not sure what to do.....

[SL]

im just not sure what to do, im new to this and need help.

ive never been diagnosed with depression but my partner and i am sure that i do. it feels odd writing about this but im sure all of you have felt the same as me at some point. im afraid to seek help, it makes me nervous thinking that my best option is to see my GP, where do i start when i see my GP, how do i go about bringing up the subject, i guess im afraid of admitting it to someone else and embarassed that it might be shoved aside or not considered. i know that i can call beyondblue but im afraid of that too.

[S_A_D_]

This message you've written to us is all you need. Show your GP, ask for a care plan, and you needn't say another word if you don't feel comfortable. 

From now on, almost every step to recovery includes helping you feel comfortable with the idea of recovering. This means, by default, things that you are comfortable with now AND are making your condition worse will need to be uncomfortable. That's why you feel uncomfortable now.

Does this make sense?

[Ambs]

Seeking medical assistance can be a daunting experience, because the symptoms and the feelings are generally something you have been pushing aside for a while and seeking help is admitting to these symptoms and emotions which can be really difficult, I know it was for me.  But it is also the best thing I could have done, I was really lucky and my GP has an extensive understanding of mental illness (not all GP's do!!), so if you feel like you don't get the right advice or diagnosis with the first doctor you see try a new one.  My anxiety symptoms were very physical, so my doctor did blood tests to rule out anything physical and on the second visit with had a long discussion about my symptoms and the pro's and con's of anti depressants, she gave me a script for the medication, created a mental health care plan and suggested I see a psychologist is I felt comfortable.  Like I said it was daunting but also the best thing I have ever done, I am in control of my anxiety and depression and have never been happier.

[giggles]

HI ya SL

It is like anything in life the first step I do not know how old you are but do you remember your first day a school or work or anything that was the first time and if you can compare that to this then I would like to think that you can break it down to simply seeking information you need to begin your understanding of yourself.

Just do not expect to have a quick fix and pluck into that courage that brought you to write in the first place to making that Drs appointment.Its ok you will be fine.

Let us know how you go