I'm not sure what to do....

[ecm1]

Hi, I am new here and need some help figuring out what to do. 
I have been feeling very down/sad/worthless since taking an acne medication 4-5 years ago. If feels as if ever since taking the medication I have not been the same person. I was warned that it caused depression but I am not sure what I am feeling is depression or not because some months I feel okay and others I feel horrible. When I do feel bad I feel worried, hopeless, worthless, I have no self esteem and no motivation. As well as this I have started feeling a bit nervous like having hot flushes and racing heart. I am too scared to see a doctor because I feel stupid going if what I am feeling is just the "normal" feeling down in the dumps because I know what I am feeling is not as severe as some peoples experiences. 

I have not talked about this to my friends or family because I am too scared that they wont understand or think i was being pedantic so your advice would be very helpful and much appreciated.  Thank you. 

[vip]

Hi ecm I would say to you to go and see a GP asap and get it all sorted. Ask if these are symptoms or actually you are suffering with depression. Your health is worth 100% dont hesitate to see someone. Take care

[geoff]

dear Ecm, hi and welcome aboard.Iit really astounds me why a doctor would give anyone any medication that has depression as a side effect, simply because it's such a strong awful illness that people could have for a long time.

It now worries me that these good days you are having could be over taken by the bad days while using this medication, and even when you stop you may still have bad days, because once this illness embeds itself it's so difficult to shake off.

Don't be scared to go back to your doctor as he/she gave this medication to you and have told you that depression is side-effect.

If any doctor told me this there is no way I would take it after all the years of depression I have had to go through.

So please contact them, there must be other medication that is available. Geoff.

[Ponder]

I second what Nes says.  I'd just like to add, it van be helpful to come back and let us know how you get along.  Kind of keeps me focused with I do that.  The posts here may take a little time to get back to you, but it's a very positive place here and I have been finding it helpful. 

Please do keep in touch.
Dave.