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So I'm on the fence again regarding depression...

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So I'm on the fence again regarding depression... Empty So I'm on the fence again regarding depression...

Post by Herr R Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:24 pm

And I'll most likely go back to denying that getting any help would be a good thing and that depression is my middle name so I have to live with it.

But seeing as how I've been under a lot of stress lately and have been experiencing a series of internal revelations regarding my issues (more on those in another post since it might be a nice long one), and I'm beginning to realize that I don't have the energy to do anything anymore, I'm asking this.

What would be the best course of action to take. Medication or therapy?

Keep in mind that my job isn't helping any because I don't have a set schedule and apparently most medical professionals here don't work after 4pm which is when I get off and when I have a day off, they most likely aren't working.

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Post by Guest Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:31 pm

Not a question that can be answered by us over the internet. You need to speak to your doctor about it, and soon. Not every course is right for every person - I went the CBT route, but I know plenty of people who had good results with psychotherapy or medication.

Just a quick pointer - the feeling that you can't get help and it's not going to work so you just have to live with it is actually one of the symptoms of depression. Most of us who have it will be familiar with the sense of hopelessness and apathy, and it will be the kind of thing your doctor asks you about as negative and intrusive thoughts are often a diagnostic criterion.

So beat that in mind - the depression tells you these things, AND IT LIES. I am seriously considering getting that made into a T shirt.

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Post by Guest Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:32 pm

Not to be glib, but I'm going to be glib (or at least terse): I don't think that's an evaluation any of us can make for you, even if we were working mental health professionals - you can't diagnose over the internet.

My instinct is that therapy is the one to start with, because they can then evaluate you on the basis of their in-person interactions and make further recommendations on the most helpful course for you. I don't think most professionals worth the name will immediately prescribe medications for someone who comes in with a self-diagnosis of depression.

(ninjaed)

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Post by Enail Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:45 pm

In addition to what the others have said, I'd suggest asking the person you go to about both. They will probably have opinions about what might be best, but they may also not be experts on both - if you start with your family doctor, they're not a specialist on either - so if you are interested in considering both options, you might them to refer you to specialists so that you can get both perspectives and see what makes the most sense for you.

Also, some people do both, so that may also be an option you'll want to consider.
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Post by Herr R Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:49 pm

I'm mostly asking because I've come to realize that if I'm not working, then either I'm stuck here, on the Internet or playing a game and then I get bored with it and leave it. I'm always feeling tired but I always thought it was for lack of sleep, yet I sleep at least a good 5-6 hours. On top of that, find that I can't write anymore. I do get out of the house and go to town and fix myself up and I feel good on those days. But I can't really go anywhere else and it's a small town so eventually the isolation gets to you. I guess I'm just wondering how "urgent" it is.

Enail, I haven't gone to see anybody because as I've said, I rarely have the time or the opportunities to do so.

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Post by UristMcBunny Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:50 pm

Definitely agree with everyone else. There are so many variables to consider that are distinct and very personal, the only people qualified to make that decision are you and the medical professional you speak to.

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Post by reboot Thu Oct 09, 2014 1:47 pm

To add to the good advice of others, there are a few things to remember with both options alone or in combination:

Medication takes 3-4 weeks to build up enough to have an effect so do not expect immediate results. Side effects can also take that long to develop.

If after some time you have side effects or the medication does not work ask for something new, be it a dosage adjustment, new med, etc.

If you see a therapist, do not be shy about shopping around for one you like or switching later if you reach an impasse.

Enter therapy with an open and neutral mind about its effectiveness. If you go in with the preconceived notion that it will or will not work you can hinder effectiveness.
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Post by Herr R Thu Oct 09, 2014 4:52 pm

Aaaaand just when I found the courage to pick up the phone and call around to see if there is a doctor who will take me? Either they aren't accepting new patients, their office hours don't coincide with my days off for next week or despite their office hours saying they should be open now when I call I get an answering machine.

Yeah, I'll just live with it whilst my latest set of insecurities and doubts eats me away.

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Post by Enail Thu Oct 09, 2014 4:57 pm

Ugh, finding doctors is the worst. My sympathy. But try to remember that a lot of these steps are the kind of things that do take some persistence and patience, and keep at it!
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Post by UristMcBunny Thu Oct 09, 2014 5:03 pm

Ugh, that sucks dude. I'm sorry - I've been there myself and it's no fun at all. I found when it was hard for me, making a plan to make one phone call attempt to one provider per day, and no more, helped me avoid that motivation loss.

Good for you for making the calls though! That alone is a difficult thing to do sometimes, so you did good.

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Post by The Wisp Thu Oct 09, 2014 9:43 pm

Enail wrote:Ugh, finding doctors is the worst. My sympathy. But try to remember that a lot of these steps are the kind of things that do take some persistence and patience, and keep at it!

I second this. I know how frustrating it can be. When I decided to switch therapists last year, it took me three months to contact, test out, and then settle on my current therapist.
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