Hey, I just realised I'm probably depressed

[zepvs]

Hi,

Last night I had a bit of a realisation, I don't want to be clinically depressed, but I think I probably could be and need to do something about it. I think I've been in denial for a long time. I looked at my recent behaviour from another perspective and it became painfully obvious. I've been having problems for a long time and tried to solve them in other ways, not wanting to admit to myself that it could be a problem I couldn't fix on my own. So here I am, on my first steps down a probably long but hopefully successful journey.

Thanks for reading.

[JessF]

Hellp zepvs, welcome along. It's a funny kind of light bulb moment isn't it? I remember when I was first diagnosed with depression, years of previous behaviour suddenly made sense. Even now, years down the track from that diagnosis, I think back on earlier times in my life with the things I have learned, and am still learning, and see how I might have perhaps dealt with situations differently and reacted better had I known. But regret gets us nowhere. Looking forward, as you are doing, is a really positive step. Where to from here for you, what have you decided?

[Guest_9809]

Hello Zepvs's, and welcome to the BB Forum family.

As Jess says, when we finally reach that moment of realisation that we probably need some professional help, it really is a revelation. Good on you for admitting that to yourself, and for taking the initiative to seek further information, advice and support here on Beyond Blue.

BB has a lot of information and resources here on their website, so I'd suggest you read all you can about Depression. As a guide, try taking the K10 Depression test. You'll find it in "The Facts" section, under the Depression heading. Have a read of the information and take the test. Does it sound like you?

Yes, you have already taken the first step in your journey to a successful recovery by accepting that you may have a problem which requires help to overcome. Well done to you.

Your next step is to book an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns and how they are affecting your everyday life. If you do the K10 test beforehand, take it along with you. They will likely do another on the day, but by taking it with you, it acts as a good starting point to more easily broach the subject. Especially if you anticipate having difficulty talking about it initially.

If your GP determines that you have depression and/or anxiety and they feel you would benefit by having psych assistance, they may commence a Mental Health Care Plan for you. This entitles you to receive up to 10 Medicare subsidised psych visits per year. Your GP will give you a referral to a suitably qualified psychologist.

Its a difficult thing to accept that we may need help and that we are unable to solve a problem on our own. However there are many highly successful ways of treating depression and anxiety, so its definitely worth looking into your options.

Your GP may suggest medication, although this is not for everyone. It is worth keeping in mind though, in case other options dont work for you. If you decide to see a psychologist, they could do some therapy with you, tailored on your own specific needs. They are also experts at advising methods of self help and coping.

In the meantime there are some things you can do yourself which may help. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are particularly helpful to many. Look it up online. Try to ensure you eat healthily, get enough sleep, do regular exercise and perhaps take up a hobby.

Feel free to post anytime. You will find members to be kind, respectful, understanding and supportive.

Taurus

[geoff]

hello Zepvs, how many times do people believe that their last few days possibly going into months, that it will pass, or you can overcome it by yourself and don't need any help, and refuse to accept that you may have depression, and simply blame it on just a couple of events that haven't turned out the way they should have, but there's a chance that even before you are at this stage, you maybe slowly working up into feeling depressed.
You may try all sorts of different methods to help yourself out, and these may work, but it's those hidden problems which you are too frightened to tackle or don't even know what they are, these are the ones that need to be addressed, and that's why people can't overcome depression by themselves.
It is possible once it's under control, that you can learn to avoid those trigger points or situations which you know from experience will only take you back to those dark days.
I'm pleased you have joined us. Geoff.

[White_Rose]

Hello zepvs

Welcome to the forum. You have received three great replies from three great people. I hardly need to say anything as it has all been covered.

I admire you for reaching out and acknowledging you have a problem. That is a huge step, make no mistake about that. What do you want to do next Jess has asked. I echo that. What next? I suggest you start with your GP. Take the K10 page with you if you complete it and also print out your post above. You have been very clear you realise what is happening and I believe your GP will find it a good starting place. Remember to book a long appointment.

Please continue to write in here. There will always be an answer(even if you disagree).

Mary

[zepvs]

Wow, thanks for all of the replies. They're all really encouraging. I need to book an appointment with a GP, any tips on finding a good one around me? The last time I suggested I might be worried about my mental health to my current GP, he kinda laughed it off as me being too young.

I did the K10 the other day and got a moderate score, not quite sure of the number. What should I make of that?

Thanks again,

zepvs

[geoff]

hi Zepvs, I would do the test a couple of times during the day, and remember having a moderate score could go two ways, overcoming it or it getting worse, this will depend on what's going on at the moment.
If you click on Get Support at the top and scroll down until you see Find a Professional then you can start from there, this present doctor doesn't realise that depression can and will happen at any age, so definitely find another doctor. Geoff.