I need someone to tell me what I need to do and should be doing to combat my depression

[Shock]

All I have to go off is my opinion - I am really depressed, to the point of having several attempts at suicide in the last couple of months. Im not sure what I should be doing anymore to fight it. Sure, I go to my doctor and take the meds and talk to my counsellor. But what I mean is should I still be going to work? Should I be taking the time to look after myself and put more effort into 'curing' myself? Is that even possible?

I am really struggling to function as I would be a year or so ago. I forgot to pay bills, cant really go out and shop, sometimes cant drive. Yet sill I go to work everyday.

Theres no doubt that work causes massive strain on me and indeed makes my depression much much worse. But I wont stop being a productive member of society until given a legit medical reason.

This is going to sound selfish but I almost need a doctor to say literally something like "You need to take time of work to get better. Heres a note to give to your boss.".

Does that every happen? Whenever Ive asked about it people just act kind of funny like its a really bad thing to say.

[jess334]

At the beginning of the year when I was unable to get out of the house because of anxiety and depression, my doctor spoke to me about the possibility of being admitted to hospital.  I personally chose not to because I was anxious about staying in a hospital, but I have read a lot of comments on Beyond Blue about people who have good experiences after being admitted.  

However, next time you go to see your doctor, you should speak to him about it.  Don't wait for him to bring it up, if you think you need extra help such as time off, then speak up, its not a bad thing.  

Good Luck. 

[Gandalfthenotsogrey]

Hi Shock,

To me giving up work is a double edged sword and needs careful consideration. On the one had you seem to value being a productive member of society and contributing to it. This is a noble aspiration and I commend you for it. How would it affect you if you where to give it up? would it make you feel much worse? 

On the other hand you seem pretty ill with depression. I believe from what you have written that you indeed have grounds for getting a medical leave of absence from work. 

Another point I would make that if your medication isn't really helping with your mood maybe you need to talk with a psychiatrist to see if you need something else. 

Just my five cents worth (more valuable than two cents but still my  own opinion :))

[vip]

Hi Shock you gave me some great advice in my post now its my turn for you. Yes get your GP to write you a sick note ASAP and take the time off to get well. My GP did this with me also I ended up taking 6 weeks off. Its not a bad thing and really you cant be at work like this or even driving ect you are not fully concentrating. When you have that time at home take the time though to get some exercise , read books , maybe try a meditation class or remidial massage all the things you need to spoil yourself and make you feel better. Please dont just lay in bed or isolate yourself too much thats all. Even ring up friends and meet for coffee. Hope this helps and I hope you can get this sorted and start feeling better.

[geoff]

dear Shock, a couple of posts I replied to this morning you had also replied to, and that's good, so thanks for doing this, it takes a great deal of effort to do this, especially when you aren't feeling well.

Look you are depressed so there shouldn't be any reason why your doctor won't give you a note, just a word of warning get him/her to write it so that it's open and not necessarily based on depression, just saying, because if they mention that word it would influence them to write it down on any reference if and when you want to apply for another job when you feel better.

If they say that you are unwell you will have to have an answer ready when the boss asks you 'what's wrong with you', because they will want to know, so mention this to your doctor and they will help you with an explanation or reason.

The reason you go to work is because of money, the curse of the world, but we can't live with out it, so work out how many sick days you have, or how much leave you have.

It's impossible for you to be able to work when you are depressed and it will be known by others, so you have to protect yourself from all angles, and not to be victimised or harassed, and that's what we call being bullied.

Don't be influenced by what others have to say to you, because deep down it will only increase your depression and make it worse. Please reply to us as to how it's going. Geoff.

[Shock]

Thanks for the reply Jess,

I cant really bring it up with my GP because I dont know what to say. I cant very well go up and say 'I need time off work' because I dont know if I need time off work or if it even warrants time off work.

Are you saying the only way to get a break is to be admitted? I will never, ever go to hospital again. Hospital is what changed me from being a depressed person to a suicidal person.

Thanks heaps for the advice thought!