Saw my GP today, and started the road to recovery.

[Paul4]

Hi everyone,

I would I would start my post, by introducing myself.

I am Paul, 36 year old single gay guy, who is a travel broker based in regional NSW.

After six months of feeling very low, and not being able to muster up the courage to see my GP, I took the step this morning and saw him.

I was a little worried about being judged, but the experience was very much the opposite and I am well and truly on my way to recovery.

Some of the things I have experienced these last couple of months have been extreme tiredness despite a good nine hours sleep each night, loneliness, a feeling of complete sadness and helplessness, no motivation to do anything and a loss of interest in things I normally love.

I completed a k10 exam on myself, and it indicated I had depression at a high level, so saw gp for a formal assessment.

He is sending me for blood tests, and has diagnosed stress and depression. It looks like I might be going on anti depressants for the short term anyway, and will be receiving therapy.

I probably suffered for this allot longer than I needed to, due to the stigma and shame that is associated with mental illness, my advice is to everyone, but especially the guys, as we are the ones that are the hardest to get to go and talk to anyone, don't be afraid, GP's are very supportive, and there to help.

Would love to hear everyone's stories.

[gld]

Hi Paul,

Best wishes for new journey and power to you for taking the the first steps on your road to recovery.

Thanks for sharing your positive experience.

Gen

[Little_K]

Hi Paul

I'm Kate I just wanted to say well done for making that first step and talking to your GP, not an easy step to take ( one which I still struggle) it seems like a simple thing to do yet it is a big hurdle to jump.

[MsPurple]

Hi Paul, I'm Steph aka MsPurple. Good job going to the doctor and starting your road to recovery. Unfortunatly many of us leave it longer than we need to before we get help. I know I should have gotten help years before I did.

I want to welcome you to the BB community. Here on the forums we support each other as well as offer advice and vent out our problems. None of us are doctors so please remember that (unless it is Dr Kim's forum).

Although the stigma is still there for mental illness it is reducing all the time. I got so bad with my GAD I didn't care if I received stigma because I was so unwell and unhappy I couldn't avoid getting help any longer because of it. 18 months ago I finally went to headspace (I didn't feel confident seeing my GP) and got the support I needed and started my journey. Now I am feeling good, even though I still have bad days. But the bad days are shorter and further apart which is awesome. Probably feeling the best I have in years 🙂 I just wanted to say this to let you know you are not alone and although the journey feels long it is worth it and it does get better.

If you need some support in the mean time feel free to come on here 🙂 We are all really friendly.

[Paul4]

Hi again everyone,

It's been a good while since I have posted here, and allot has changed for me.

Since I have posted here, I did visit my GP and was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety.

I was put onto a medication, and while the first 3 days was rough, all side effects have gone, and I am feeling very good.

At the time I went to the Dr I was unsure if I was having problems with anxiety and depression, however after starting treatment and now seeing the difference some months later, the difference is night and day. I should have been on this medication years ago.

I finally have energy again, and no longer want to stay in bed all day in deep despair. I also enjoy talking to people again.

I am back to full time work, studying again, but also being smart and not overloading myself with work this time.

While I am talking to everyone, I especially want to send a message to the gents, it's very easy to say: I am a guy, it's a sign of weakness being depressed and having anxiety, but keeping this attitude just is not worth it. Swallow the fear and go and talk to your GP, I guarantee you won't regret it.

[geoff]

Hi Paul4, I've read the previous posts and now your last one.

It's great news to know that your life has changed all for the best, I'm so pleased for you.

It must have been a struggle for you over the last couple of years (almost ) and we understand this, knowing from ourselves what we had to go through, but it can be overcome and that's what happened with you in seeking help and accepting that medication will also be so helpful.

People maybe be told that depression is something you can overcome by adopting another attitude, it's not that simple and any person male/female who unfortunately has this illness is not weak, it's a sign they are struggling mentally, I've certainly been there myself and know how crippling it can be.

Pleased to hear back from you.

Geoff.