Deepened low-level depression

[rusted_through]

I've had self-diagnosed, low-level depression (dysthymia I guess) for as long as I can remember. I've never sought any treatment before as I've been able to manage mostly okay. I've had my share of potholes in the past but always come back out of it again soon enough.

Recently a family member brought up a long-unrequited love which was tangled up in the mess of my brother's suicide and I've been struggling. For a few weeks now I've been barely managing to hold back tears at work and crying to all the usual songs once I get home most days.

I've been wondering if maybe a short course of anti-depressants might be able to get me out of this hole and back to my normal manageable level. Does anyone with expert knowledge/similar experience think anti-depressants could help me?

[Aaronsis]

Hi rusted through

It is so great that you have reached out for some support in the wonderful and supportive community. I am so very very sorry at the loss of your brother, I know how you feel, I lost my brother to suicide, only a few months ago, he was 19.

I think that this sort of grief impacts us all in so many different ways and the healing process is also so very different for everyone. I cannot agree with you more that a trip to the GP to have a chat would be fantastic. They can give you some tools to manage this time whether it be therapy or medication, they can help you with these choices and what things to try to help you.

I am happy to hear that normally you are able to manage your thoughts and control your feelings and it is great that you can know say "I need some help", that is so brave and it is great you are here to chat with us and in this supportive and caring space.

If you feel like chatting to a person there are some wonderful people on the Beyond Blue Support on 1300 22 4636.

Hope to chat to you some more rusted through.

Hugs

AS

[blondguy]

Hi Rusted Through

Aaronsis has provided excellent advice above including seeing your GP! I understand your pain as I have been healing from depression as well

Subject to your GP's diagnosis.....antidepressants can provide us with a solid platform on which we can heal more effectively using ongoing counselling. I have been on antidepressants for a while and they are never a 'fix all'

You are proactive with your health and also posting on the forums too....Good1 🙂

Self diagnosing depression can be a concern as we can end up with a multitude of various opinions and advice

I do hope you can make a double appointment with your GP so you can have an accurate diagnosis of the symptoms you are going through...You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by doing so...Even if you print this page and take it with you!

my kind thoughts

Paul

[rusted_through]

Cheers, guys.

Sorry to hear about you brother, Aaronsis. It's hard.

I guess I'll just have to work up my nerve to ask my GP about it, though simply after posting here about it I'm feeling a little better.

[Aaronsis]

HI rusted through

Great to hear back from you and yes, it does take some strength to get the first appointment done and I am sending you every bit of strength I have to make that call and take care of you.

Every best wish and come back to chat anytime.

You are stronger than you think

Hugs

AS