Going to the Doctors today...

[Sharelle]

Well after a few weeks of putting it off I finally rang up yesterday and made an appointment for today.
I rang the 3 local medical centres and none of them are accepting new patients at the moment so I have to go to one about 20 minutes away.

The reason that i have been putting off going is because we have moved from Qld back to Tasmania in October and I am going to feel really weird walking into a strange Dr's office and trying to spill my guts to him. It would be hard enough going to my Dr that I've seen for years.

I am really nervous... I want to tell him (or her??) everything that I have been feeling and doing but they are a stranger, so I'll probably gloss it over and not go into too much detail.

[SalTheGal]

Good luck :hugs:

I went to a complete stranger when I went to see a dr about my depression cause I felt too self concious going to the one I knew! I found it really easy to tell someone I didn't know........but I did burst into tears the minute I walked through the door- from the relief of finaaly doing something, and from eveything getting too much for me. That kinda broke down a few barriers!!

Hope everything goes well for you:hugs:

[poodysmum]

Good on you for making the appointment! Thats the first step to getting yourself on the road to recovery.:thumbsup:
It is hard to talk to someone about it, but as hard as it is, it's better to tell them exactly how you are feeling so that they can make a proper assessment to give you the best possible help.
I hope that it all goes well. Will be thinking of you. Make sure you let us know how you go-BIG hugs:hugs:

Alli xxx

[Sharelle]

If the Dr decides to put me on medication, how long will it be before I should notice some improvement?

[SalTheGal]

They say up to 6 wks, but I felt better within a couple. Also just knowing you are doing something bout it makes you feel better and more able to cope anyway. BUT antidep meds are many and varied and it can take some trial and error to find the right type/dosage so it can take a while.

The side effects can be pretty bad too, your dr will tell you all this- but just make sure you don't hesitate to discuss any concerns you have regarding your meds at any stage.

:hugs:

[Sharelle]

What do I say when you walk in there?
Hello I am the world worst mother and partner?
I constantly go off my head at my kids, I am a sourpuss? Life sucks??
The only people I feel comfortable talking to live in my computer?
Where do I start???????

[SalTheGal]

I just walked in there and said "I think I may have depression". Like you I had no idea where to start or what to say.

Drs deal with depression every day so she took it from there and asked me the question........made it much easier to explain (through the tears)

By stating the obvious it kinda got it out there without out fumbling around finding the right words