Afraid to speak out

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-17-2003
Afraid to speak out
5
Wed, 01-07-2004 - 10:05pm
Hi there,

I would like some suggestions on how I should go about talking to my doctor about feelings of depression and needing medication.

I am very obviously depressed - I have dealt with it on my own before - but this time I am really deeply being affected. I am afraid to go talk to my doc about it seeing as it is such a common thing nowadays,..I dont want to feel like a hypochondriac or have her think I`m just doing it for attention.

What sort of things should I say to her to subtly suggest that is what I feel I`m dealing with here?. I dont want to use the word depression - its so common that I would feel like another one of those women who people say "Oh she thinks she`s depressed because who isnt these days?"....I`m very afraid of this label

Help please?!

Courtney

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2003
Wed, 01-07-2004 - 11:18pm
Courtney- WELCOME!!!!

I understand the fear that comes along with depression, the fear of the depression and people labeling us. What you are doing, reaching out, is very strong. Going to your doctor and telling her you are feeling down and describing how your life has been affected by your feelings and emotions will be a good move and also a strong one. Being aware you need help is a good thing. Depression is not a weakness it is a illness that can be treated. Going to your doctor to get medication will start you on your way to feeling better. That would be a positive step just like posting here was.

Maybe you need someone to talk to. Someone you can open up to about things that are going on in your life that is contributing to your depression. Depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance or environmental. Have you thought about therapy? Therapy can help us sort through the environmental things that are bothering us. It can give us a way to vent and have someone on our side without someone judging us.

I don't know why your doctor would feel you are a hypochondriac or just looking for attention. If she would feel that way than seek help from another doctor. I would talk to here about your feelings and ask her what medication would be good for you. Let her know before you begin that you are nervous about talking about what is wrong but you want her help. I am glad you came here for support. There are alot of good ladies here that will offer alot of support. Let us know how it goes at the doctors and please post anytime, before and after your doctors appointment.

I don't know if I was much help but I wanted you to know I understand and I hope you feel better!

Tina~

 
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2003
Wed, 01-07-2004 - 11:20pm
Hi Courtney,

I understand how you are feeling. It just took me two wholde days to work up the confidence to call my Employee Assistance Program!!! People I have never seen and never will see in my life, and I'm worried about what they think! HA, and this is there job...they do it everyday. I realize I was being silly now that I actually called.

It's harder when it is a physician that knows you, your family and that you know you will see agian. But, try not to worry! Physicians understand more about depression than the common person and they won't be judging you. I have always found them to be genuinely concerned and understanding. It's not the same stigma with them.

But, if you still don't feel comfy, then you could always just go and tell her all of your symptoms (i.e. if your tired, irritable, sleepy, not motivated) and share your concern. It is a good place to start to get a physical assessment and make sure everything is OK. Then if it is, you can either talk to her about depression if she doesn't bring it up first, or you could go to a psychiatrist with the confidence that there is nothing physically wrong and you know you need a specialist that can help you with these types of medications.

I don't know, I'm not the best to give advice lately, but this is what I think. I'm sure the other ladies can share a lot with you. All in all, although I know it's hard, try not to worry about what others are thinking. The most important thing is you and that you get to feeling better.

Many hugs, take care of yourself and let us know how it goes.

J

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-18-2007
Thu, 01-08-2004 - 12:20am

Welcome, (((((((Courtney)))))))!

 

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CL-ladybug987

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Thu, 01-08-2004 - 12:57am

Welcome Courtney,


This is a great place to share your thoughts and feelings and we love to have new people join us.

Avatar for hulagirl_leilani
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
Thu, 01-08-2004 - 1:00am
Talk from the heart. Tell her how you feel... like you have a hard time getting out of bed to face the day or ya don't want to talk to any one and all you want to do is cry tell her if it is true that it is not PMS ya feel these feelings every day of your life. Tell her the thoughts in your head and how tired you are and ya want to stay in bed all day with the covers over your head. This is what I do with my doctor and I don't have to say the "d" word at all and he medicates me. Plus I am usually hysterical by the time I see the poor doc.

Write the horrible thoughts you have in your head down on paper and then rewrite them and put it in a way in which she won't lock ya up in a pyscho ward. I think you can't loose if you always describe your feelings exactly the way they are from the minute you get out of bed or don't get out of bed to the time you go to sleep. And if you can't sleep or sleep all the time tell her.

Aloha,

Lei