Quote:
Originally Posted by Anonymous Member
What's the best way to bring up depression with your doctor without sounding like a phony? Do you just make an appointment and ask to be screened for depression?
I think I'm moderately to severely depressed and I'm hiding it from everyone. I have fear and anxiety and it's crippling me. I want help but I don't know how to do it. It's so difficult to make a decision when doing nothing feels so much safer.
I know what I need to do but I won't do it until I get some support and advice.
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Pretty much. Basically, all you need to say is "I'd like to talk to the doctor about depression." Then, tell the doctor the same things you said above. A good doctor wants you to be able to live your life.
Typically the doctor will ask you a few questions that amount to a preliminary screening for depression. The last time I went on meds I also had to fill out a screening form that used a scale. There are several online screening questionnaires that are similar, such as this one:
Online Screening Program - Screening for Mental Health After screening, they will likely run down a list of options for you, such as therapy, medication, or referrals to other professionals.
Please, please, please make an appointment and talk to your doctor. It will get easier to talk to people about this, but I understand that it can be difficult at first. Your doctor wants to help you--let them help you.