Doctors and Dysthymia

[MichaelMelbourne]

Hey Everyone,

I'm Michael. I'm recently 19 years old. Basically ever since probably when I was around 14-15, I've had what I thought were bouts of depression every now and then, and other than that, nothing else too bad. However, I've come to see that this whole time, I've had a mild form of depression, punctuated by those occasional darker moments.

In reading about depression, I came across Dysthymia which seems to hit the nail on the head. I decided to take the plunge and see a doctor about it. I guess I didn't have the same great experience with doctors that people seem to have. It's not that she didn't believe me, but I felt like I had to talk myself up a bit around her. Make it like my symptoms aren't as bad as they are. In the end, she recommended I do a Medical Action Plan and then do psych sessions. Should I do this? They are all really expensive ad I don't know if I want to.

Towards the end, short of diagnosing me with dysthymia or depression, she commented that she thought I probably just had a generally more melancholic/ darker outlook than most people so it might not be anything, which worried me a little. 

Anyone had a similar experience? I really think I know what I have, but the Doctor doesn't seem to be on the same wave-length... but then again, she is a Doctor and I'm not. I'm a bit lost. Should I see another Doctor to double check or stay with this one?

[HA1]

Hi there

Wow indeed; you have explained it so well.  I guess I felt very comfortable in my skin with what I had become used to.  I always wondered why I was different. But that was ok.  A few triggers occurred which too me to the next stage of depression, but still I dealt with it.  Then much later a trigger drove me to a very dark place - one which is far more difficult to despatch.  I know that I can deal with this over time, but it will need new coping strategies.  I now know that I will live on the edge always.  I will be happy with my new found plans to deal with my issues, I know that.  But I also know that that, as you say, the next trigger is ready to happen.  I have set myself the challenge to learn how to pre-empt the next trigger, and deal with it before it disrupts my new found state of comfort.  Ha! That's a challenge, but not sure what the answer is yet.

sorry, if this sounds a bit messed up. Bottom line, I am in a pit at the moment, but I am looking forward to the future and preparing myself for the next chapter in my life.

take care

k

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