what your individual needs are.

A lot of it will depend on what YOU want to happen; as you are eighteen, you have control over your health care. Talk to your doctor about what you would like to happen to combat your depression, and ask any questions you may have about the treatment options or the depression itself. You may find it helpful to make a list of everything you'd like to say/ask.

Take care. If you'd ever like to talk, I'm here.

[*Rainbow*Rider*]

I live in England, so things may be a bit different here.

I was fill in a survey. It was had a load of questions and you had to rate each one from 'always' to 'rarely'. This survey is meant to sum up how depressed you are (I know it sounds stupid, but meh).

The school nurse (who became more of a mother/friend to me then the school nurse) had already got in contact with my doctor (with my permission) and my head master as well about my depression/bulemia/self harm. With these two things, and my survey, I got sent straight to an NHS counciller for children. I was with this councillor for about....4 years? It helped so much.

[Prozac]

As I was under eighteen when I visited my doctor and I'm in England, it'll most probably be different than what it was for you. I visited my doctor, handed over a list of 'symptoms' that I had (I found that easier than talking) then the doctor asked me a few questions to confirm what I'd put on the sheet. He asked me general questions in regards to depression (Do you enjoy activities? Are you crying a lot? Feeling hopeless? etc.) and then referred me to the mental health services.
However, when my father went for his depression I believe he had to fill in a questionnaire sheet and was prescribed anti-depressants at his first appointment. I'd imagine it'd be similar for you, as he is an adult.

Take care.

[twk.]

Thanks guys for your quick responses. (:

[Alexx]

I'm in England, too. I went to the doctor, and told her about my depression and anxiety, although didn't go into too much detail. She set me up with a gateway worker (I guess as I didn't appear to be a threat to myself, there was more time to set me up with the gateway worker rather than send me straight to some form of therapy).
I then met him about a week later, and we spoke in detail about the problems I've been having, and decided the best course for me to take. He didn't want to prescribe meds because he wanted to try and fix the source of the problem, so I've been seeing a counselor instead.

I hope that helps Feel free to ask any questions.
I hope your doctor visit helps!

[twk.]

i don't think i'll end up seeing anyone

[MaggzB]

my parents found out about my depression and my previous SH they brought me to the ER and i was in their for 8 hours making sure there was no subtance abuse or anything like that then i was moved to the psych ward or also called the loony bin roflmao and from there i went threw a mental evaluation where i told them about my SH and the suicide attempt that had brought me there. i was treated as an outpatient and went to therapy for a year and i just finished my therapy a week ago and i feel great it has helped soo much. I would suggest it for anyone struggline wtih depression or even just stress. any thing else u wanna know pm me