Recently my depression has come on really strong, so strong I finally just confessed it to my mum and we are making an appointment to the doctors.

Im so scared, petrified, terrified of starting antidepressants (that is, if she will allow it). I have all these 'what if' questions going through my head, could I just find some other way to fix this or do I really need to do this? It is going to make me worse than before? Do you want to risk side effects and withdrawal?

I really cant decide whether to go to the doctors or not, I cant just keep changing my mind. I cant seem to live like this anymore but Im going to college and moving into a flat next summer, and cant help but think maybe thats all I need, a change.

Any advice??

Dreamer

Good job for telling your mom and making a doc appt. thats a huge step! I have to say that since ur filled with the what if's ask the doc what might b given to you and research it. that way you will know what u r in for. the se's can be ruff but for the most part they r onl;y in the beginning. starting school is a big deal. see what the doc says and go from there

Hey, dreamer. If your depression is really caused by your current environment then it's possible you might feel better with a change, but the causes usually go deeper than that or aren't rooted in "place" at all. Plus, additional stresses tend to make depression worse, not better, and going to college and living on your own are both big life changes. I am on antidepressants for the second time now and I would much rather be on them than be feeling like I was feeling. I've gone through withdrawal before too and I didn't find it bad enough to even worry about.

I don't know your background. If this is just a situational depression--say, from a relationship breakup or something--then a few therapy sessions might help you feel better. But if this is a depression that has been haunting you for a while or that you can't pinpoint the cause of, antidepressants might help you regain your perspective enough that you can address what's going on with a clearer mind.

Wishing you well in whatever you decide, dreamer. Take care and keep posting!

Hi Dreamer,

Sorry to hear your depression has gotten so strong lately, but it's really good you reached out to your mom and told her this. I really would recommend you give the dr a try, you won't know if they can help unless you at least give it a go and see :) It sounds like a good idea to go, maybe even if your mom doesn't allow antid's the dr would still have some good suggestions and advice for you, so that would make it worthwhile. Best wishes for you, Belle xx

Hey Dreamer,

Good on you for making that appointment...like the others have said its a big step. I know how scared you must be...but it wont be forever, just a little part of the day. I know your probably anticipating the worst but you may be surprised at your mums response.

See how it goes, take care,
SO6

Have you try seeing a counsellor?
I think it will be helpful.

Take care

Thankyou so much for all your quick replies! They really helped me focus and calm down, Im going to go to the doctors and I think Im just going to ask if I can go on a low dose, should mean if I want to come off it it shouldnt be as bad. This depression has haunted me since I was 9 and just feels like its getting worse every year.

As for seeing a councillor, I have thought about it, but with my history of hospitals and talking to people about my problems (Yes i know its probably not the same) then I would like to leave that off for a bit if I can. Maybe try it when Im older, Ive got final exams and university to focus on so most of my days in the next....5 months will be study (That just furthered my focus on getting help lol).

Ill post when I have the results of the appointment.
Thanks again!
Dreamer

good luck. Ill be here to see what the doc says

Hi Dreamer,

I understand your struggling with deciding what to do right now.........but if you feel like you have been depressed for this long........chances are moving out and starting a new education might only make this worse........it would be running away from the cause of your depression rather than dealing with it.
I really do feel counseling would be very beneficial, especially with all the upcoming events

Take care,
SN

if youve been depressed for such a long time you should go to the doc and get meds...i know its scary but medication will make things better

I'm sure your Doc will have a good treatment plan for you to go by. But you'll need to follow and stick with it. Good luck and let us know how things turn out for you

Hi again dreamer,

Just wanted to say I hope things will go well for you, no matter what you decide, and please keep us updated and posted on your progress, best wishes for you Belle xx