clinical depression?

Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Registered: 12-31-1969
clinical depression?
2
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 8:03pm
Hi, I'm new here. I've been experiencing depression off and on since I was 14. I'm 35 now. Sometimes I can go for a year without feeling it and sometimes I feel depressed for an entire year or more. Although things aren't nearly as bad now, last year was one of the worst. I thought about death every day. I"ve never been officially diagnosed although I"ve gone to psychotherapy off and on for the past two years. I'm concerned about being officially diagnosed because of the stigma attached and also because my health insurance won't cover psychological treatment or disorders (I've paid for all my therapy out of pocket).

I'm wondering if what I have experienced sounds like clinical depression, and also what being "officially" diagnosed can do for me. I've been trying to treat myself with St. John's wort but don't always remember to take it, and am wondering if I can get a doctor to give me a more effective dosage regimen. I don't want to do prozac except as a last resort. Can anyone give me advice?

Thank you!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to:
Fri, 10-08-2004 - 5:28pm
Hi mizdiana - it sounds to me like you would benefit from a psyciatrist's evaluation. I was really resistant to medication - there are many to chose from besides prozac. But a professional can take a look at your symptoms and really asses where you are. It can be so hard trying to self-diagnos - not saying that you're doing that, but I think it's better to have a concrete answer than to continue guessing.

As for the stigma - we are here to support you, and thankfully with continued education more awareness about depression is coming around and you'd be surprised the more people you talk to the more you'll find that people you know have been depressed or know someone.

I am in my second round of depression. I'm 37 and have 4 children - it may or may not be a post partum thing. The first one was 7 years ago, and after I came out of it I had a better understanding of myself. I am VERY discouraged that I have to go through it again, but I now at least understand the illness better.

Last - regarding your insurance- have your doctor double check with your carrier because in California where I live it's state law that if you're diagnosed with a condition then it should be covered. Just a thought - there might be a loop hole you don't know about.

Hope this helps - love, hugs, SUPPORT! - Jenny

Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
In reply to:
Fri, 10-08-2004 - 6:00pm
Thanks for the advice. How would I go about getting a psychiatric evaluation...get a referral from a GP? Just curious.

Thanks again for your support.