One small step

[MaiaLilli]

Hi,

I've always struggled to be open about my feelings, but I think I may have Anxiety or Depression. I've heard my mother say that she doesn't believe in Depression so I always feels like someone is going to laugh at me and tell me I'm being silly. It's so bad that I fear seeking help, I'm afraid that the doctor will also tell me it's nothing and brush me off. I'm 22 years old and I just can't find a way to work up the courage to see a GP.

[BballJ]

Hi MaiaLilli,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

Many people are initially scared to confront what might be a mental illness so that is quite common, it took me years to come to terms with it but one I am so happy I went a saw a GP and psych and got the help I need.

I can't stress enough to try and work up the courage go and see your GP to discuss your option, maybe even give the BB helpline a call if you are nervous on 1300 22 4636.

My best for you,

Jay

[hjpvan]

hello MaiaLilli, First up im sorry to hear your struggle with seeking help. Unfortunate situation it is to be in as i suffered in silence for way to long from in my early teens to about 43yrs old. Its unfortunate that your mother says that she dont believe in it as is the general public's perception on all mental illness. Please dont be embarrassed about asking for help from your GP they will help you (they should) there is plenty of help either online, phone and in person

I was in a meeting with my job network member making an appointment my answer was to her I wont make the next one Luckily for me she did a mental illness first-aid course and saw through my exterior expressions of happiness next day i was in a psychiatric unit though i was at the point of no return so lucky for me.

Help is in some places that you least expect so Please see your GP or another form of help from online by phone or in person The hardest part is always to ask the first question and admit to yourself. With you asking a question here is a first step so i congratulate you in asking the question second step is now to seek the information and the help you may need to keep stepping forward without living in silence

I wish you a full and prosperous life with full of joyous moments

[geoff]

hello MaiaLilli, welcome to the site and thanks for posting your comment.
It is sad when a parent or anybody else says that they don't believe in depression, because then how can they explain the feelings you currently have now, it's certainly not growing pains, puberty blues or just out of sorts, it goes much deeper than this, because it's your mind which is out of balance and being controlled by an illness that is only affecting you, as it does for anybody struggling with it.
I have been asking people lately to do the K-10 test which you can find on the top of the page under 'the facts', but I would suggest that you do it a few times, and if the score is high, then this is the reason why you need to see your doctor, whether it's your family doctor or another GP is up to you, and remember the discussion you have is 'patient privacy and confidentiality' so your mum won't be able to know what is said.
NO doctor will laugh at you, depression is not seen as being a fun topic, it's very serious, so you have to go your own way here to begin with and hopefully your mum will slowly know what this illness will do to anybody, but that's for the future, now you must make an appointment, and remember there are millions of people who are seeing a doctor for depression, so if you believe that's that what you have, then I implore you to see a GP. Geoff.

[gld]

Hi MaiaLilli,

Good on you for sharing your feelings with our online community as i feel you are taking the bull by the horns and beginning to look for supports to improve your feelings you are struggling with. When you hear statements similar to your mothers it may be that they have not had the same experience you are going through at present. During our lives i feel most of us will experience anxiety and depression in some of us it may have stronger effects on us.

I too feel that a doctor is a good place to start when seeking out different options or just to have someone you could talk to without judgement. Under Beyondblue's header "Get Support" there is a subheader find a professional which could help you find a doctor who works with people with similar issues as yourself. It also has help tips on how to approach your doctor so you could get the most out of your visit with them. In the past i have found it very helpful to click through more of the headers as there is great information in them.

You have shared your feeling with our community so please continue seeking out supports you need.

Gen.