Members,

Most people are a little uncomfortable about speaking to their doctor or health care professional about depression or anxiety. Sometimes people are intimidated by their doctor's training and knowledge. Sometimes people feel that their doctor is too busy to listen.

Other people don't want to bother their doctor with a problem that is "too small" or "too silly." Most people are embarrassed to admit that they have a problem with depression and some feel that if they have to get help for depression, then they must be "weak," "defective" or "broken." For all of these reasons, and more, people often decide to avoid talking to their doctor about important health problems. In fact, many people walk away from their doctor's office without having talked to their doctor about what they really intended to talk about.

You may be nervous or uncomfortable about discussing your depressive/anxious symptoms with your doctor. Your anxiety about talking to your doctor may also prevent you from getting the help you need.

Some people might have grown up thinking that if they get depressed or anxious they should just "snap out of it" or "tough it out," so they become embarrassed to bring it up. But now we know that major depression and panic disorder are serious mental health problems that results in much pain, suffering, lost opportunity, and many long-term effects on your physical health and personal relationships. Your doctor knows that depression and panic are serious problems.

When you start getting anxious about discussing your depression or panic with your doctor, remember these facts:

-Your doctor is not too busy to listen to your concerns about your health.
-Your doctor wants to help and has been trained to do so.
-Your concerns are not "too small" or "too silly"
-Depression is NOT your fault. It is NOT a sign of personal weakness
-Most people say that getting help for their depression or panic was the hardest thing they ever did. Most people also say that getting help for their depression or panic was the best thing they ever did. Talking to your doctor is the first step towards better health. Most people feel at least a little better right away, just from telling their doctor about their problem.

If you are like many others and are uncomfortable talking to your doctor about your concerns, it might help to take our Depression or Anxiety Tests, and then take your results in to your doctor.

Are you feeling nervous about talking to your doctor about your symptoms?

Matt- Health Educator

Members,

If you think you have depression, take the Depression Test on the Depression Center and share your Final Report with your family doctor. It is important to remember that the symptoms of depression can mimic a variety of medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and some viral infections. In addition, the side effects of some medications can also mimic the symptoms of depression. So, the first thing you should do is have a full medical evaluation.

Although it's important for you and your doctor talk about your physical symptoms, you should not overlook other aspects of your depression. Before your appointment with your doctor you may want to re-read your results from the Depression Test and tell your doctor anything else that you notice about your mood and other symptoms.
Information on both the physical and emotional aspects of depression can be very useful to your doctor when she/he makes a diagnosis. Depression is usually experienced as feelings of intense sadness, even hopelessness. Depression is often accompanied by an impaired ability to think, concentrate, and enjoy the normal pleasures of life. Your doctor will also want to know if you are eating more or less, or sleeping more or less than usual and if you are feeling more or less energetic than usual. If you have symptoms of bipolar disorder, make sure you tell your doctor about those symptoms too.

Many people with depression also suffer from anxiety, so be sure to make your doctor aware of these symptoms as well. If you have been drinking or using drugs to try to control your symptoms, let your doctor know about that too.

Remember: Doctor's are sworn to confidentiality, so you should feel safe when opening up to your doctor.

Once you have been properly diagnosed, your doctor - perhaps in consultation with a mental health specialist - can help you determine which treatment is best for you.

Matt- Health Educator

MDD is a serious problem. The good news is that there are many effective treatments available. In fact, over 80 % of people with MDD are eventually able to manage their depression with proper therapy or a combination of therapies. Many feel much better just weeks after starting treatment.

While bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that currently has no cure, staying on treatment, even during well times, can help keep the disease under control and reduce the chance of having recurrent, worsening episodes.

Do not let these or any other reasons stop you from getting the right kind of treatment. If you have MDD, it's very important to get help, just like you would for any serious medical illness. For example, most diabetics will do what they can to get proper medication and make required changes to their diet and lifestyle. Most people with heart problems do the same. MDD is just as serious as diabetes or heart problems, so you should do everything you can to get medical help.

Don't be discouraged from getting help by anyone who says, "It's nothing to worry about," "It's just stress," "It's all in your head," "Snap out of it," or "Get over it." While the person may mean well, the fact is that people who have not had depression often have trouble understanding how serious the problem is.

Some Common Reasons for Not Seeking Help
-People manage to convince themselves that their depression isn't serious
-People think that their depression is their "personality"
-People often feel embarrassed about talking about depression and anxiety
-People often blame themselves for their problems
-Others dislike the idea of medication or therapy
-People often say that they've sought help but are frustrated because their condition was not diagnosed or treated effectively
-Do not confuse your depression with your personality. You're not a "miserable person" - you're a person with MDD, and help is available.

Are there any other reasons that may be holding you back? feel free to share your experiences

Today is World Humanitarian Day.The day honors all humanitarians who have worked in the promotion of the humanitarian cause, and those who have lost their lives in the cause of duty.

In a more general sense, this day is one to celebrate People helping People around the globe.

So take a chance today or sometime in the future to help someone in need.
Whether big or small, your contribution to the people of the world is welcome.

To see more, http://www.un.org/en/events/humanitarianday

Hi Paul74,

 

No need to apologize as you have come to the right place.

On our forums you will find support, information, and a place you can share ideas and gain insight on issues you have been facing. Continue to look through them as you will find threads that relate most to you. Also, take some time to go through our program as you will find many helpful tools, tips, and a lot of information to help you stop that downward spiral and then move to a more positive place.

 

Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself and share you story. 

Post as much as you'd like as we'd love to hear from you often.

 

Take care and welcome to the Depression Center

 

Take care

Have you ever thought of how an improved love for oneself can improve your overall health and wellness?
Well it can.

To love yourself is to love everything about one's emotionality, spirituality, intelligence, and your physical self.

As you begin to love yourself you will become more aware of how your surroundings and certain situations effect you.
You will also become more accepting of yourself which is helpful when starting towards any goal on your path to wellness.

This is just one of many views of how respect and love for oneself can lead to better health and wellness.

What has "loving" oneself done for you?

Stories and thoughts are welcome.

Hi everyone,
 
As we are now into Autumn, it is a good time to reassess your goals. Having goals is an important step of personal development.
Setting and assessing your goals regularly helps to keep you motivated and driven to succeed.
By setting goals you know where to focus your efforts.
 
Remember the SMART principle when setting your goals.
That is, make sure your goals are:
Specific - have a clear and concise goal in mind, not a general one.
Measurable- you should be able to track progress/changes and answer how many?, how much?
Attainable - your goal should be achievable, make sure not to extreme nor to easy to achieve.
Relevant -realistic, is this goal purposeful?
Timely- make sure you plan how long you will take or intend to achieve your goal by
 
You can set goals in many different aspects of your life (e.g., education, family, physical activity, career, attitude, pleasure, financial)
 
 So go ahead and reassess your goals or set some new ones. It is a motivating tool
 
Be well
 

Hi Elevano,

 

Thanks for checking in and sharing your story.

It is great to hear that you have been able to let go of your emotional struggles this time and have been able to take a lot lot from the CBT and information you have gained over the years.

 

Thanks again for sharing your story and providing a story of how "letting go" can be an integral part of dealing with depression

Everyday should be a success.
No matter what you go though, you can be learning from those experiences and making progress toward your goals.
 
SUCCESS!

What did you learn today?
Have you made any plans to make some changes?
Have you hit a milestone?
Did you reach a goal?

This is an amazing way to validate what you are trying to achieve on a daily basis.

What successes did you achieve this week?
No matter how big or small, they all count