Dear Stayweird
Hello and welcome to the forums. I love your name as I often feel weird when those black holes called depression kick in, though I am pleased to say this has not happened lately.
I am surprised a GP, or any health professional, would say depression is a phase. What I see as normal in high school students that is difficult to manage at times is the swing in moods due to adolescence. This does not mean you cannot be depressed. Sadly depression is a risk for all of us no matter what age we are. However you are where you are and we can talk about this.
The best way to get help is through your GP, though perhaps not the one you spoke to about your high school 'depression'. Talking with your GP means he/she can tell you if you are depressed or anxious. I appreciate you feel anxious and to some extent this is normal. We all get uptight and worry about different happenings in our life. There is a significant difference between normal stress and and anxiety and depression. So first port of call is your GP.
Book a long appointment with your GP. I suggest you write down what is happening for you. List your feelings and how long they last.
Some people, such as me, get to the GP and forget some of the things I want to say. It is so frustrating so I have a little checklist. At this point I have no idea what your doctor will say and I don't want to pre-empt anything.
Some general information. Look at the blue tab at the top of the page, The Facts, and explore the drop down list. You can read information about depression and anxiety. You can also take the depression checklist. It's not a diagnostic tool but will give you some idea of where you are heading. Print it off and give it to your doctor.
There are several options if your GP feels you are depressed and/or anxious. Medication, though this is not always suggested. If your GP has a special interest in MI he/she may offer to work with you. Your GP may organise a Mental Health Plan for you which entails you seeing a psychologist for up to ten visits. If your psychologist bulk bills there will be no charge. Unfortunately they usually charge more than the Medicare refund and you pay the difference.
Your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist. As you know, psychologists and psychiatrists work in different ways and your GP will take this into consideration when you meet. Psychiatrists fees are eligible for Medicare rebates.
Please continue to write in and talk about how you are going.
Mary
